Duties

This program specialist position is available for any division of the Preservation Directorate Divisions, within Library Services at the Library of Congress. The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Division Chief and uses expert knowledge of budget implementation, program management, contract administration, and office procurement procedures. The incumbent independently identifies problems and solutions in determining resources and priorities for Preservation Directorate programs such as mass deacidification and large-scale contracts.

The position independently provides program management, evaluation, and oversight for major collections care programs such as evaluation of needs for general collections and reading room reference materials. Identifies, monitors, and performs unusual and complex assignments which require in-depth knowledge of agency policies and procedures and a thorough understanding of the service unit's mission and strategic goals.

Provides guidance based on analyses of interrelated issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of substantive mission-oriented programs. Makes authoritative recommendations to resolve, implement, and/or manage program issues. Reviews and conducts complex analyses, evaluation, or investigations in support of organizational programs, systems and processes, including areas where definitions, methods, and/or data are incomplete, controversial, or uncertain. Develops detailed plans or methods to accommodate new or changing program requirements.

Manages a variety of assignments simultaneously and with flexibility to work under competing demands and deadlines. Uses systems to provide technical and operational guidance in the form of reports, statistics, correspondence and memoranda. Plans, recommends and participates in developing strategies for short- and long-range goals of the Division. Develops detailed plans for implementing them, and oversees implementation of the goals in subordinate sections.

Provides expert analysis to management that encompass strategic programmatic milestones, schedules, and budgetary resource planning and execution required for effective management, operations, and decision-making in support of the annual budget and planning initiatives for the Division. Keeps Director informed of current budget policies, procedures and processes.

Receives budget guidance from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), analyzes and summarizes it into useful guidance for division management and staff in preparation of fiscal year requirements. Develops, coordinates, and issues budget guidance with instructions to division management and staff for preparation and submission of financial program data.

Provides interpretations of financial reports, statements, and data that point out trends, identify deviations from service unit goals and targets outlined in the service unit strategic plan. Uses systems and databases to monitor, track, and report on Division program obligations and expenditures.

Applies in-depth knowledge to complex collections maintenance and inventory management issues. Maintains statistics for activities such as condition surveys or random sampling to determine required needs for services such as binding. Recognizes and solves problems, inconsistencies, and errors in piece identification and labeling before such items reach their final destination.

Fully understands the record structure of the Library of Congress Integrated Library System (ILS) or other databases used for inventory management and collections management, and consults with divisions on how best to capture their collections inventory in these databases.

Serves as a liaison between the Chief and managers and other staff across the agency who are involved with preservation services and collection management. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and information networks with stakeholders impacted by organizational programs to gain a better understanding of their interests and to facilitate their participation and understanding.

Plans and designs centralized and special mission-specific projects involving program issues containing complex elements under established and/or proposed program objectives for the Division.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

The position description number for this position is 368518.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to provide administrative program management that support the goals and objectives of the organization.**

Ability to plan and manage projects or programs.**

Ability to monitor contracts and evaluate contractor performance.**

Knowledge of inventory management and collections maintenance.**

Ability to work collaboratively with others.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to provide liaison duties.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Additional information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

A "Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.

Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.