Duties

The Federal Research Division (FRD) is the principal fee-for-service, cost-recovery research and analysis service of the Library of Congress. FRD administers the Federal Research Program, which provides research reports, translations, and analytical studies for entities of the Federal Government and the District of Columbia.

Conducts research of a limited technical nature for Federal Research Division client agency program. Monitors where user needs are determined easily from discussions or written correspondence. Relevant reports and studies may be readily obtained through standard searches. Assists higher graded specialists using search techniques for handling specialized requirements. Reviews information received from client agency analysts in response to research queries and verifies for accuracy and completeness.

Researches and analyzes specialized topics, which may include the use of materials in one or more foreign languages. Findings may be communicated through written and oral presentations, abstracts, summaries, graphics, or other materials. Contributes responses to specific types of requests. Assists colleagues in the proper application of FRD standards, techniques, and data retrieval. Identifies emerging trends in specialized topics, including those encompassing foreign and/or domestic areas. Develops in-depth knowledge of Library collections for use in conducting research.

Uses knowledge of universally accepted concepts, methods, techniques, and principles to locate scientific, technical, or other specialized information. Assignments do not noticeably deviate from established methods and precedents. Uses information sources such as articles, technical reports, studies, and legislation of average to high technical complexity. Works with generally accepted concepts and principles.

Reviews publications and electronic resources related to a specialized field and/or geographic region in English and in foreign languages. Develops in-depth knowledge of Library of Congress collections to more efficiently complete research assignments. Prepares standard responses to written, telephone, or electronic media inquiries. Assists higher-graded research analysts in revising and/or updating research materials.

Develops and maintains personal contacts throughout the research community to gather and share information and increase knowledge of research and analytical functions.

Contributes to the creation of written materials on specific subjects. Ensures materials conform to FRD standards. Writes studies, reports, and memos. May prepare more formal correspondence with client agency representatives. Edits portions of documents and reports and aids senior research analysts in the development and presentation of data.

Communicates findings in written and oral reports, abstracts, summaries, and other materials prepared according to FRD standards and client agency tasking.

Analyzes information obtained to evaluate its relevance to the assigned program or project Data are obtained, analyzed, and organized using standard practices and established procedures. Recommends changes and improvements in approaches to the work.

Reviews significant publications for subject data trends. Collaborates with colleagues and client agency representatives. Analyzes data and determines its relevance to the project. Prepares studies and other FRD reports concerning the information and research.

Prepares indicative and explicative abstracts using FRD standards. Assigns metadata where decisions are apparent from the articles' content or other documents. Applies knowledge of standard techniques and FRD requirements, for example, the prescribed thesaurus used for indexing and the rules governing changes to the vocabulary, subject headings used by the Library of Congress, or the structure and content of internal databases. Writes bibliographies of citations or annotated bibliographies in subject areas based on client agency requirements.

Performs various other duties as assigned.

The position description number for this position is 238059.

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, non- 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 research services**


Ability to utilize automated technology to carry out quantitative and qualitative analysis.**


Ability to communicate effectively in writing.**


Ability to interact collaboratively with others.


Ability to apply knowledge of a subject matter area.


Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.