Duties

Summary

This position is located in Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Governance and Enterprise Management Services Division (GEMS), Information Services Branch (ISB), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Team.

The supervisor is Anna T. McGowan.

This position is NOT in the Bargaining Unit.

Expenses associated with interview and/or relocation will NOT be paid.

This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

As the Government Information Specialist you will be responsible for providing advice and assistance to all NRC offices regarding Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) activities.

The successful candidate will perform the full range of Government Information Specialist duties. Such duties include but are not limited to:

Examining records relating to enforcement actions and NRC investigations of allegations to verify that identities of confidential sources, and privacy interests of other individuals meet legal criteria for exempting information from disclosure and are supported by agency policy. Also assures the products within the Branch's scope of responsibility are technically, administratively, and legally correct and consistent with the quality and quantity standards of NRC policies and procedures.　

Counseling FOIA coordinators in NRC regarding meeting deadlines for receipt of documents, scoping requests and volume of documents involved in order to resolve problems and to expedite processing of requests; reviews responses and documents supplied by staff offices.　

Developing recommendations or solutions on legal and policy matters pertaining to the FOIA and Privacy Act and researches pertinent law and related information and develops drafts of regulations procedures, manuals, and other guidance necessary to effectively implement the FOIA and PA.　

Conducting FOIA/PA training sessions, interpreting requests, coordinating responses, reviewing documents for exempt information, arrange for extensions, resolving related problems and assuring responses are timely and accurate.　

Coordinating staff reports on fee estimates and preparing notices to requesters on estimated fees. Also prepares responses required by the Executive Director for Operations of appeals of initial denials of access to information under FOIA/PA.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• This is a Drug Testing position.
• Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.
• U.S. Citizenship Required

You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of FOIA and PA activities demonstrated by seasoned judgment and considerable analytical and interpersonal skills to analyze FOIA requests; apply existing legal, policy, and procedural guidance; make independent determinations to release records or deny access to records; prepare clear responses; present determinations; and negotiate solutions to resolve disclosure issues.

A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate RECENT knowledge and experience in the following:

1. Comprehensive knowledge of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA), Attorney General's OMB's interpretations, appropriate case law, and pertinent Executive Orders, regulations, and directives to assure that these activities are properly carried out.

2. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and obtain cooperation of the principal staff in locating and reviewing requested records and responding to FOIA and PA requests in a timely manner.

3. Demonstrated ability to analyze legal decisions and follow through to recommend appropriate policy and to resolve conflicts effectively.

4. Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with NRC investigators, allegation coordinators, inspectors, and subject-matter experts to resolve disclosure issues.

5. Ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external organizations, orally and in writing, in order to carry out assigned activities, i.e. reports, regulations, manuals, responses to inquiries and studies.

Education

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.

Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position.
To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
L Access Authorization

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

List of supplemental material that may be applicable:

If you are a NRC employee you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available.

If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility.

Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

If you are applying for a position that requires a college degree, you must submit your College Transcripts.

All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents:

1. Use the "USAJOBS" feature to download documents from your USAJOBS portfolio; or
2. use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer. The following types of documents can be uploaded: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or
3. use the "Fax" feature to print the Fax Cover Sheet and fax it, along with your supplemental documents to 1-571-258-4052.
As a NRC employee you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available. You may do so either electronically, following the instructions below, or by sending one copy by mail to:

Valanita Morgan
Mail Stop 2WF 02 A57

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.