This position is being advertised concurrently under BR-WO-2018-157 for current and former Federal employees with status or those eligible under a special hiring authority. If you are interested in applying under both announcement numbers, you must submit application packages for each.
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Congressional Affairs Liaison. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. As a Congressional Affairs Liaison you will serve as the Commissioner's principal representative in dealings with the Congress, as well as the principal point of contact with congressional offices and committee staff.
LOCATION: Bureau of Reclamation; Commissioner's Office; External & Intergovernmental Affairs, Congressional & Legislative Affairs Office; Washington D.C.
This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Background Investigation (MBI or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Summary
This position is being advertised concurrently under BR-WO-2018-157 for current and former Federal employees with status or those eligible under a special hiring authority. If you are interested in applying under both announcement numbers, you must submit application packages for each.
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Congressional Affairs Liaison. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. As a Congressional Affairs Liaison you will serve as the Commissioner's principal representative in dealings with the Congress, as well as the principal point of contact with congressional offices and committee staff.
LOCATION: Bureau of Reclamation; Commissioner's Office; External & Intergovernmental Affairs, Congressional & Legislative Affairs Office; Washington D.C.
This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Background Investigation (MBI or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
For this position, the incumbent is responsible for the following job duties to include but not limited to:
Exercises significant responsibility for the development and accomplishment of legislative and congressional support to satisfy Bureau needs and interests. Develop and maintain stakeholder relationship in order to monitor and understand views and impacts of Reclamation’s actions on the community. Keeps informed on all matters affecting Reclamation programs, analyze new developments for congressional and legislative implications, and share this information with leadership. Work with Reclamation staff across the five regions and the Commissioner’s Offices in Washington and Denver to develop and transmit needed information to Congress and advocates the Department’s and Reclamation’s positions on legislation when indicated. Coordinate congressional responses to oral and written inquiries regarding program and policy issues. Prepare for and attend congressional committee hearings. Provides guidance to Reclamation offices in the preparation and monitoring of statutory and other reports to Congress, assuring proper coordination with the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, Office of the Secretary. Maintain records on the status of pending legislation. Monitor the flow of issues and items of importance to Reclamation to Capitol Hill. Review proposed legislation, prepare and clear witness statements and testimony for congressional hearings, and respond to and clear questions for the record.
Suitable for Federal Employment, determined by background investigation.
You must submit resume and supporting documentation (See How to Apply)
You must meet specialized experience requirements; (See Qualifications)
For veterans consideration, submit document(s) under Required documents
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current career or career-conditional employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b).
Qualifications
A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
GS-14: Experience in preparing testimony for Congressional hearings; preparing Congressional correspondence on non-routine, complex, and policy matters, and participating in operational or planning meetings to discuss sharing information with Congress and major non-governmental organizations; identifying and summarizing Congressional or legislative positions for potential impacts to natural resources issues, specifically water resources management and power; and receiving and responding to staffers inquires and Congressional requests for information.
You must meet all the qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement. You may review the qualification requirements here.
Education
This vacancy announcement does not allow substituting education for specialized experience.
Additional information
More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
The Bureau of Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
All males born after December 31, 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page,Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
If selected for this position, your appointment is contingent upon completion of OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, during the pre-employment process.
If selected, you will be required to complete a questionnaire and are subject to a criminal background check to determine suitability for Federal employment before appointment.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Category rating and selection procedures will be used for evaluating this position. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your on-line responses to the vacancy assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of your experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100 and Veterans with preference will be placed at the top of their respective category. The assessment questionnaire will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Applicants will be further evaluated on the following “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)” through your resume and responses to the online questionaire.
1. In-depth knowledge of the congressional and legislative process, the federal system of government, public participation, and institutional relationships.
2. Knowledge of the concepts, principles, methods and techniques of congressional and governmental communications, both written and oral, including writing and editing testimony and preparing witnesses.
3. Knowledge of water, power, and natural resources principles, practices, laws, policies, and legislation.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is apparent in your description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR that your resume/application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible or your score may be lowered. To preview questions please click here.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months, schedule, i.e. hours worked, and grade if federal employment (demonstrating specialized experience and supporting responses to the online questionnaire)), completion of the online assessment, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
--DD-214, CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
--For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
--For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form.
--CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the side of the page. This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/hr/hireme.html.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your not being considered for this position.
Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from your USAJOBS profile - instructions provided during the online application process. In addition, you may E-mail your supporting documentation to codo@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 303-445-6349, mail to (DFC) 6th and Kipling Building 67, Rm 348, Denver, CO 80225, OR hand-deliver to HR Office: Denver Federal Center (DFC) 6th and Kipling, Bldg 67, Rm 348, Denver, CO 80225. Include your name and the vacancy number on the supporting document(s).
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 notify us at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
P.O. Box 25007
DFC, Bldg. 67
Attn: 84-52200
Denver, Colorado 80225-0007
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting documentation will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation, by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months, schedule, i.e. hours worked, and grade if federal employment (demonstrating specialized experience and supporting responses to the online questionnaire)), completion of the online assessment, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
--DD-214, CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
--For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
--For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form.
--CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the side of the page. This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/hr/hireme.html.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your not being considered for this position.
Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from your USAJOBS profile - instructions provided during the online application process. In addition, you may E-mail your supporting documentation to codo@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 303-445-6349, mail to (DFC) 6th and Kipling Building 67, Rm 348, Denver, CO 80225, OR hand-deliver to HR Office: Denver Federal Center (DFC) 6th and Kipling, Bldg 67, Rm 348, Denver, CO 80225. Include your name and the vacancy number on the supporting document(s).
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 notify us at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
P.O. Box 25007
DFC, Bldg. 67
Attn: 84-52200
Denver, Colorado 80225-0007
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting documentation will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation, by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
