The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.
Summary
The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.
VACANCY AMENDED: THE CLOSING DATE OF THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020.
The position is located in the Office of Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs (OES), within the immediate Office of the Secretary (OS). The incumbent serves as the FOIA Officer for the Office of the Secretary (OS) providing direction and leadership for the OS FOIA program. The incumbent is expected to have a legal background, with experience and knowledge of FOIA, including case law, regulations, and guidance.
At the full performance level GS-15 the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) Serves as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer for the Office of the Secretary (OS) providing direction and leadership for the OS FOIA programs. Provides oversight to ensure that responses from the OS FOIA Office to FOIA requests are complete, accurate, and timely and are in compliance with the FOIA, the Department of the Interior (DOI or Department) FOIA regulations, policies and procedures, Department of Justice (DOJ) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, and related laws and Executive Orders. Stays abreast of recent developments in FOIA law, such as recent court and DOI decisions, and current legislative resolutions or problems encountered within the OS FOIA program.
(2) Supervises subordinate staff in the OS FOIA Office, including setting program goals, resolving challenges, making recommendations for the selection of staff, setting and adjusting work priorities and planning work to be accomplished, and other human capital management responsibilities, such as developing performance standards, evaluating the performance of staff, providing oversight of contractors, recommending awards, hearing and resolving complaints, and approving leave.
(3) Plans, develops, analyzes, evaluates and administers the OS FOIA program to include policy and training development. Coordinates responses to precedent-setting FOIA requests that involve the actions of executive-level DOI officials, involving multiple DOI Bureaus/Offices, other agencies, and relating issues of high importance to the Department.
(4) Implements plans and strategies for FOIA and data initiatives. Develops new methods and plans in directing strategic planning, integration, and evaluation of OS FOIA operations.
(5) Participates in the initiation, execution and accountability of budget, procurement, and contracting activities in a manner consistent with Federal Acquisition Regulations, and Department policies and procedures.
(6) Independently ensures FOIA correspondence and communications are prepared and conducted in accordance with DOI policy and guidance. Coordinates responses with legal staff and the Department’s FOIA Office (DFO), as appropriate, and oversees and briefs management on requests of legally sensitive, controversial, or political sensitive nature.
(7) Ensures OS FOIA staff maintain complete and accurate FOIA case files, and performs periodic culling of files for records ripe for destruction in accordance with applicable records management schedule
(8) Oversees the collection, organization, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data needed for statistical reporting; and the development or modification of policies, procedures, and rules to ensure continuing compliance with Department policies and directives.
OES has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for situational telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework on a limited basis with supervisory approval.
Salary Information:
GS-15: $142,701 - $170,800 per annum. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lower salary range of the grade level.
This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available.
You will be subject to a background/suitability investigation/determination
You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
You must submit ALL required documents and a completed questionnaire.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service system, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/
Qualifications
GS-15
Applicants MUST meet all five (5) specialized experience and your experience MUST be clearly written in your resume.
To qualify for the GS-15, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is that which equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: (1) Overseeing the management of FOIA and Privacy Act functions for an agency or an organization. This includes conducting and supervising reviews and analyses that identify the scope and types of records requested and creating and maintaining information in an automated tracking system to manage FOIA requests; (2) utilizing electronic document management tools to search for, and collect, FOIA-requested records, and perform critical reviews and analyses to determine the responsiveness of the records, and whether one or more FOIA exemptions apply to the records, and whether foreseeable harm would result from their release in a timely manner; (3) serving as a subject matter resource in the area of FOIA laws, regulations, policies and precedents; (4) communicating verbally and in writing with supervisors, Departmental stakeholders and leadership, other organizations, and/or the public regarding FOIA and Privacy Act issues, including the preparation of FOIA correspondence such as acknowledgement letters, time extension letters, and interim and final response letters and the resolution of issues associated with FOIA requests; and (5) serving as an authoritative technical reviewer for FOIA cases where generally applicable directives and precedents are applicable.
It is desirable for the applicant to have a legal background.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Merit Promotion candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
At the GS-15 grade level, education cannot be substituted for experience.
Additional information
Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties.
The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
Important Note: All Department of the Interior (DOI) employees are subject to the conflict of interest restrictions imposed upon all employees of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government and may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report. In addition, DOI employees, GS-15 and above, who work in the Office of the Secretary; along with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) employees (at ALL grade levels), are further restricted concerning their interests in Federal lands and resources administered or controlled by the Department of the Interior. This includes holding stock in energy corporations which lease Federal lands (e.g.: oil, gas, coal, alternative energy resources, etc.). If you have any such investments you should contact the DOI, BOEM or BSEE Ethics Office before accepting employment. DOI employees are held to the highest level of integrity. Employees must be objective and impartial in the performance of their work. All potential issues (e.g.: work-related interactions with friends, family members, or previous employers) must be disclosed at the time of application or during the interview process.
NOTICE: This employer participates in E-Verify and will utilize your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The preliminary background check consists of a search of Office of Personnel Management and Department of Defense background investigation files and an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check; it may take up to 3 weeks to complete. If selected for this position, you will be extended a tentative offer of employment pending a satisfactory background check. Current Federal employees or individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check; these will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Bureau security office.
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.
A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The preliminary background check consists of a search of Office of Personnel Management and Department of Defense background investigation files and an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check; it may take up to 3 weeks to complete. If selected for this position, you will be extended a tentative offer of employment pending a satisfactory background check. Current Federal employees or individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check; these will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Bureau security office.
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.
Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
Regulations and Guidance - Expert knowledge of FOIA and its associated legal requirements, and related legislation, such as the Federal Records Act, the Privacy Act, and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Ability to support the Office of the Solicitor (SOL) and DOJ in processing FOIA requests in litigation.
Technical Knowledge - Extensive knowledge of technical matters, such as eDiscovery as related to the FOIA and authoritative knowledge and understanding of complex FOIA issues.
Leadership and Supervision - Ability to coordinate and integrate work of subordinate staff. Mastery providing technical direction, developing effective and efficient work processes and best practices, evaluating performance, resolving challenges, adjusting work priorities, hearing and resolving complaints, approving leave, reviewing work, and providing overall oversight of the OS FOIA Office.
Communication - Ability to express information (i.e., ideas, concepts, or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking in account the audience and nature of the information (i.e., technical, sensitive, controversial) and their level of expertise; makes clear and convincing verbal presentations based on facts and robust documentary evidence; listens to others, attending to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Ability to express ideas, concepts, and facts in writing in a succinct and organized manner and respond to written inquiries from supervisors and other stakeholders in an appropriate and timely manner.
Planning and Evaluation - Ability to coordinate multiple, complex processes; plan and evaluate work, while consistently meeting deadlines and documenting both competing and ongoing tasks. Ability to independently organize, track, report, and delegate. Set priorities and determine goals and strategies to achieve them, within the parameters set by the OES Director.
DUE WEIGHT Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process.
If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
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.
A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The preliminary background check consists of a search of Office of Personnel Management and Department of Defense background investigation files and an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check; it may take up to 3 weeks to complete. If selected for this position, you will be extended a tentative offer of employment pending a satisfactory background check. Current Federal employees or individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check; these will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Bureau security office.
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.
Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available at https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/How_to_create_your_resume
Your application package must include: (1) Resume showing relevant experience as written in your own words; (2) Completed online Assessment Questionnaire; (3) SF-50's showing (1) your highest FPL, and (2) most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station. Please note that all SF-50's submitted must show that you are a status candidate or eligible under this announcement. Please refer to the eligibility in the online questionnaire for more information; (4) Certificates, license, etc. (if applicable); (5) Form DD-214 OR VA letter and Standard Form 15, if eligible under VEOA or VRA; (6) Proof of eligibility if applying under a special appointing authority; (7) Current or former Government employees are strongly encouraged to submit a recent performance appraisal.
NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility under VEOA or VRA, must submit a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable); OR acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 10% or more).
NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility based on 30% or more service connected disability, you are required to submit documentation that is indicated on the SF-15 as acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 30% or more.
You will find additional information on the following topics: (1) e-Verify; (2) Selective Service; (3) CTAP/ICTAP; (4) Education – accreditation; (5) Foreign education; (6) Veterans preference; (7) Special appointing authority documentation; and more can be found on our web site: https://www.bsee.gov/careers/usajobs-assistance OR http://www.boem.gov/USAJobs-Assistance/ .
If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the agency notice, your most recent Performance Rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty station. To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, you must earn a minimum score of 85 or above (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference) on the rating criteria for this position.
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.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at www.usajobs.gov and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Monster Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866-656-6831. The help desk is available Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
Office of the Secretary of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20240
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgment from USAJobs that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line assessment questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available at https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/How_to_create_your_resume
Your application package must include: (1) Resume showing relevant experience as written in your own words; (2) Completed online Assessment Questionnaire; (3) SF-50's showing (1) your highest FPL, and (2) most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station. Please note that all SF-50's submitted must show that you are a status candidate or eligible under this announcement. Please refer to the eligibility in the online questionnaire for more information; (4) Certificates, license, etc. (if applicable); (5) Form DD-214 OR VA letter and Standard Form 15, if eligible under VEOA or VRA; (6) Proof of eligibility if applying under a special appointing authority; (7) Current or former Government employees are strongly encouraged to submit a recent performance appraisal.
NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility under VEOA or VRA, must submit a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable); OR acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 10% or more).
NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility based on 30% or more service connected disability, you are required to submit documentation that is indicated on the SF-15 as acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 30% or more.
You will find additional information on the following topics: (1) e-Verify; (2) Selective Service; (3) CTAP/ICTAP; (4) Education – accreditation; (5) Foreign education; (6) Veterans preference; (7) Special appointing authority documentation; and more can be found on our web site: https://www.bsee.gov/careers/usajobs-assistance OR http://www.boem.gov/USAJobs-Assistance/ .
If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the agency notice, your most recent Performance Rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty station. To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, you must earn a minimum score of 85 or above (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference) on the rating criteria for this position.
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.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at www.usajobs.gov and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Monster Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866-656-6831. The help desk is available Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
Office of the Secretary of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20240
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgment from USAJobs that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line assessment questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
