The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office within the Department of the Interior (DOI) whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout DOI. The OIG conducts investigations, evaluations, and audits in order to enhance effectiveness and efficiency and to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DOI programs and operations.
This position is located in DOI, OIG, Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The General Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and services to the Inspector General with respect to: (1) audits, evaluations, inspections and investigations of the DOI's programs, operations and employee conduct; (2) the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA); (3) investigation of employee complaints; (4) reports to Congress; and (5) the government ethics program.
The Government Information Specialist is responsible for the public information function, which includes review of audit, evaluation, inspection, and investigative reports and other OIG work products for public disclosure through FOIA/PA requests, press and media release, and inquiries from Congress and the general public. The incumbent reviews and analyzes FOIA/PA requests, exercising discretion and judgement in the application of laws, regulations and agency practices related to the FOIA/PA, researches complex case law, analyzes highly sensitive records, and ensures release and disclosure of responsive records adhere to applicable exemptions and/or exclusions.
Summary
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office within the Department of the Interior (DOI) whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout DOI. The OIG conducts investigations, evaluations, and audits in order to enhance effectiveness and efficiency and to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DOI programs and operations.
This position is located in DOI, OIG, Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The General Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and services to the Inspector General with respect to: (1) audits, evaluations, inspections and investigations of the DOI's programs, operations and employee conduct; (2) the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA); (3) investigation of employee complaints; (4) reports to Congress; and (5) the government ethics program.
The Government Information Specialist is responsible for the public information function, which includes review of audit, evaluation, inspection, and investigative reports and other OIG work products for public disclosure through FOIA/PA requests, press and media release, and inquiries from Congress and the general public. The incumbent reviews and analyzes FOIA/PA requests, exercising discretion and judgement in the application of laws, regulations and agency practices related to the FOIA/PA, researches complex case law, analyzes highly sensitive records, and ensures release and disclosure of responsive records adhere to applicable exemptions and/or exclusions.
As a Government Information Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
Serve as a subject matter expert on issues involving the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, and various information disclosure matters.
Perform review and analysis of incoming FOIA and PA requests, including making category and fee determinations, and evaluate documents to determine whether disclosure of information is legally permissible under the FOIA and PA.
Compose a variety of FOIA/PA response letters and related correspondence (e.g. referral and consultations, time extensions, notification of appeal rights, requests for clarification, etc.) and make recommendations on final decisions to the FOIA Officer.
Research applicable case law on federal regulations and precedents on FOIA/PA request/issues.
Serve as a key liaison in responding to inquiries from the public, Congress, media, and other Federal agencies regarding OIG information and records dissemination, including making recommendations to internal/external customers, such as agency FOIA officers, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Office of Government Information Services, concerning compliance, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Position is subject to initial and random drug testing.
May be required to complete a one year probationary period.
More than one selection may be made within 90 days of the closing date.
CTAP/ICTAP: Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605 (a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
VEOA ELIGIBLES: If applying under VEOA, you must include your DD-214, SF-15 and VA letter (if applicable). If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your unit which states the date you entered active duty and the date you are separating. Your separation date must be within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement. For more information on the VEOA, consult the Vets Guide at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials will result in your application not being processed.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Division of Human Resources, Work/Life Programs, at (703) 487-5408. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The Department of Interior, Office of Inspector is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, political affiliation, union or non-union affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, or any other non-merit factors.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualification Requirements, GS-12
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience at the next lower level for this position includes: interpreting and applying the FOIA/PA and related regulations, provisions, and decisions to respond to FOIA requests; researching, analyzing, and evaluating documents for response to FOIA/PA requests; assembling and drafting proposed FOIA/PA release packages; keeping abreast of recent developments in the field of disclosure, including recent court and department decisions; and serving as a FOIA/PA liaison to external customers and recipients to clarify and resolve most issues.
Minimum Qualification Requirements, GS-13:
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience at the next lower level for this position includes: interpreting and applying the FOIA/PA and related regulations, provisions, and decisions to respond to FOIA requests; researching, analyzing, and evaluating documents for response to FOIA/PA requests; assembling and drafting proposed FOIA/PA release packages; keeping abreast of recent developments in the field of disclosure, including recent court and department decisions; performing complex analyses of challenging FOIA/PA requests; and serving as a FOIA/PA liaison to external customers, such as the media, Congress, and recipients, to clarify and resolve complex issues.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Time-In-Grade Requirement:Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5CFR 300, Subpart F.
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement.
Additional information
A Secret Clearance is not required to apply for this position. However, you must be able to acquire this clearance as a condition of employment.
You must meet initial and periodic suitability determinations based on favorable background investigations and updates.
OIG employees are subject to initial and random drug testing as a condition of continued employment.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement within 90 days of the closing date.
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.
Your application will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your experience (paid and unpaid), education, awards, and training and self-development as it relates to the position. If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position that you held. If your resume includes non-government service, including contractors, please include the salaries for each position held. All work experience should specify the length of time spent in the position and tour of duty (full or part time to include number of hours). One year of general or specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are pro-rated.
Your responses to the questionnaire and/or competency statements will be evaluated to determine the degree to which your skills match this position. Your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire will be validated against your resume to determine if you meet the qualification requirements for this position.
Candidates are required to possess certain Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the functions of this position. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate their attainment of these KSAs in an online job questionnaire. The mandatory KSAs are:
Knowledge of laws, regulations and policies, and skill in interpreting and applying statutory requirements of both the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Skill in oral communication to clearly and tactfully handle telephonic and in-person inquiries for information from the public, members of the media, or Congressional staff, regarding FOIA and PA requests.
Skill in preparing written responses to FOIA and PA requests that convey sound reasoning for the disclosure and non-disclosure of information.
Ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply FOIA and PA redactions to varying types of documents in response to FOIA and PA requests.
Ability to independently perform in-depth review and analysis of complex and challenging FOIA and PA requests that are complete, timely, and accurate.
NOTE: If a determination is made that qualifications and/or experience have been inflated, your score will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities.
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.
All documentation, applicable to you, must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit the required documents will disqualify you from further consideration for this position.
Resume (required): Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. Insufficient information will result in an ineligible rating.
SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable): documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, position, grade level and step.
Veterans Preference documentation (if applicable): Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214-Member 4 copy), if applicable Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) and an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying to the veteran's present receipt of compensation.
ICTAP/CTAP: such as a RIF separation notice, certificate of expected separation, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action stating you were separated by RIF, OR a letter from your agency documenting your priority consideration status.
Performance Appraisal (if applicable): All current Federal employees and reinstatement eligible applicants must submit a copy of the most recent completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating.
If you are applying under a special hiring authority (e.g. 30% compensable disabled veterans, severely handicapped individuals, former Peace Corp and VISTA volunteers, etc.), you MUST indicate on your application the special program and submit proof of eligibility with your application. Individuals who are eligible for consideration will be a considered non-competitively for this vacancy.
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.
To apply for this job opportunity, you must submit a resume and an on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. This information will be transferred to the Department of Interior's OIG Automated Application System. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the following four-step application process: STEP 1: Select the "Apply On-line" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit a detailed resume or any other written format you choose documenting your job-related qualifications, experience, and education (if applicable). Cover letter is optional. If you submit a cover letter, you must also submit a resume. Please see the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Answer the eligibility and assessment questionnaires on-line through the automated application system. These questions will be used to evaluate your student eligibility for this job opportunity. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation, applicable to you, listed in the Required Documents section of this job opportunity to the automated application system prior to the closing date of this announcement.
ALTERNATE APPLICATION PROCEDURES If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at least two working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Technical assistance with your online application can be obtained by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 6566830 or (703) 2694944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
Office of Inspector General
U.S. DOI - Office of Inspector General
1849 C Street, NW
Mail Stop 4428
Washington, District of Columbia 20240
United States
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the closing date of the announcement, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You will be notified of your rating and/or referral of your resume to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. You will be informed of the outcome via e-mail. We expect to make a selection within 45 to 60 days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All documentation, applicable to you, must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit the required documents will disqualify you from further consideration for this position.
Resume (required): Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. Insufficient information will result in an ineligible rating.
SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable): documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, position, grade level and step.
Veterans Preference documentation (if applicable): Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214-Member 4 copy), if applicable Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) and an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying to the veteran's present receipt of compensation.
ICTAP/CTAP: such as a RIF separation notice, certificate of expected separation, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action stating you were separated by RIF, OR a letter from your agency documenting your priority consideration status.
Performance Appraisal (if applicable): All current Federal employees and reinstatement eligible applicants must submit a copy of the most recent completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating.
If you are applying under a special hiring authority (e.g. 30% compensable disabled veterans, severely handicapped individuals, former Peace Corp and VISTA volunteers, etc.), you MUST indicate on your application the special program and submit proof of eligibility with your application. Individuals who are eligible for consideration will be a considered non-competitively for this vacancy.
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.
To apply for this job opportunity, you must submit a resume and an on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. This information will be transferred to the Department of Interior's OIG Automated Application System. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the following four-step application process: STEP 1: Select the "Apply On-line" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit a detailed resume or any other written format you choose documenting your job-related qualifications, experience, and education (if applicable). Cover letter is optional. If you submit a cover letter, you must also submit a resume. Please see the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Answer the eligibility and assessment questionnaires on-line through the automated application system. These questions will be used to evaluate your student eligibility for this job opportunity. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation, applicable to you, listed in the Required Documents section of this job opportunity to the automated application system prior to the closing date of this announcement.
ALTERNATE APPLICATION PROCEDURES If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at least two working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Technical assistance with your online application can be obtained by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 6566830 or (703) 2694944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
Office of Inspector General
U.S. DOI - Office of Inspector General
1849 C Street, NW
Mail Stop 4428
Washington, District of Columbia 20240
United States
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the closing date of the announcement, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You will be notified of your rating and/or referral of your resume to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. You will be informed of the outcome via e-mail. We expect to make a selection within 45 to 60 days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
