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This is the position of Human Resources Specialist, Human Resources Department of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to plan, organize and independently carry out a wide variety of responsibilities in areas such as recruitment and placement, position classification, management-employee relations, performance appraisals and visa processing for assigned organization within the observatory.
Learn more about this agency01/10/2023 to 03/08/2023
$93,175 - $121,128 per year
GS 12
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Permanent -
Full-time -
Competitive
12
No
No
23-37
698908600
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
This position is open to current and former Federal employees with permanent competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. Individuals who are eligible for a special appointing authority may also apply; such as applicants with a disability, former Peace Corps volunteers, certain military spouses, veterans seeking a VRA/VEOA appointment, or veterans who have been separated from armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service.
1. Recruit and place Federal and Trust Fund employees in open positions at all levels (up to grade 15) including administrative, technical, scientific, wage board, etc. This process entails evaluation of the position description and grade level as submitted by the supervisor in accordance with USOPM classification standards and guidelines set forth by EEO/AA. Positions are posted internally and listed with appropriate media. Recruiting efforts are to be carried out via mail outs, telephone contacts and personal visits to potential candidate sources, e.g., universities, career fairs, etc. In conjunction with the hiring supervisor, the incumbent determines selective factors for positions and rates candidates. Wi11 make efforts to increase recruitment sources for special programs.
2. Classify a variety of position descriptions at all levels (as a result of new positions, re‑evaluations of existing positions, for promotions, etc.) in accordance with USOPM position classification standards. Perform desk audits of positions as required or upon special request.
3. Calculate severance payment for SAO employees (both Trust Fund and Federal) who are affected by Staff Reductions. Must be familiar with appropriate rules, regulations and procedures as outlined in the Smithsonian Institution Staff Handbooks and federal rules and regulations. Is responsible for advising managers and supervisors regarding severance and staff reduction policies, including notification deadlines, appeal rights, benefits after staff reduction, etc. Must be cognizant of rules regarding unemployment compensation in states where employees are located. Counsels employees who have been affected by staff reductions including outlining benefits, monitoring severance payments, assisting in resume preparation and outplacement referrals whenever possible.
4. Assists supervisors in handling performance problems, adverse actions, referrals to Employee Assistance Programs, promotions, merit increases, quality and within grade increases, cash awards, full utilization of present personnel, writing performance appraisal plans, etc. Takes part in meetings between supervisors and subordinates to assist in the resolution of problems.
5. Serves as a resource to employees at all levels, including managers and supervisors, on the interpretation of SI/SAO policy. Provides a broad range of counseling to SAO employees regarding SI/SAO policies, practices and procedures. Serves on various management, EEO or other special committees as required.
6. Petition for visas (both immigrant and non‑immigrant) for aliens whom SAO wishes to hire on either a temporary or permanent basis. This includes H‑l's, J‑l's, and permanent residents. Must maintain an excellent working relationship with SI's Office of International Affairs, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Labor, Department of State and the United States International Agency (USIA). Is responsible for annual renewal of H‑1 and J‑1 visas for scientists/researchers already on board.
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion, must be met within 30 days of the job opportunity announcement closing date.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at https://archive.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs0200/0201.htm
Applicants must possess a minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 level in the normal line of progress for this occupation. Specialized experience includes activities such as researching and providing human resources advisory services to supervisors and manager on staffing, classification, employee relations and international programs.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
A recruitment bonus may be paid.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
1. Comprehensive knowledge of Federal position classification, rules and techniques developing position descriptions.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of Federal staffing regulations and procedures, private sector recruiting techniques, and the use of special recruiting provisions for hard‑to‑fill positions and special employment programs.
3. Knowledge of the laws pertaining to entry of foreign specialists on permanent resident and temporary visas and to the procedures required by concerned Federal and State agencies.
4. Ability to identify and analyze HR problems and provide recommendations and solutions.
5. Knowledge of employee relations techniques, employee benefits, and employee training, both government and private sector.
6. Effective communication skills.
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience.
Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position.
Your application package must include the following documents:
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters.
The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/698908600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!
