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Indian Self-Determination Specialist

Department of the Interior
Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Summary

This position is also open to the public under announcement DE-26-12981563-CAWV-AG. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 07/06/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 6, 2026
Location
10 vacancies in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$50,460 - $109,777 per year

Salary will be set in accordance with pay scale of finalized location.

Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Promotion potential
11
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
ST-26-12980796-CAWV-AG
Control number
873891300

Duties

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As Indian Self-Determination Specialist, GS-1101, your typical work assignments may include, but not limited to:

  • Provides staff assistance in the implementation and administration of Public Law 93-638, the Indian Self Determination Education and Assistance Ace of 1975, as amended.
  • Responsible for review of contract and grant files in conjunction with designated Awarding Official Technical Representative (AOTR in accordance with terms and conditions of the contracts and grants.
  • Provides technical assistance to tribal representatives and staff in the development and preparation of complete self-determination contract and grant proposal.
  • Attends tribal council meetings and committee meetings to represent the Region.
  • Provides training and technical assistance to field office and Tribal staff in the administration and management of self-determination contracts and grants, and processing of contract and grant modifications.
  • Responsible for resolution of Single Audit issues and preparation of Single Audit Resolutions Reports.
  • Reviews and evaluates tribal administrative capabilities in the requirements associated with the development and operations of effective management systems.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated
  • A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
  • Incumbent is required to operate a government motor vehicle, must possess a valid driver's license, and have a safe driving record within the 3 year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607.
  • Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement, and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment
  • AN INCENTIVE MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES AT MANAGEMENT DISCRETION. A SERVICE AGREEMENT WILL BE REQUIRED.
  • TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED. ANY RELOCATION EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH REPORTING FOR DUTY WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards Administrative and Management Positions, General Business and Industry Series, 1101b).

Qualifications for GS-07:
Must have 1 year of specialized experience that equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include Indian self-determination activities and services, interpretation and application of self-determination related laws, regulations, policies, methods, and techniques. Preparation of correspondence, contracts, grants, and reports. Tracking and monitoring the flow of contract/grants activities start to close-out OR successfully completed one full year of appropriate graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or equivalent) in a field of study directly related to the work of this position OR a combination of experience as described in A and education as described in B which totals 100% of the requirement. To compute, determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determine your education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; then add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify OR graduated with a bachelor's degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work AND I have documented Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) during my undergraduate studies. I meet the SAA by one of the following three methods: (1) class standing - upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses in the college, university or major subdivision; (2) grade point average - 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on my official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B " or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (note: membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision). Submit a copy of your transcript and proof of GPA computation, Class standing, or Honor Society membership.

Qualifications for GS-09:
Must have 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include interpreting policy and provides guidance and counseling as they apply to diverse and complex program content as they deal with Self-Determination and P.L. 93-638; facilitate and coordinate the program; working knowledge of all Bureau program operations and the ability to identify tribal needs to describe and formulate them into comprehensive contract and grant documents that will assure delivery of services through P.L. 93-638. Assist the Awarding Official in preparation of plans of resolution of Single Audits OR successfully completed a master's or equivalent degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D. in a field related to this position OR a combination of specialized experience as described in A and more than one year of graduate education as described in B which totals at least one year. To compute, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond one year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify.

Qualification for GS-11:
Must have 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience include working with Indian Self-Determination activities and services; interpretation and application of Self-Determination related laws, regulations, policies, methods, and techniques; performing all P.L. 93-638 functions and pre-award, contract administration, to contract close out; assist with evaluating and negotiating contract proposals; ensure 638 contractors are in compliance with standards, ensuring proper certification of annual inventories OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related to this position or a combination of specialized experience as described in A and more than 2 years of graduate education as described in B when combined together meets 100% of the total requirements for the position. To compute, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond two years by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify.

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 announcement closing date.

Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur in the same location within 90 days from the closing date.

Education

If you are qualifying based on your education, you MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education which shows the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATION

Additional information

All new hires earn the beginning salary of their pay grade (Step 1). See 2026 Salary Tables and select the pay chart for Aberdeen, South Dakota; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Anadarko, Oklahoma; Anchorage, Alaska; Billings, Montana; Gallup, New Mexico; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Muskogee, Oklahoma; Nashville, Tennessee; Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; Vancouver, Washington. If no specific chart is listed for this geographic location, see the "rest of U.S." chart.

The full performance level of this position is GS-11. 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. A career ladder promotion is at the discretion of management, and in no way guaranteed.

The probationary or trial period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your [probationary period -OR- trial period] your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs 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 SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY: Certain candidates may be eligible to apply under a special hiring authority including those for disabled individuals, Peace Corps employees, Foreign Service employees, veterans, etc. For more information, visit the following OPM websites: USAJOBS Information Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/; Vets Info Guide: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application package will be evaluated against the minimum qualification requirements specified above. In order to qualify, your resume must specifically describe your work history and the duties you performed in each position.

Your resume will be evaluated after the closing date of 07/06/2026 to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position.

Please follow all instructions carefully, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of additional assessments, which may include a structured resume review, structured interview and/or accomplishment record. These assessments measure the critical competencies required to successfully perform the job.

  • Administration and Management
  • Contracting/Procurement
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Technical Competence
Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. Indian Preference eligibles not currently employed in Federal service may be appointed under the Excepted Service Appointment Authority Schedule A, 213.3112(a)(7). Consideration will be given to Non-Indian applicants in the absence of qualified Indian Preference eligibles. For more information, please visit: https://www.bia.gov/jobs.

DUE WEIGHT FOR PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS AND AWARDS. For Current and Former Federal Employees, due weight will be given for performance and awards. 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.

REVIEW BEFORE YOU SUBMIT: You may preview the assessment questions here in the https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12980796.

Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs

BIA's mission is to enhance the quality of life, to promote economic opportunity, and to carry out the responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of American Indians, Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.

Indian Affairs (IA) provides services to 575 federally recognized tribes with a population of about 2.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. While the role of IA has changed significantly in the last three decades in response to a greater emphasis on Indian self-governance and self-determination, Tribes still look to IA for a broad spectrum of programs such as social services, law enforcement and detention services, administration of Tribal courts, natural resources management, economic development, implementation of land and water claim settlements, housing improvement, disaster relief, and the replacement and maintenance of schools, roads, and bridges.

Agency contact information

Human Resources
Email
BIA_HR_RESTON@BIA.GOV
Address
IA Reston - BIA
P.O. Box 1487
Anadarko, OK 73005
US

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Learn more about what it's like to work at Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.bia.gov/

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