This vacancy is to fill Trade Assistant and International Trade Specialist positions within the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Industry & Analysis.
Under Public Law 115-232, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, Section 1108, agencies may appoint eligible college graduates to competitive service positions without regard to rating, ranking, and veterans' preference provisions. If interested, you are encouraged to apply.
Summary
This vacancy is to fill Trade Assistant and International Trade Specialist positions within the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Industry & Analysis.
Under Public Law 115-232, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, Section 1108, agencies may appoint eligible college graduates to competitive service positions without regard to rating, ranking, and veterans' preference provisions. If interested, you are encouraged to apply.
College graduates who have received, within the previous two (2) years, a bachelor's or advanced degree from an institution of higher education. Exception: veterans, who have completed not less than 4 years of intervening obligated service in a uniformed service, can apply no later than 2 years after the release or discharge from active duty.
As an Trade Assistant/International Trade Specialist (Recent College Graduates), you will perform the following duties:
Conducts research and analysis of trade data, economic conditions, industries, markets, and trade policies affecting U.S. industry.
Develops reports, briefings, presentations, and other analytical products on international trade and industry issues.
Supports trade promotion and policy initiatives addressing market access, trade barriers, exports, investment, and industry competitiveness.
Advises and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders on international trade and industry issues.
Represents the organization in meetings, conferences, and other engagements involving U.S. industry, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Position Titles: The position is titled Trade Assistant at the GS-5 level and International Trade Specialist at the GS-7 level and above. The GS-5 through GS-9 positions are developmental positions within the career ladder. The full-performance level of the career ladder is GS-13. Movement to higher grade levels is subject to applicable time-in-grade requirements, performance, and management discretion. The major duties described above, reflect work performed at the full-performance level.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Trade Assistant/International Trade Specialist (Recent College Graduates) GS-1140-5/7/9, Full Performance Level (FPL) GS-13 positions within the Department of Commerce in the same geographical location or local commuting area with the same qualifications and specialized experience.
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
This position requires a SECRET CLEARANCE. You must be able to obtain and maintain the required clearance.
You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
A probationary period may be required.
Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/).
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Bargaining Unit Position: No
Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE form 450): No
Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expense: will not be paid
License required: No
Drug Test Required: Yes, This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing thereafter.
Qualifying Education Institution: Any of the educational institutions or curricula that have been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
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.
To qualify at the GS-5 level:
You must have one year of general experience equivalent to the GS-4 in the Federal Service or its non-Federal equivalent performing the following:
Researching data; and
Preparing basic reports, spreadsheets, or other written products.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in global business management, global public policy, international finance, business administration, textile and apparel studies, political science, economics, marketing, international trade, international business, international affairs, international relations, international economics, or other related fields of study. -OR- A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.
To qualify at the GS-7 level:
You must have I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 in the Federal Service or its non-Federal equivalent performing the following:
Researching and analyzing trade or economic information; and
Preparing reports, briefings, spreadsheets, or other written products related to trade activities.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: One full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement. -OR- SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. Class standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. Grade-point average (G.P.A.): Applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their 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. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society: Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. -OR- A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.
To qualify at the GS-9 level:
You must have I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 in the Federal Service or its non-Federal equivalent performing the following:
Analyzing trade or economic information to support trade programs, policies, or activities; and
Coordinating trade-related projects or activities with internal or external stakeholders.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: A master's or equivalent graduate degree; or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Graduate education must be in international policy, international commerce, international management, intercultural relations, international development, global economy, government and foreign affairs, international business, international trade, international economics, international affairs, international relations, or other related fields of study. -OR- A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.
Education
COLLEGE GRADUATE HIRING AUTHORITY: This position is being filled under the College Graduate Hiring Authority established by 5 U.S.C. § 3115. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of this authority. See the Required Documents section of this announcement for information regarding documentation required to establish education eligibility under the College Graduate Hiring Authority.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
Additional information
College Graduate Hiring Authority: This position is being filled under the College Graduate Hiring Authority established by 5 U.S.C. § 3115. Appointments under this authority are made without regard to veterans' preference and the provisions governing competitive examining procedures specified in the statute.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Reasonable Accommodations (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Under the College Graduate Hiring Authority, rating, ranking, and veterans' preference do not apply; therefore, applicants will not be rated or ranked.
Applicants will first respond to the minimum qualification questions in the assessment questionnaire. Applicants whose responses indicate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will be invited through the automated application process to complete the USA Hire assessment(s) associated with this announcement. Applicants whose responses indicate that they do not meet the minimum qualification requirements will not proceed to the USA Hire assessment(s).
Applicants who complete the required USA Hire assessment(s) and are selected to proceed to the next step will have their resume, optional cover letter, and supporting documentation reviewed to verify qualifications and determine eligibility for selection consideration. Applicants who meet the applicable requirements will be referred for selection consideration in accordance with agency procedures.
Do NOT include the following types of information in your resume/application. If any are included, you will be deemed INELIGIBLE for consideration.
Classified or government sensitive information
Social Security Number (SSN)
Photos of yourself
Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process. To preview the questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13033100
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 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.
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.
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.
Resume: Your resume should list your educational and work experience, including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment and the number of hours worked per week, if less than 40. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the qualifications/assessment questions. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and, if applicable, whether you are registered with the Selective Service System. Refer to the How You Will Be Evaluated section for information regarding the types of information not to include in your resume/application.
Education Documentation: If you are qualifying based on education, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the name of the accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter or semester hours earned. Education completed at foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements; see the Special Instructions for Foreign Education below.
College Graduate Hiring Authority Documentation: Applicants must provide documentation sufficient to establish education eligibility under the College Graduate Hiring Authority. See the Education section of this announcement for information regarding the eligibility requirements and the Special Instructions for Foreign Education below, as applicable.
Political Appointees: If you are a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee, you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement providing the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. Failure to provide such documents when requested may result in lost consideration.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
Note: To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
International Trade Administration
1401 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20230
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." The four points of notification are:
Application Received or Application Incomplete
Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Not Met;
Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Ineligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume: Your resume should list your educational and work experience, including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment and the number of hours worked per week, if less than 40. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the qualifications/assessment questions. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and, if applicable, whether you are registered with the Selective Service System. Refer to the How You Will Be Evaluated section for information regarding the types of information not to include in your resume/application.
Education Documentation: If you are qualifying based on education, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the name of the accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter or semester hours earned. Education completed at foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements; see the Special Instructions for Foreign Education below.
College Graduate Hiring Authority Documentation: Applicants must provide documentation sufficient to establish education eligibility under the College Graduate Hiring Authority. See the Education section of this announcement for information regarding the eligibility requirements and the Special Instructions for Foreign Education below, as applicable.
Political Appointees: If you are a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee, you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement providing the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. Failure to provide such documents when requested may result in lost consideration.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
Note: To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
International Trade Administration
1401 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20230
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." The four points of notification are:
Application Received or Application Incomplete
Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Not Met;
Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Ineligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
