This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/479478500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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!
This is the position of Personnel Management 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 organizations within the observatory.
09/14/2017 to 11/30/2017
$66,317 - $86,208 per year
IS 11
1 vacancy in the following location:
Not required
No
Temporary - Trust Fund Not to Exceed 14 Months. This is not a federal position.
Full-time - Full Time
11
No
17-65
479478500
1. Recruit and place Federal and trust fund employees and 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 levels as submitted by 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. Will make efforts to increase recruitment sources for special programs.
2. Classify a variety position descriptions at all levels( as a result of new positions, re- evalautions of existing positions, for promotions, etc. ) in accordance with US OPM 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 in the Federal Personnel Manual. 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 and 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.
6. Process requests for visas for foreign national employees, visitors, and fellows by applying appropriate guidelines and procedures in completing and submitting the necessary documentation to the appropriate agency for approval.
7. Serves on various management, EEO or other special committees as required.
8. Prepares as requested by the Director of Human Resources, members of top SI/SAO management, other SAO managers or supervisors are on own initiative.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualification requirements 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
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
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. Knowledge of the field of salary administration, including Federal position classification, techniques for developing position descriptions, and conduct of salary surveys, their interpretation and integration.
2. Knowledge of Federal staffing regulations and procedures, private sector recruiting techniques, and the use of special recruiting provisions for hard- to- fill positions.
3. Ability to apply this knowledge creatively to difficult and complex situations in the area of attracting and retaining competent professional, administrative, technical and clerical employees.
4. Knowledge of the laws pertaining to entry of foreign specialists on permanent resident and temporary visas into the procedures required by concerned Federal and State agencies.
5. Knowledge of employee relations techniques, employee benefits, and employee training, both government and private sector.
To preview questions please click here.
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. If you are applying for this position and do not have a social security number, please contact Mary Hebert, at 617-496-7816.
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/479478500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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