Administrative Assistant

Serves as an administrative assistant and is responsible for oversight and application of intricate and complex analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues concerning the overall administrative management activities essential to the successful and efficient scientific activities for the Plant Health Programs Staff.

The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Provides substantive support in the analysis and review of historical data and collects information using cost-benefit analysis techniques to determine new and recurring fiscal needs.
• Assists the supervisor in preparing the annual operating budget, provides advice and proposes alternate strategies as appropriate.
• Orders and purchases equipment and supplies for the office.
• Makes purchases per policy guidelines, i.e. minority groups, small business, etc. Manages PCMS purchase card accounts and reconciles transactions to appropriate BOC and appropriate accounting code.
• Prepares requisitions for supplies, equipment, and maintains adequate stock for the Branch.
• Is responsible for timely and accurate Time and Attendance (TA) reporting.

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Maintains administrative and program files in accordance with records management policies, procedures, schedules, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of applicable time and attendance policy, regulations, and procedures to review individual timesheets and provide guidance on time keeping matters to employees.
• Knowledge of the efficient use of electronic applications such as spreadsheets, databases, word processing, email, and other venues of information technology for various reporting activities.
• Performs tasks and investigates issues to resolve problems.

OR 4 years of college education above high school level.
 

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies:

 

• Clerical
• Compensation
• Contracting/Procurement
• Technical Competence