Program Specialist

Summary This position is with the Forest Service Washington office and serves as a Program Specialist with the responsibility for a variety of projects, issues, studies and problems or program segments which represents in itself an integrated program, many of which are of special and particular interest to the Agency.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Nona Jones,

Responsibilities Conducts a variety of one-time studies, inquiries and the like, requiring an intensive analysis of problems, issues or controversies pertaining to functions, programs, policies and relationships of the resource program.
Projects typically cross functional lines, involve unique managerial or organizational requirements or require significant policy development.
Coordinates and is responsible for the complete and thorough development of background information, supporting documentation and evaluation including a report with conclusions and recommendations.
Attends certain meetings on behalf of the resource program, conveys the Director's views as appropriate and summarizes for them the nature and status of the issue(s) under discussion.
Receives, screens, and prepares replies to various forms of communications of an official and/or personal nature addressed to the Director or Chief of the U.S.
Forest Service when directed.
Receives visitors and telephone calls furnishing advice and assistance.
Prepares comprehensive briefs of action taken to keep the Director apprised of such matters.
Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-13:
You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as two or more the following :
Perform analytical, planning, and evaluative assignments concerned with the administrative and operational aspects of organizations, programs, services and management; Demonstrate experience in planning and conducting administrative and management studies and evaluations to improve production, effectiveness and efficiency in administrative support activities; Prepare written reports and correspondence in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for a wide audience, including officials or staff at all levels; Analyze issues and problems represented in an integrated program to make recommendations for acceptable principles, methods, and guidelines for operation of service support.
TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT:
If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education Please refer to the qualification section.
Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL):
To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section.
When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
This is a temporary promotion not-to-exceed 1 year and may be extended without further competition or may end earlier due to lack of work or funds, or at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.
This temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition.
If the temporary promotion is not made permanent, you will be returned to your permanent position of record or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay in the Forest Service, in the same geographic location, if possible.
Your salary will be adjusted to the grade level and step that you would normally have been in had you remained in your position.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position.
This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.