Summary
This position is located in Natchez Trace Parkway, in the Administrative Division.
Career/Career-conditional permanent position.
Open to the first 50 applicants or until 09/27/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Open to all U.S. Citizens. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles
Duties
This position serves as the Administrative Support Assistant in the Administrative Division at the Natchez Trace Parkway. The incumbent will report to the Administrative Officer and will be responsible for a wide variety of duties related to the establishment and maintenance of files and records; various duties involving the control, processing and delivery of incoming and outgoing mail; clerical and administrative functions involving meeting, greeting and directing visitors and phone calls; and assisting with time and attendance records, budget, property, and human resources management. This position will be based at Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters located in Tupelo, MS, near milepost 266.
Natchez Trace Parkway (NATR) Information: The Natchez Trace Parkway is a tribute to the ancient travel route called the Natchez Trace, which has a rich history as one of North America's oldest transportation paths. This modern Parkway spans a remarkable 444 miles, requiring over 10 hours to journey from one end to the other. It spans across three states, encompassing 25 counties and 20 communities, with a combined residential population of nearly two million people. Additionally, there are over 3,000 commercial and private landowners residing alongside the Parkway boundary.
The completion of the modern Parkway occurred in 2005, establishing it as one of the largest units within the national park system, covering a vast geographic range. The Parkway corridor extends over five degrees of latitude and boasts an impressive 52,000 acres of breathtaking scenic beauty. Within this expanse, visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse array of traditional southern landscapes, including forests, wetlands, prairies, rivers, pastures, and croplands. These natural wonders are accompanied by rich cultural and historic resources, creating an immersive experience for all who traverse its path.
Recognizing its immense value, the Natchez Trace Parkway was rightfully designated as a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road in 1996. This prestigious acknowledgment is a testament to the Parkway's significant historic, cultural, natural, and scenic qualities. In 2014 alone, the Parkway welcomed nearly 6 million visitors, solidifying its position as the eighth most visited National Park Service place in the entire nation.
The Headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic and historic roadway that stretches from Mississippi to Tennessee, is located in Tupelo. The main visitor center provides a wealth of information for those interested in learning about the parkway's significance and exploring the surrounding attractions. For additional details, we invite you to explore our website at www.nps.gov/natr.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males
- Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
- You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
- You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- You may be required to work some overtime work.
- This position has a part time work schedule (25 hours per week/50 hours per pay period); this position work schedule maybe changed to full time but is not a guaranteed and not expected to be changed.
- If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
- You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/27/2024-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
SELECTIVE FACTOR: This position requires the applicant to have the ability to type at least 40 words per minute. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.
- AND -
To qualify for this position at the GS-0303-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-0303-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: as performing various administrative functions related to assisting hiring managers with recruitment, entering personnel actions payroll, personnel, travel, and/or correspondence, using office procedures and equipment, organizing and analyzing numerical information, and meeting and dealing effectively with others. To be creditable, your experience must have involved the performance of various office duties described above equivalent to the GS-04 level in the Federal Service. You must include your hours worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelors degree with courses related to the occupation, such as business administration, recreation management, public relations, and/or communications, or that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in such subjects. You must submit a copy of your transcripts and if selected, you will need to submit your Official transcripts by EOD.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. NOTE: Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience. For example, I have six months of the specialized experience described in 2A above (50% of the experience requirement), and three years of college study from an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education) which included at least 12 semester hours of related coursework as specified in B above (50% of the related coursework required). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must submit a copy of your transcripts and if selected you will need to submit your Official transcripts by EOD.
Volunteer Experience: 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.
ADDITIONAL AREA INFORMATION: Tupelo, Mississippi (MS) Information: Tupelo, MS offers a variety of attractions and amenities for residents and visitors alike. With a population of around 38,000, it maintains a small-town feel while still providing access to larger cities. Situated approximately 115 miles from Birmingham, AL and Memphis, TN, Tupelo allows for convenient travel to these metropolitan areas.
One of the notable aspects of Tupelo is the availability of affordable housing options. Whether you are looking to rent an apartment or buy a house, there are choices to suit various budgets. This makes it an attractive destination for individuals and families looking to establish roots in a welcoming community.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Tupelo is a paradise. The region offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, ensuring there is something for everyone. Fishing enthusiasts can explore the abundant lakes and rivers, while hunters can indulge in their passion in the nearby forests. Biking and hiking trails wind through picturesque landscapes, inviting nature lovers to explore the beauty of the area. Camping, horseback riding, and boating are also popular pastimes, providing endless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
As for the weather, Tupelo experiences a typical "upper south" climate. Summers can be quite warm or hot, often accompanied by humidity. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy long, sunny days and outdoor activities during the summer months. Winters, on the other hand, are relatively mild, with average lows around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the region a comfortable place to live year-round, with the occasional snowfall adding a touch of winter wonderland.
Tupelo is not only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in history. This area was once the homeland of the Chickasaw Indians, making it an important cultural and historical site.
In conclusion, Tupelo, MS offers a vibrant community with affordable housing options, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and a rich historical background. Whether you are seeking a peaceful place to settle down or an exciting destination for outdoor adventures, Tupelo has it all.
Education
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
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.
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions may affect your rating.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): - Accountability
- Attention to Detail
- Clerical
- Computer Skills
- Customer Service
- Customer Service
- Decision Making
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Reasoning
- Self-Management
- Stress Tolerance
- Teamwork
To Preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12545149
The USA Hire assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:
- Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
- Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
- Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/27/2024:
- Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
- A complete Occupational Questionnaire
- Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
- Veterans Preference Documentation:
- If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
- If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
- If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
- If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
- Type 40 WPM (Agencies may verify proficiency skills of self-certified applicants by administering the appropriate performance test).
- College transcripts, if qualifying based on education. Selectee must submit Official Transcripts prior to EOD.
- Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation. The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12545149
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- 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.
For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments.
Applicants may not update assessment responses after submitting an application at any time during the announcement open period, however, applicants will be able to update the other portions of the application such as eligibilities and supporting documents.
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: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/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.
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments.
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