Materials Handler Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. VAR002905 Department Library of Congress
Salary $25.89 to $30.20 Grade 06 to 06
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/27/2024 Close Date 10/17/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

This position is located in the Collections Maint & Stack Management Sec, Collections Management Division, Preservation Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services.

The position description number for this position is 63840.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Anyone may apply - By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired, provided that other legal requirements are met and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position.

Duties

This position is located in the Collections Maintenance and Off-Site Storage Section of the Collections Integrity and Maintenance Office, Collections Access, Loan and Management (CALM) Division. The Materials Handler is responsible for working in a wide array of Library collections-related activities. These include: addressing the proper location of collections materials both on-site and off-site; shelfreading to ensure collections are in proper sequence; shifting ; maintenance of the collections, including such tasks as cleaning ; security of the collections; and providing service on specific segments such as those stored off-site. Collections include books as well as materials in non-book format, such as manuscripts, prints and photographs, recorded sound , moving image, and maps. Many of these items are rare, valuable and fragile and must be handled with extreme care. Incumbent may be responsible for activities related to collections moves, such as erecting and dismantling shelving, and operating both manual and power equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks. Incumbent also may be assigned to transport materials from one building to another using a van or car. A routine validated pre-placement physical examination is required as a condition of assignment* to this position. (*assignment covers hire, reassignment, detail, RIF etc.)  This position requires regular recurring physical examinations every three years. Health Services Division determines if the employee or applicant is medically qualified to perform the duties of the position and meets the physical requirements and/or medical standards as a result of the physical examination.

Responsible for the orderly relocation of large segments of the Library's general and special collections Realignment of these collections must be done in accordance with prescribed procedures including shelving accuracy. adherence to shelfload specifications and knowledge of unique requirements of the specific class being realigned, including the understanding of the different needs of growth potential of both serial and monograph volumes.

Works with a high degree of independence in determining sequences of loading and unloading booktrucks and other conveyances containing Library collections, equipment and supplies. Participates in developing space utilization plans, and implementing the movement of materials from one area to another. which may involve intra- or interbuilding transport.

Shifts the various collections to relieve congestion, including materials in non-book formats, such as moving image and recorded sound.

Following agency regulations, coordinates storage and space utilization for a specific product line, commodity, or equipment group. specifically in a library setting, for library collections, supplies and related equipment and hardware. Provides assistance in developing plans for storage and arrangement of collections and related equipment and supplies in accordance with agency regulations that determine the configuration set-up, movement, rearrangement, and traffic flow of materials.

Inputs and files information related to inventory control and tracking for collections items received, sent or moved into the automated inventory control and tracking systems, such as the LC Integrated Library System or the Ft. Meade Library Archival System.

Screens shipping and receiving documents to identify discrepancies. Contacts appropriate Library personnel to resolve issues in question and expedites the resolution of discrepancies.

Handles or oversees one or more product lines for the Library. The primary focus is on the Library's collections in all formats and at all Library locations, but focus is also on related equipment (such as shelving) and collections-related files.Provides support for the Library's off-site storage program. Works as part of a team of Materials Handlers in performing tasks associated with off-site collections storage.

Operates sedans, large station wagons, and/or 15-passenger vehicles. Performs driver echelon maintenance on vehicles and equipment. Operates vehicles in transporting staff, officials, and property of the Library of Congress to and from specified points in connection with various official demands and responsibilities.

As required, delivers sensitive documents and valuable collections upon request.
Performs various other duties as assigned.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment

Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Knowledge of materials handling and warehouse procedures.**

Skill in operating and maintaining materials handling and warehouse-related equipment and vehicles with safety and dexterity.**

Ability to utilize computer technology in performing warehouse management work.**

Ability to interact with others.

Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. for the use of materials handling and storage.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

OR

Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Transcripts (official or unofficial) of all completed graduate courses or a self-prepared course list showing grades and the number of credits received must be attached to your online application. Graduate transcripts/course list are mandatory; undergraduate transcripts are optional.

Additional information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application.  Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
 
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

A “Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.

Are you a veteran?  Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim.  Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214.  Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form.  If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.
 

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.

The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section 8.5, at: Merit Selection Plan


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent).

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application.  The program does not accept certification from health care providers. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.

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 carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.

You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes. To do so, complete the following steps.

Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress.

Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. We recommend you go to the end of the Qualification and Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.

Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements.

Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.

Step 5: Hiring Management offers three options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.
(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.
(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, e.g. 2 undergraduate transcripts from different schools or 2 SF-50s, etc., be sure that they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.

Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, etc.) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.

If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov , no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED.

Agency contact information

Customer Service Center
Phone
202-707-5620
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
JobHelp@loc.gov
Address
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Please review our evaluation process under Evaluation. You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications." You will receive final notification via e-mail when the vacancy has been filled.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.