Scopist Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. req765 Department Senate
Salary $89,961.00 to $139,434.00 Grade 09 to 09
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/2/2025 Close Date 12/16/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Secretary of the Senate's Official Reporters of Debates is seeking a Scopist. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

This is professional clerical work providing scoping expertise to the Office of the Official Reporters of Debates for the completion of a substantially verbatim record of the oral proceedings of the Senate. Work includes editing and formatting transcripts of Senate proceedings for publication of the Congressional Record (Record). Work is bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa

Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work is primarily sedentary but may require occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as extensive reading and use of computers, regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, photocopier, and fax machine. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary. This position is tied to the Senate floor schedule and requires working extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by the Senate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires a high school diploma or GED and five to eight years of editing or scoping experience, and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution, Senate procedures and organization, and the legislative process preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the history and operation of the Senate.

Knowledge of parliamentary procedures and ability to edit proceedings accurately while ensuring material conforms to parliamentary procedures.

Knowledge of American history, civics, and current events.

Knowledge of English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary.

Knowledge of GPO formats, styles, languages, and processes.

Skill in the operation of Computer Assisted Transcription (CAT) editing programs.

Critical thinking skills to help complete accurate transcripts in a timely manner.

Ability to use computer and relevant software/desktop publishing programs.

Ability to quickly and accurately proofread large amounts of complex material and edit for technical and grammatical errors.

Ability to format information in approved GPO style for printing of the Record.

Ability to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to follow oral and written procedures and instructions.

Ability to work long, unscheduled, and unpredictable hours as dictated by the Senate schedule.

Ability to travel and work inside or outside of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, in the event of an emergency that requires relocation of the Senate.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
None.

Education

See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications.

Additional information

The Secretary of the Senate is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email resumes@sec.senate.gov with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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.

Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Qualified candidates may be selected for an interview.

Required Documents

  • Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.

Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Veterans' Preference Application, if applicable

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

https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa All applicants must use the link above and follow instructions. DO NOT submit any paper application materials or resumes via U.S. Postal Mail or in person. All applicants MUST use the online employment application.

Agency contact information

Email
resumes@sec.senate.gov
Address
Secretary of the Senate, Human Resources
Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510

Next steps

Candidates will be contacted if granted an interview.


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