Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Office of the Director. The selectee is not required to report to a government office, however, the option to work in one of the Agency offices may be available. In this position, you will be responsible for developing recommendations designed to provide optimum delivery of administrative management support and service to research scientists within Agricultural Research Service. Responsibilities Plans, evaluates, and reviews the delivery of business services to meet program priorities and new program initiatives. Oversees, directs, and assures delivery of efficient and effective business management programs. Participates in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of business programs, policies, and procedures. Monitors vacancies and fill times, performance management, conduct problems, training, succession planning, and leadership development. Ensures coordination of research program requirements regarding engineering, property, safety, and environmental management. Recognizes and rewards the contributions and achievements of employees and takes appropriate action to address deficiencies in performance or conduct expeditiously and attempts to resolve grievances. Partners with managers to ensure accountability for Area resources (financial, human resources, facilities, etc.). Advises management on the effective and creative use and distribution of federal positions, and human resources obtained through cooperative agreements with university partners. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-15 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-14 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience providing leadership and coordination for research programs; analyzing and evaluating program procedures that impact the execution of research goals and policies; delivering guidance and support for stakeholders, and senior officials concerning inquiries relative to programs; and planning, conducting, and evaluating long-range business operations projects or proposals. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. 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. Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period. If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use. Recruitment Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of Agriculture. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.