Program Assistant

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking a coordinator to oversee the biotechnology regulation related to plants and plant pests within the USDA framework. You will coordinate development and implementation of related matters and act as a liaison among USDA agencies and with governmental and private organizations.

The role requires effective communication, organization, and collaboration to support program operations and policy adherence.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level demonstrating understanding of agency structure and needs.
• Experience applying spelling, grammar, and formatting standards to prepare correspondence and briefing materials.
• Experience recommending process improvements and developing administrative procedures to enhance office efficiency.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience using word processing, database, and spreadsheet software to prepare forms, reports, and manage program databases.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement the USDA biotechnology regulation functions related to plants and plant pests.
• Serve as liaison on biotechnology between USDA agencies and external organizations.

Skills

Agency structure understanding

Editing and proofreading

Process improvement

Verbal and written communication

Office automation tools

Database management

Electronic submissions processing

Tools

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Database management software

Job description

If selected you will be responsible for the coordination, development, and implementation of all matters and functions pertaining to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) regulation of biotechnology as it relates to plants and plant pests, and acts as liaison on matters involving biotechnology between agencies within USDA and between USDA and governmental and private organizations.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-GS 06 grade level) that demonstrates:

• Utilized understanding of Agency's or program's structure and needs to: identify urgent or sensitive inquiries, screen requests for information, and resolve non routine or technical issues in alignment with agency priorities.


• Applied spelling, grammar, and formatting standards to prepare and edit correspondence, surveys, charts, and briefing materials, ensuring professional quality and adherence to Agency or program's communication guidelines.


• Recommended process improvements and developed administrative procedures that enhanced office efficiency, workflow, and record management, supporting stronger overall program operations.


• Communicated effectively in both verbal and written formats to: respond to inquiries, coordinate activities with team members, and assist internal and external stakeholders with a customer focused, solutions oriented approach.


• Operated office automation tools-including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet software-to prepare forms, reports, graphics, and charts; maintain program databases; and process electronic submissions.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

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.