Program Support Assistant (OA)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in Brookings, SD and Grand Forks, ND seeks an administrative support professional to coordinate daily operations and assist with budgeting, travel, procurement, personnel actions, and research documentation.

You will use automated workflow tools, maintain files, prepare reports, and ensure timely submission of documents, calendars, leave schedules, and correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Processes routine project coordination, travel documentation, budget tracking, procurement, agreements, and HR-related administrative tasks using automated workflow tools.
• Assists in developing annual resource or financial plans by compiling routine financial data and preparing reports in electronic planning tools.
• Compiles personnel, financial, and resource data for annual reporting requirements.
• Processes administrative transactions (financial, procurement, agreements, property, personnel) in automated business or office systems.
• Prepares travel authorizations and vouchers using automated travel management systems.
• Serves as principal timekeeper to the work unit, including reviewing time and attendance logs of employees for completeness and accuracy.
• Coordinates research documentation and maintains project files using electronic documentation or research-tracking systems.
• Notifies researchers of documentation deadlines, updates, and required submissions.
• Assists with preparation and submission of project materials through automated reporting or review systems.
• Advises on procedural and documentation requirements for research plans, progress reports, research proposals, manuscripts, travel, grants, and agreements.
• Maintains calendars, leave schedules, electronic documents, and correspondence logs using standard office software and digital tools.
• Produces documents in correct format with accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Maintains and revises filing systems for administrative and research documentation in physical and electronic formats.
• Logs, routes, and tracks incoming correspondence and action items to ensure timely follow-up.

Job description

These positions are located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area, Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit/Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center located in Brookings, SD and Grand Forks, ND.

In these positions, you will provide essential administrative support by coordinating daily operations, managing records and business processes, and assisting with budgeting, travel, procurement, personnel actions, and research documentation.

Duties

• Processes routine project coordination, travel documentation, budget tracking, procurement, agreements, and HR-related administrative tasks using automated workflow tools.
• Assists in developing annual resource or financial plans by compiling routine financial data and preparing reports in electronic planning tools.
• Compiles personnel, financial, and resource data for annual reporting requirements.
• Processes administrative transactions (financial, procurement, agreements, property, personnel) in automated business or office systems.
• Prepares travel authorizations and vouchers using automated travel management systems.
• Serves as principal timekeeper to the work unit, including reviewing time and attendance logs of employees for completeness and accuracy.
• Coordinates research documentation and maintains project files using electronic documentation or research-tracking systems.
• Notifies researchers of documentation deadlines, updates, and required submissions.
• Assists with preparation and submission of project materials through automated reporting or review systems.
• Advises on procedural and documentation requirements for research plans, progress reports, research proposals, manuscripts, travel, grants, and agreements.
• Maintains calendars, leave schedules, electronic documents, and correspondence logs using standard office software and digital tools.
• Produces documents in correct format with accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Maintains and revises filing systems for administrative and research documentation in physical and electronic formats.
• Logs, routes, and tracks incoming correspondence and action items to ensure timely follow-up.

Requirements