Program Specialist

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: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet “time-in-grade” requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). You must include an SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one) that supports meeting this requirement with your application package. To qualify for the GS-09 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-07 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis: Reviewing Federal, State, Tribal or local program operations for compliance with federal regulations; Analyzing Federal, State, Tribal or local policies and guidance; and Communicating program information orally and in writing. OR a master’s or equivalent graduate degree or successful completion of two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or a LL.B. or J.D., if related; OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. To qualify for the GS-11 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-09 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis: Interpreting regulations and policies to ensure compliance with program requirements; Providing oversight and technical assistance to Federal, State, Tribal or local entities regarding program operations; Communicating program findings and recommendations orally and in writing; and Providing recommendations for program improvement. OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related; OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master’s degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.). To qualify for the GS-12 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-11 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis: Providing oversight and technical assistance to Federal, State, Tribal or local entities regarding compliance with program requirements; Coordinating special projects and initiatives concerning policy and operational objectives; Ensuring that the mission, vision, and values are integrated into the work performed. and Providing recommendations for program improvement. 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.
This position is located in the Mountain Plains Regional Office of the United States Department of Agricultures Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS). Through the Agencys Federal nutrition assistance programs, FNCS provides children and needy families with access to nutrition and a more healthful lifestyle. The Regional Office is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the Federal nutrition assistance programs administered by State agencies within each region.