National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Logo
Position Title
Administrative Program Specialist
Agency
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Announcement Number
NMFS-WCR-24-12494814-ACWA Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, August 2, 2024 to Friday, August 16, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current Department of Commerce employee who meets the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service that makes you eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)?  If yes, please confirm that you meet all the following eligibility requirements:
  • This position is in the same local commuting area as the position of record from which you will be separated; and
  • This position is at a grade level no higher than the grade of the position of record from which you will be separated; and
  • This position has no greater promotion potential than the position of record from which you will be separated; and
  • You have a current performance rating of record of at least fully successful or the equivalent; and 
  • You have not yet been separated. 
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former employee of a Federal agency (other than the Department of Commerce) who meets the definition of displaced from a position in the competitive service that makes you eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)?  If yes, please confirm that you meet all the following eligibility requirements: 
  • This position is in the same local commuting area as the position of record from which you were separated; and
  • This position is at a grade level no higher than the grade of the position of record from which you were separated; and 
  • This position has no greater promotion potential than the position of record from which you were separated; and
  • Your last performance rating of record was at least fully successful or the equivalent; and
  • You were separated from your position of record less than one year ago.    
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Please select the responses to the questions below that best describe your education and/or experience as it relates to this position. (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select the letter that describes the education and/or experience you have that demonstrates your ability to perform as an Administrative Program Specialist at the ZA-2 (GS-7) grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
2. I certify, to the best of my knowledge, that all the information in my application is true, and that I have truthfully and accurately represented my work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education. I understand that providing false or fraudulent information may be grounds for not hiring me or for firing me after I begin work. I also certify that I have read the entire vacancy announcement; that I have reviewed my answers to the eligibility questions for accuracy; and that I understand what supporting documentation, if any, is required for submission and when it's due. (limit characters)
Assessment 2
The following questions ask you to describe your educational background, your work, and other experiences in specific areas which relate to successful job performance. You are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Do not omit answers unless instructed to do so. Other omissions may decrease your score. (limit characters)
1. During high school (grades 9 - 12), I made the semester honor roll:
(limit characters)
2. The high school grade I most often received was:
(limit characters)
IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND COLLEGE, PLEASE SKIP TO ITEM 4. (limit characters)
3. The college grade I most often received was:
(limit characters)
4. In the past three years the number of different paying jobs I have held for more than two weeks is:
(limit characters)
5. I have been employed in work similar to that of the job covered by this examination:
(limit characters)
6. In the past three years, my primary work experience has been in:
(limit characters)
7. On my present or most recent job, my supervisor rated me as:
(limit characters)
8. In the past three years the number of jobs I have been fired from is:
(limit characters)
9. The number of civic or social organizations (which have regular meetings and a defined membership) that I belong to is:
(limit characters)
10. In organizations to which I belong, my participation is best described as:
(limit characters)
11. My previous supervisors (or teachers if not previously employed) would most likely describe my basic math skills as:
(limit characters)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS The questions in this part relate to fundamental competencies, such as problem solving and oral communication required for the job for which you are applying. Please answer each question "A" for YES or "B" for NO. Keep in mind the following: 1) Some questions refer to "work" experience. Unless otherwise stated, this includes experience you have gained through: • School, • Volunteer work, • Military service, • Paid employment, • Hobbies, or • Professional, charitable, religious, community, social, or other organizations. 2) Some questions include examples to help show the broad range of accomplishments and experience applicants might have. Read the entire question using the examples as a guide, but do not base your answers solely on the examples. 3) Some questions ask you if you received a grade of B or above in your schoolwork. On an A, B, C, D, F scale, a grade of B or above is considered an above average grade. If you were graded on a different scale, use the equivalent of a B or above on the type of scale on which you were graded. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Your responses are subject to verification through background checks, job interviews, and any other information obtained during the application process. Untruthful responses or any attempt to conceal information can result in your removal from a Federal job and in you being barred from seeking Federal employment in the future. Remember: A- For Yes B- For No (limit characters)
12. Have you written procedures or instructions that others have followed successfully (for example, instruction manuals, survey instructions, training materials, etc.)?
(limit characters)
13. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved answering questions, demonstrating a product or service, or providing assistance to customers, clients, or the public?
(limit characters)
14. Have you learned a hobby or leisure activity well enough that you have been asked to do it for others on a voluntary basis?
(limit characters)
15. Have you successfully reviewed and evaluated forms, applications, documents, or other information, not including contract proposals or bids, to make determinations (for example, to determine approval or denial of loans, eligibility for claims, etc.)?
(limit characters)
16. Since high school, have you received a grade of B or above in oral communication classes (for example, speech, public speaking, theater, etc.) or participated in activities that improved your oral communication skills (for example, training classes, workshops, seminars, debate team, speech club, etc.)?
(limit characters)
17. Have you received formal recognition for your written work (for example, received an award, letter of commendation, excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?
(limit characters)
18. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and monitoring work for fewer than 10 people?
(limit characters)
19. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved making decisions about disclosure of sensitive or confidential information?
(limit characters)
20. Have you devised a strategy to overcome a major setback that successfully enabled you to complete a project on time or within budget?
(limit characters)
21. Have you successfully done work that regularly required you to determine resource requirements or monitor the use of resources (for example, staff, space, equipment, supplies, materials, etc.)?
(limit characters)
22. Have you taught a nonacademic skill to others on a voluntary basis (for example, taught camping to scouts, photography, cooking, waterskiing, etc.)?
(limit characters)
23. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved interacting with people, other than your co-workers, from a foreign country or from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds?
(limit characters)
24. Have you designed or developed something, on your own initiative, to help you or other employees better complete assignments (for example, designed a training manual)?
(limit characters)
25. Have you received favorable feedback for oral presentations you have given to management or other officials, or to the public (for example, for speaking at religious services, performing in theatrical productions, etc.)?
(limit characters)
26. Have you successfully dealt with a disruption to regular operations in a way that allowed for completion of the work or continuation of a noncritical service?
(limit characters)
27. Have you received formal recognition for providing good service to customers or clients (for example, received an award, a letter of commendation, an excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?
(limit characters)
28. Have you identified and solved a problem with a procedure, product, or service that benefited the organization (for example, saved the organization time or money, increased sales, reduced errors, etc.)?
(limit characters)
29. Have you successfully determined space layouts or assignments for equipment, furniture, displays, etc.?
(limit characters)
30. Have you received formal recognition for your ability to work well with others (for example, received a letter of recommendation or appreciation, an excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?
(limit characters)
31. Have you successfully done work that frequently required you to present nontechnical information at briefings, meetings, conferences, or hearings?
(limit characters)
32. Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that improved your performance at work?
(limit characters)
33. Have you broken a sales record or a similar record, regularly exceeded quotas or similar productivity standards, or received formal recognition for doing work that surpassed what was expected (for example, received a certificate of appreciation, bonus, etc.)?
(limit characters)
34. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved answering questions,
gathering nonsensitive information, or providing assistance to others, either in person or by telephone?
(limit characters)
35. In high school, did you have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, belong to an honor society, or graduate with honors?
(limit characters)
36. Have you done work that involved writing brochures, press releases, or speeches?
(limit characters)
37. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved verifying the accuracy of information or the relevance of information to a problem or a situation (for example, investigative work)?
(limit characters)
38. Have you successfully done work where your supervisor regularly relied on you to make decisions while he or she was in meetings or out of the office?
(limit characters)
39. Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that helped you improve your self-management skills (for example, time management, goal setting, career development, etc.)?
(limit characters)
40. Have you successfully learned a hobby or leisure activity requiring extensive study or use of complex directions (for example, constructing stereo or computer systems, making stained glass objects, etc.)?
(limit characters)
41. Have you received favorable feedback about your ability to provide oral instructions or on-the-job training to others, or about your ability to instruct or coach others in athletic, leisure, or community activities?
(limit characters)
42. Have you received formal recognition for solving a work-related problem (for example, received an award, a letter of commendation, etc.)?
(limit characters)
43. Have you successfully done work that required you to identify what a customer or client needs?
(limit characters)
44. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved relaying messages to co-workers, or providing information or giving simple instructions to customers or the public, either in person or by telephone (for example, worked as a receptionist, dispatcher, etc.)?
(limit characters)
45. Have you received favorable feedback about your interpersonal skills when serving as a leader, instructor, or supervisor for academic, religious, community, sports, leisure, or work activities?
(limit characters)
46. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved composing letters or writing reports containing several short paragraphs, such as investigation reports, accident reports, performance evaluations, etc.?
(limit characters)
47. Do you have a professional license or certificate issued by a state or other official or professional licensing board indicating your mastery of a specialized body of knowledge (for example, cosmetology, real estate, certified public accounting, etc.)?
(limit characters)
48. Have you successfully done work that often required you to accommodate last minute requests from customers or clients or to provide quality service in situations where timeliness is critical (for example, worked as a courier or travel agent, worked in newspaper publishing, etc.)?
(limit characters)
49. Have you successfully tutored someone in an academic subject or in study skills?
(limit characters)
50. Have you successfully planned an event such as a conference, fund-raiser, etc.?
(limit characters)
51. Have you successfully done work that involved deciding which supplies, equipment, or merchandise to purchase for a group or organization?
(limit characters)
52. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved conducting quality checks or following up with customers or clients to ensure satisfaction with a product or service?
(limit characters)
53. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved interacting or coordinating with people outside of your immediate work group (for example, people from other offices, departments, organizations, etc.)?
(limit characters)
54. Have you successfully done work that involved identifying the type of training needed by an individual or group?
(limit characters)
55. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved informally providing oral explanations of technical information or other complex information, such as regulations, policies, or procedures?
(limit characters)
56. Have you successfully worked closely with a client over an extended period of time to complete a project or resolve a problem?
(limit characters)
57. Have you successfully done work that involved writing technical or legal reports, or translating technical or other complex material into language that was more easily understood?
(limit characters)
58. Have you provided formal training to others in a specialized area of knowledge outside of work or academic settings (for example, taught self-help classes, religious instruction, etc.)?
(limit characters)
59. Have you successfully written reports that presented facts, findings, logical conclusions, and persuasive arguments (for example, wrote a thesis, briefing papers, policy papers, complex research papers, etc.)?
(limit characters)
60. Have you successfully done work that required extensive on-the-job training?
(limit characters)
61. Have you taken the initiative to learn new skills or acquire additional knowledge that improved your performance at work or school, or in leisure activities?
(limit characters)
62. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved determining appropriate products or services for customers or clients?
(limit characters)
63. Have you successfully completed a small-scale project (lasting several days or weeks) on or ahead of schedule with minimal supervision?
(limit characters)
64. Have you successfully developed, updated, or enhanced materials for a training/educational program or class?
(limit characters)
65. Have you successfully completed a highly structured, formal training program, not including an apprenticeship for a trade or craft, that required you to learn a complex body of information (for example, training for jobs in insurance, law enforcement, real estate, etc.)?
(limit characters)
66. Do you regularly monitor your progress toward achieving your career goals (for example, by initiating discussions about your career goals with your supervisor, employee counselor, mentor, etc.)?
(limit characters)
67. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved listening carefully to others to understand a need, problem, or situation (for example, investigative work, counseling, etc.)?
(limit characters)
68. Have you developed a formal mechanism to learn more about a problem (for example, developed a survey, conducted interviews or focus groups, etc.)?
(limit characters)
69. Have you successfully planned or monitored a large-scale project or program that involved several steps that were carried out over an extended period of time?
(limit characters)
70. Have you successfully completed a long-term project outside of work where you were solely responsible for doing the work (for example, completed a thesis, wrote a book that was published, prepared a horse for competition that won a ribbon, restored an antique car, etc.)?
(limit characters)
71. Have you often been asked to proofread or edit the writing of others for content, punctuation, spelling, and grammar?
(limit characters)
72. Have you provided formal work-related training to others (for example, provided formal orientation training or training in customer service, computer software applications, management skills, etc.)?
(limit characters)
73. Have you successfully remained courteous and tactful while enforcing laws or policies or helping customers, clients, or members of the public who were hostile or upset, not including handling customer complaints (for example, worked in a crisis center, worked as a police officer, parole officer, park ranger, etc.)?
(limit characters)
74. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and monitoring work for 10 or more people?
(limit characters)
75. Have you suggested or made changes to products or procedures that resulted in better meeting customer needs?
(limit characters)
76. Have you successfully done work that involved making personnel decisions (for example, who to hire, promote, or discipline) or deciding how to allocate equipment, materials, staff, etc.?
(limit characters)
77. Have you successfully completed a complex research project that included collecting and analyzing information, and reporting conclusions or recommendations?
(limit characters)
78. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved discussing sensitive information with others, or interviewing or surveying people, either in person or by telephone, to gather information they were reluctant to give?
(limit characters)
79. Have you successfully planned activities for nonwork groups (for example, athletic teams, professional associations, religious groups, etc.)?
(limit characters)
80. Have you done work that regularly involved providing constructive feedback to others (for example, when grading class papers, when conducting on-the-job training or performance evaluations, etc.)?
(limit characters)
81. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved deciding how best to use the strengths of team members (for example, deciding who to assign to various projects, which player to put in each position, etc.)?
(limit characters)
82. Have you successfully completed a large-scale project (lasting several months or longer) on or ahead of schedule with minimal supervision?
(limit characters)