To: Federal Library Community--
Please see information below re. the announcement for the vacancy of
Director of NAL, Pam Andre's former position. -Susan
Susan M. Tarr, Executive Director
Federal Library and Information Center Committee
The Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20540-4935
Tel. 202-707-4800/01 Fax 202-707-4818
Email: [log in to unmask]
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your note. Please do post the announcement over the
FEDLIB
listserv. The official job announcement is posted at
<http://www.ars.usda.gov/afm2/divisions/hrd/vacancy/01-03.htm> The
technical qualification requirements have been updated since the
initial
posting and will change somewhat the text that was included in the
message
below.
Thank you again for your assistance in distributing this
announcement.
FEDLIB is an important audience for this announcement.
Sincerely,
Susan McCarthy
>>> Susan McCarthy <[log in to unmask]> 06/07 5:45 PM >>>
Hi to all,
Director Pam Andre retired last Friday following 35 years of
government service. Recruitment is underway to fill the vacancy.
The job
announcement was posted May 14 and will remain open until July 16.
The position
as Director of NAL will remain a Senior Executive Service position.
The
text from the announcement follows this message .
In the interim, NAL's senior management team will rotate serving as
Acting-Director for 60 days. Effective Saturday, June 2, Eleanor
Frierson, Deputy Director began serving the first rotation.
Sincerely,
Susan McCarthy
(301) 504-5510
Position Title: Director, National Agricultural
Library
Series, Grade: ES-1410
Announcement Number: ARS-SES:01-03
Salary Range: $120,261 to $133,700 (includes locality)
Opening Date: May 14, 2001
Closing Date: July 16, 2001
Location of Position: Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville,
Maryland
Contact: Stacy Aldrich or Lee Triplett
USDA, ARS, HRD, REE Policy Branch
5601
Sunnyside Ave, Stop Code 5103Beltsville, MD 20705-5103 Telephone:
(301)504-1448Fax: (301) 504-1485 Internet: http://www.ars.usda.gov//
Area of Consideration: ALL QUALIFIED PERSONS
Duties and Qualification Requirements:
The incumbent serves as Director of the National Agricultural
Library, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and is responsible for
providing leadership and direction in formulating, implementing and
evaluating the development and execution of broad programs of library
and technical information services (including the application of
advanced computer and telecommunications technology) for worldwide
collection, evaluation, and dissemination of specialized information
in the agricultural and related sciences. The incumbent participates
with the Administrator, ARS, key management officials, and executives
of the Library of Congress, the National Library of Medicine,
land-grant colleges and universities, and various national and
international agricultural and scientific information organizations
and institutions in ensuring the maximum utilization, coordination,
and interchange of resources to meet the nation's food and
agricultural information needs. Directs, oversees, and defends the
development and execution of Agency program goals and resource
requirements to the Department, OMB, and Congressional officials.
MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS (Fully described on attached supplemental
applicant statement sheets)
A. Executive Core Qualifications
1. Leading Change
2. Leading People
3. Results Driven
4. Business Acumen
5. Building Coalitions/Communication
B. Technical Qualifications
1. Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, techniques, and
policy issues pertinent to the current practice of librarianship and
information science. Knowledge of librarianship and information
science relating to the special requirements of acquiring, organizing,
and preserving scientific and/or agricultural information. Knowledge
of the organization, operation, and administrative processes of large
research libraries, including the application of state of the art
computer, telecommunications, and electronic technologies. Ability to
forecast the information needs of a wide range of users and to work
cooperatively on program of mutual interest with national and
international organizations and institutions.
C. Education Qualifications
Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library
science in an accredited college or university, in addition to
completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
OR
A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level
education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the
applicant
must establish conclusively that the education, training, and
experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories,
principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge
of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for
providing effective library and information services.
A Masters Degree in Library and Information Science is highly
desirable.
TO APPLY: Send the application package described below to: USDA, ARS,
HRD,
Policy Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Stop Code 5103
Beltsville, MD 20705-5103
ATTN: Lee Triplett
Application and supplemental information must arrive at the
"Contact"
address by the closing date of this announcement. The Department of
Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified
minorities and
women are encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION PACKAGE: All candidates are required to provide the
following information. The initial competition and identification of
candidates
to be interviewed will be made solely on the basis of this material.
Candidates who do not submit complete packages may be removed from
consideration.
A. A resume, curriculum vitae, OF-612 (Optional Application for
Federal Employment), or SF-171 (Application for Federal Employment)
must be
submitted. Should you choose to submit a resume or curriculum vitae,
the document should contain the information outlined in the booklet
"Applying for a Federal Job (OF-510)." A completed OF-612 or a
completed SF-171
both contain all of this required information.
B. A Supplemental Applicant Statement which addresses each of
the executive core qualifications and the technical qualifications.
This
statement must provide examples of your experience, training, and
accomplishments which are relevant to the qualification. DO NOT
simply repeat entries from other parts of your application package.
Instead, elaborate on your training, experience, and
accomplishments,
highlighting the problems involved in and the objectives of your
work, how you
handled the problems and met work objectives, and the result of your
efforts
(evidence of your success) and recognition received. In response to
executive core qualification #2, Leading People, be sure to
describe:
- your participation in EEO and/or Civil Rights training sessions,
- your knowledge about Federal Equal Opportunity Programs,
- your responsibility for assuring that women and minorities are
provided the opportunity to receive grants and/or contracts,
employment and advancement opportunities, and program benefits;
- your participation with religious, civic, or social groups in
providing food, housing, technical assistance, education, training
and/or employment for minorities and women; awards or other
recognition for
activities in this area.
C. SES Candidate Development Program graduates require proof of
OPM certification. D. Most recent supervisory appraisal of
performance.
This is required of candidates who are current Federal employees and
all
others who could reasonably be expected to receive such an appraisal
on a
periodic basis.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Career applicants currently in the SES or
graduates of the SESCDP need only address the technical
qualifications.
Consideration for competitive selection for this position is open to
all
persons who meet the basic qualifications within the area of
consideration.
Sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status,
handicap,
and other nonmerit factors will not be considered.
EVALUATION METHOD: Applicants who meet the mandatory qualifications
will be considered qualified for this position. Rating and ranking
to
determine "best qualified" will be conducted by a panel of experts in
the field
and will be based upon consideration of the degree to which
applicants
meet the qualifications. Interviews and qualifications inquiries may
be
required. The executive core qualifications of the selectee are
subject to prior
approval by the Office of Personnel Management.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Selectee is subject to a one-year probationary
period unless currently serving under an SES appointment.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Continued service in this position is subject to
a satisfactory background investigation.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color,
national
origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital and family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to
all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative
means
for communication of program information (Braille, large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600
(voice or TDD.)
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA,
Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, J. L. Whitten Federal
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or
call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD.) USDA is an equal opportunity
provider
and employer.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: This agency provides reasonable
accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a
reasonable accommodation
for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the
agency.
The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a
case-by-case basis.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICANT STATEMENT
POSITION: Director, National Agricultural Library ES-1410 The
purpose
of this statement is to provide you, as an applicant, the
opportunity
to elaborate on experience, training and specifically, significant
achievements which relate to the executive core qualifications and
the technical
qualifications being used to identify the best qualified candidates
for this vacancy.
INSTRUCTIONS
On the following pages are a series of statements and questions
which
are designed to assist the panel (mentioned in item "EVALUATION
METHOD"
of the basic portion of the announcement) in their deliberations.
Responses
to these questions allow you to highlight significant experience,
training, and achievements, which will be of great assistance to the
panel in
their assessment of your qualifications. This form will be used in
conjunction with the rest of your application package. Additional
sheets may be
attached. If additional sheets are attached, be sure to include your
name and the announcement number. IMPORTANT! In answering each of
the
following questions, please structure your responses in terms of the
action
taken, context of environment in which the action was taken, and the
outcome
of results from such actions. Please provide at least two examples
for
each area, where practical.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS
ECQ1-- Leading Change This core qualification encompasses the
ability
to develop and implement an organizational vision which integrates
key
national and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors.
Inherent to
it is the ability to balance change and continuity--to continually
strive
to improve customer service and program performance within the basic
Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages
creative
thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity, and persistence, even
under
adversity. Key characteristics include:
Exercising leadership and motivating managers to incorporate
vision, strategic planning, and elements of quality management into
the full
range of the organization's activities; encouraging creative thinking
and
innovation; influencing others toward a spirit of service; designing
and implementing new or cutting edge programs/processes.
Identifying and integrating key issues affecting the
organization, including political, economic, social, technological,
and
administrativefactors.
Understanding the roles and relationships of the components
of
the national policy making and implementation process, including the
President, political appointees, Congress, the judiciary, state and
local
governments, and interest groups; and formulating effective
strategies to balance
those interests consistent with the business of the organization
Being open to change and new information; tolerating
ambiguity; adapting behavior and work methods in response to new
information,
changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; adjusting rapidly to
new
situations warranting attention and resolution.
Displaying a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment
to public service; being proactive and achievement- oriented; being
self-motivated; pursuing self-development; seeking feedback from
others and opportunities to master new knowledge.
Dealing effectively with pressure; maintaining focus and
intensity and remaining persistent, even under adversity; recovering
quickly
from setbacks.
Examples of Leadership Competencies
* Creativity & Innovation * Resilience * Continual Learning *
Vision* Service Motivation * External Awareness * Strategic Thinking
*
Flexibility
ECQ2-- LEADING PEOPLE
This core qualification involves the ability to design and implement
strategies which maximize employee potential and foster high ethical
standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
Key characteristics include:
Providing leadership in setting the workforce's expected
performance levels commensurate with the organization's strategic
objectives;
inspiring, motivating, and guiding others toward goal accomplishment;
empowering
people by sharing power and authority.
Promoting quality through effective use of the organization's
performance management system (e.g., establishing performance
standards, appraising staff accomplishments using the developed
standards, and
taking action to reward, counsel, or remove employees, as
appropriate).
Valuing cultural diversity and other differences; fostering
an environment where people who are culturally diverse can work
together cooperatively and effectively in achieving organizational
goals.
Assessing employees' unique developmental needs and providing
developmental opportunities which maximize employees' capabilities
and contribute to the achievement of organizational goals;
developing
leadership in others through coaching and mentoring.
Fostering commitment, team spirit, pride, trust, and group
identity; taking steps to prevent situations that could result in
unpleasant
confrontations.
Resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner;
this includes promoting labor/management partnerships and dealing
effectively with employee relations matters, attending to morale and
organizational climate issues, handling administrative, labor
management, and EEO
issues, and taking disciplinary actions when other means have not
been
successful.
Examples of Leadership Competencies
* Conflict Management * Integrity/Honesty* Leveraging Diversity *
Team Building
ECQ3--RESULTS DRIVEN
This core qualification stresses accountability and continuous
improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective
decisions and
produce results through strategic planning and the implementation
and
evaluation of programs and policies. Key characteristics include:
a. Understanding and appropriately applying procedures,
requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized
expertise;
understanding linkages between administrative competencies and
mission needs;
keeping current on issues, practices, and procedures in technical
areas.
b. Stressing results by formulating strategic program plans
which assess policy/program feasibility and include realistic short-
and
long-term goals and objectives.
c. Exercising good judgment in structuring and organizing work
and setting priorities; balancing the interests of clients and
readily
readjusting priorities to respond to customer demands.
Anticipating and identifying, diagnosing, and consulting on
potential or actual problem areas relating to program implementation
and goal achievement; selecting from alternative courses of action,
and
taking action from developed contingency plans.
Setting program standards; holding self and others
accountable
for achieving these standards; acting decisively to modify them to
promote customer service and/or the quality of programs and
policies.
Identifying opportunities to develop and market new products
and services within our outside of the organization; taking risks to
pursue a recognized benefit or advantage.
Examples of Leadership Competencies
* Accountability * Entrepreneurship * Customer Service* Problem
Solving * Decisiveness * Technical Credibility
ECQ4-- BUSINESS ACUMEN
This core qualification involves the ability to acquire and
administer
human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner
which instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's
mission,
and to use new technology to enhance decision making. Key
characteristics
include:
a. Assessing current and future staffing needs based on
organizational goals and budget realities. Applying merit principles
to develop,
select, and manage a diverse workforce.
b. Overseeing the allocation of financial resources; identifying
cost-effective approaches; establishing and assuring the use of
internal controls for financial systems.
Managing the budgetary process, including preparing and
justifying a budget and operating the budget under organizational
and
Congressional procedures; understanding the marketing expertise
necessary to
ensure appropriate funding levels.
Overseeing procurement and contracting procedures and
processes.
Integrating and coordinating logistical operations.
Ensuring the efficient and cost-effective development and
utilization of management information systems and other
technological resources that meet the organization's needs;
understanding the
impact of technological changes on the organization.
Examples of Leadership Competencies
* Financial Management * Technology Management * Human Resources
Management
ECQ5-- BUILDING COALITIONS/COMMUNICATION
This core qualification involves the ability to explain, advocate,
and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate
with
individuals and groups internally and externally. It also involves
the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other
organizations, and to identify the internal and external politics
that impact the work of the organization. Key characteristics
include:
Representing and speaking for the organizational unit and its
work (e.g., presenting, explaining, selling, defining, and
negotiating) to
those within and outside the office (e.g., agency heads and other
Government executives; corporate executives; Office of Management and
Budget
officials; Congressional members and staff; the media; clientele and
professional groups); making clear and convincing oral presentations
to
individuals and groups; listening effectively and clarifying
information;
facilitating an open exchange of ideas.
Establishing and maintaining working relationships with
internal organizational units (e.g., other program areas and staff
support
functions); approaching each problem situation with a clear
perception of
organizational and political reality; using contacts to build and
strengthen
internal support bases; getting understanding and support from
higher
level management.
Developing and enhancing alliances with external groups
(e.g.,
other agencies or firms, state and local governments, Congress, and
clientele groups); engaging in cross-functional activities; finding
common
ground with a widening range of stakeholders.
Working in groups and teams; conducting briefings and other
meetings; gaining cooperation from others to obtain information and
accomplish goals; facilitating "win-win" situations.
Considering and responding appropriately to the needs,
feelings, and capabilities of different people in different
situations; is tactful
and treats others with respect.
Seeing that reports, memoranda, and other documents reflect
the position and work of the organization in a clear, convincing,
and
organized manner.
Examples of Leadership Competencies
* Influencing/Negotiating * Partnering * Interpersonal Skills*
Political Savvy * Oral Communication * Written Communication
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
1. Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, techniques,
and policy issues pertinent to the current practice of librarianship
and
information science.
Knowledge of librarianship and information science relating
to
the special requirements of acquiring, organizing, and preserving
scientific and/or agricultural information.
Knowledge of the organization, operation, and administrative
processes of large research libraries, including the application of
state of the art computer, telecommunications, and electronic
technologies.
Ability to forecast the information needs of a wide range of
users and to work cooperatively on program of mutual interest with
national
and international organizations and institutions.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library
science in an accredited college or university, in addition to
completion of all
work required for a bachelor's degree;
OR
A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level
education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the
applicant
must establish conclusively that the education, training, and
experience
provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles,
and
techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature
resources; and
the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective
library
and information services.
A Masters Degree in Library and Information Science is highly
desirable.
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
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