Summary NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Administrative Office Assistant (OA) to join our team! Responsibilities The Fire Fighting Technology Group (FFTG) enables advances in fire fighter safety, fire ground operations, and effectiveness of the fire service; develops and applies technology, measurements and standards, and improves the understanding of the behavior, prevention and control of fires to enhance fire fighting operations and equipment, fire suppression, fire investigations, and disaster response. If selected at the ZS-III level, you will provide clerical and administrative support to the Fire Fighting Technology Group. The position involves processing domestic and international travel authorizations and vouchers; preparing documentation for associate appointments and renewals; assisting with the in-processing of new employees and associates, including arranging office space, phones, and computer accounts before their arrival; preparing and executing out-processing actions for departing employees and associates; managing time and attendance; purchasing equipment, supplies, and services; serving as a bank card holder; preparing training requests and documenting completed training in the Commerce Learning Center database; scheduling meetings; registering visitors; managing files, including archiving records according to published records schedules; and serving as the principal office contact for phone calls and visitors. You will prepare documents, reports, and correspondence, requiring typing at 40 WPM and proficiency with a variety of office automation software, such as spreadsheet and word processing applications. You will collaborate with all levels of employees, supervisors, and administrative staff to obtain necessary information, resolve recurring problems, provide instructions, ensure documentation is in order, and secure cooperation as needed. If selected at the ZS-IV level, you will provide clerical and administrative support within the Fire Fighting Technology Group. Your responsibilities will include processing domestic and international travel authorizations and vouchers, preparing documentation for associate appointments and renewals, and assisting with the in-processing of new employees and associates. This involves arranging office space, phones, and computer accounts before their arrival. You will also be responsible for preparing and executing out-processing actions for departing employees and associates, managing time and attendance, purchasing equipment, supplies, and services, and serving as a bank card holder. Additionally, you will prepare training requests and document completed training in the Commerce Learning Center database, schedule meetings, register visitors, manage files, and archive records according to published records schedules. As the principal office contact, you will handle phone calls and visitors. In this role, you will prepare documents, reports, and correspondence, requiring typing at 40 WPM and proficiency with various office automation software, such as spreadsheet and word processing applications. You will also train administrative staff on various subjects, work independently and collaboratively to develop and implement improvements in workflow and services, and support current policies and processes while drafting new administrative policies and processes to meet unit needs. Collaboration with all levels of employees, supervisors, and administrative staff will be essential to obtain necessary information, resolve recurring problems, provide instructions, ensure documentation is in order, and secure cooperation as needed. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications At the ZS-III level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 (ZS-II for NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience utilizing administrative/clerical skill and automated systems to process time and attendance; make travel and conference arrangements, manage multiple calendars, review correspondence for procedural and grammatical accuracy, respond to non-technical correspondence, maintain an office filing system, compile and enter information into, and retrieve information from various automated programs. At the ZS-IV level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 (ZS-III for NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience performing a broad range of clerical assignments including preparing and managing travel request, timecards, bankcards reconciliations according to deadlines using automated systems and coordinating work with all offices within an organization. In addition to the above requirements, ALL applicants must be able to type 40 WPM. 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. Applicant Reconsideration Education Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position. Additional Information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! Your application package may be shared with other selecting officials at NIST for similar opportunities and additional selections may be made from this vacancy. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY in order to be considered for this position. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. If a supervisory position, use: A supervisory probationary period may be required. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as: Telework Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Back-up child care program Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs