Posting 24-28

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:  This position is open to all qualified applicants.  Two positions will be filled from this posting. 

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is joined by Harvard College Observatory to form the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.  The Center is a collaboration between Harvard and Smithsonian designed to ask — and ultimately answer — humanity’s greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe.   Founded in 1973, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is an ongoing collaboration designed to foster innovation and propel discovery.  Our mission is to advance knowledge of the Universe through research in astronomy and astrophysics and in related areas of fundamental physics and geophysics.

At the CfA, scientists in a broad range of disciplines study the universe at every scale, from every wavelength, and using telescopes and instruments that span and orbit the globe, all with a single purpose: making groundbreaking discoveries that advance human knowledge.

Summary

This is the position of Human Resources Specialist, Human Resources Department of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to plan, organize and independently carry out a wide variety of responsibilities in areas such as recruitment and placement, position classification, management-employee relations, performance appraisals and visa processing for assigned organization within the observatory.

This position is telework eligible, however, selected candidate will be required to work onsite 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and place Federal and Trust Fund employees in open positions at all levels including administrative, technical, scientific, wage board, etc. This process entails evaluation of the position description and grade level as submitted by the supervisor in accordance with USOPM classification
  standards and guidelines set forth by EEO/AA. Positions are posted internally, on USAJobs, SI Pinpoint, and advertised with appropriate media. In conjunction with the hiring supervisor, the incumbent
  determines selective factors, job analyses, competencies and rating plans for positions and evaluates qualifications of candidates. Incumbent will make significant effort to increase recruitment sources for special programs by developing innovative recruiting plans.
  2. Classify a variety of position descriptions at all levels (as a result of new positions, reevaluations of
  existing positions, for promotions, etc.) in accordance with USOPM position classification standards.
  Perform desk audits of positions as required or upon special request.
  3. Calculate severance payment for SAO employees (both Trust Fund and Federal) who are affected by Staff Reductions. Must be familiar with appropriate rules, regulations and procedures as outlined in the Smithsonian Institution Staff Handbooks and the Federal Personnel Manual. Is responsible for advising managers and supervisors regarding severance and staff reduction policies, including notification deadlines, appeal rights, benefits after staff reduction, etc. Must be cognizant of rules regarding
  unemployment compensation in states where employees are located. Counsels employees who have been affected by staff reductions including outlining benefits, monitoring severance payments, assisting in resume preparation and outplacement referrals whenever possible and requested by division/department.
  4. Assists supervisors in handling performance problems, adverse actions, referrals to
  Employee Assistance Programs, promotions, merit increases, quality and within grade increases, cash
  awards, full utilization of present personnel, writing performance appraisal plans, etc. Takes part in meetings between supervisors and subordinates to assist in the resolution of problems.
  5. Serves as a resource to employees at all levels, including managers and supervisors, on the interpretation of SI/SAO policy. Provides a broad range of counseling to SAO employees regarding SI/SAO policies, practices and procedures.
  6. Process requests for visas for foreign national employees, visitors, and fellows by applying appropriate guidelines and procedures and completing and submitting the necessary documentation to the appropriate
  agency for approval.
  7. Coordinate and monitor special programs as assigned (example: the SAO Summer Hire Program)
  following the procedures set forth by SI and SAO.
  8. Serves on various management, SAO-wide, or other special committees as required.
  9. Prepares a variety of reports as requested by the Director of Human Resources, members of top SI/SAO
  management, other SAO managers or supervisors or on own initiative.

Additional duties at the grade 12 may include:

• Provides technical assistance and training to the HR Assistants, administrative and summer/student personnel within the HR Department.
• Petition for the visa (both immigrant and non-immigrant) for non-citizens whom SAO wishes to hire permanently or temporarily.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Grade 11:  Applicants must possess a minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 9 level in the normal line of progress for this occupation, which should demonstrate knowledge of the laws pertaining to entry of foreign specialists on permanent resident and temporary visas;  intermediate knowledge of   Federal position classification, and techniques for developing position descriptions; intermediate knowledge of Federal staffing regulations and procedures, private sector recruiting techniques, and the use of special recruiting strategies for hard-to-fill positions; knowledge of the principles, practices, and regulations governing employee relations, benefits, and training.

or 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 a combination of education and experience

 

Grade 12:  Applicants must possess a minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 level in the normal line of progression for this occupation.  Specialized experience includes activities such as researching and providing human resources advisory services to supervisors and managers on staffing, classification, employee relations, and international programs.  

There is no education substitution at the grade 12.

 

How You will be Evaluated:

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

 

Grade 11:

 

-Knowledge of salary administration, including Federal position classification, techniques for developing
position descriptions, and conduct of salary surveys, their interpretation and integration.
- Knowledge of Federal staffing regulations and procedures, private sector recruiting techniques, and the
use of special recruiting provisions for hard-to-fill positions.
-Ability to apply the knowledge of Federal and Trust employment regulations and procedures to creatively
address difficult and complex situations in the area of attracting and retaining competent professional,
administrative, technical and clerical employees.
-Knowledge of the laws pertaining to entry of foreign specialists on permanent resident and temporary
visas and to the procedures required by concerned Federal and State agencies.
- Knowledge of employee relations techniques, employee benefits, and employee training, both
government and private sector.
- Knowledge of SI and SAO organizational goals and objectives and ability to determine how positions
within assigned organizations may be structured to meet goals as indicated by Strategic Plan.
- Skill in written and verbal communication in order to effectively explain HR policy, procedure, processes to employees and supervisors; to work with external organizations to resolve issues regarding pay or personnel actions, and to present briefings to employees and managers in assigned organizations.
- Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively within SAO HR and SAO.

 

Grade 12:
-Extensive and comprehensive knowledge of Federal position classification rules, regulations and techniques for developing position descriptions.
- Extensive and comprehensive knowledge of Federal staffing regulations and procedures, private sector
recruiting techniques, and the use of special recruiting provisions for hard-to-fill positions and special
employment programs.
-Ability to apply this knowledge creatively to difficult and complex situations in the area of attracting and
retaining competent professional, administrative, technical and clerical employees.
-Knowledge of the laws pertaining to entry of foreign specialists on permanent resident and temporary
visas and to the procedures required by concerned Federal and State agencies.
- Comprehensive knowledge of employee relations techniques, employee benefits, and employee
training, both government and private sector.
- Knowledge of SI and SAO organizational goals and objectives and ability to determine how positions
within assigned organizations may be structured to meet goals as indicated by Strategic Plan.
- Extensive skill in written and verbal communication in order to effectively explain HR policy, procedure, processes to employees and supervisors; to work with external organizations to resolve issues regarding pay or personnel actions, and to present briefings to employees and managers in assigned organizations and SAO-wide.
 

Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

 Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

  The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

 Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

NOTE: Note: Relocation incentives will not be paid.
Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position.  However, approval for incentives is contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the employment of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for a certain time period.

How to Apply:  Please use the following link to visit Smithsonian's Career Page:  Smithsonian Institution Job Opportunities Site

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
• Complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/