Summary This position is located at Alabama State Office in Montgomery, Alabama. The Deputy State Director (DSD) participates fully with the State Director in furthering the mission of USDA Rural Development. Provides leadership and guidance to senior staff in administering, monitoring and evaluating various programs to assure compliance with Rural Development. THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF USDA, RURAL DEVELOPMENT ONLY. Responsibilities Assists the State Director in formulating and implementing the total Rural Development program within the State, exercising leadership in developing and implementing operating principles. Manages the development of annual goals and long-range plans of operations throughout all organizational units to meet current and specific goals of the programs. Provides expert advice and oversees development and implementation of statewide programs. Represents the State Director with representatives of other USDA and federal agencies, colleges, local groups, and the general public to enlist cooperation, explains RD programs and gives or secures information on administrative matters. Advises staff regarding policies, procedures, and directives of higher-level management or headquarters. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period. Qualifications 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: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. GS-14 level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 or its non-federal equivalent that demonstrates expert knowledge of organizational management issues and program area operations to advise, analyze, recommend, and coordinate resolution of broad and difficult program, policy, and technical problems. Experience managing, directing and supervising the work of employees engaged in servicing and approving complex and difficult commercial loans, grants, or guarantee programs. Experience providing advice and oversight related to administrative matters involving human resources, contracting and procurement, budget and fiscal management, property, building and facilities management, travel, and emergency management. Experience developing networks and building alliances, collaborating across boundaries to build strategic relationships to achieve common goals. There is no education substitution for the GS-14 grade level. 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. Education Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
