Administrative Officer Advisor 2 (Remote)

Administrative Officer Advisor 2 (Remote)

ID:ARS-NEA-039Location:Fort DetrickProgram:ARS

Wage/Hr:$65.00Hours/Week:15Minimum Age:55

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) hasspecialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time andpart-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of FederalAgencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the USDA AgriculturalResearch Service (ARS). These experienced professionals provide administrative,scientific, and technical support to the Agricultural Research Service throughthe Experienced Worker Program (EWP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period.Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions istemporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee isan ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminateenrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and theAgency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEWSolutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established througha Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federalfunds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrolleeshall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinatescientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrolleeshall not present themselves as a Government employee or Governmentrepresentative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinatingfederal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions onfederally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrolleeshall not supervise any Government employees.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the UnitedStates.

• This position will be open until filled. NOTE: This position has the option towork remotely.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 year(s) of experience in federal administrative management, with astrong preference for individuals who have served as a senior-levelAdministrative Officer within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). OR HS/GEDDegree

Required qualifications include: Comprehensive expertise across all coreadministrative functions, including federal financial management (budgeting,allocations, reporting), human resources and personnel support (policies,actions, benefits), and general administration (procurement, contracting,facilities, property management). Proven ability to provide expert advisoryservices to leadership and staff on complex administrative, financial, and HRmatters, translating policy into practical guidance. Significant experience in aleadership, mentorship, and training capacity, including developing anddelivering instruction to less experienced staff, fostering their professionalgrowth, and building administrative capabilities. Exceptional problem-solvingskills and the ability to implement effective business practices and solutions.Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate andserve as a trusted resource.Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS ExcelDuties:

This pivotal role offers comprehensive administrative, advisory, and compliancesupport, emphasizing leadership, mentorship, and talent development. Theenrollee ensures operational continuity and supports research leaders and staffat the Frederick, MD, and Newark, DE locations. Key responsibilities includetraining details and administrative support personnel, serving as a valuableresource to colleagues across the Northeast Area (NEA), and personally executingduties to ensure critical administrative functions are met. This role isdesigned to provide critical administrative support functions and foster thedevelopment of future administrative talent. The enrollee shall not sign federaldocuments, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federallyfunded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publicationas a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Governmentand private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Governmentemployee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic orwhen coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall notmake decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policymakers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees.

Mentorship and Training (Emphasis): Serve as a dedicated mentor, providingstructural guidance, hands-on instruction, and knowledge transfer to a detailedand other inexperienced administrative staff, enabling them to develop theskills and confidence necessary to manage the full scope of administrativeoperations independently. Assists in delivering structured, step-by-steptraining on various administrative systems, including human resources, financialtracking, procurement processes, compliance reporting, timesheets, and travelprocedures. Act as a trusted mentor to staff by modeling a high level ofintegrity and providing leadership and direction through open dialogue andadvisement. Provide guidance, troubleshooting, and process support toadministrative officers and program staff across the NEA, sharing best practicesand ensuring consistent application of policies. 40%Financial Management: Assists in the preparation of Annual ResourceManagement Plan (ARMP), ensuring adherence to agency policy and best practices,and guiding staff through complex planning and reporting requirements. Assistsin monitoring budgets, fiscal integrity, and provides accurate monthly Status ofFunds (SOF) reports for effective expenditure planning and financial oversight,educating fund holders on proactive financial management and compliance. Adviseson and works with staff to resolve financial irregularities, allocations, andyear-end reporting, using these opportunities to train and empower staff toidentify and address financial discrepancies. Advises on compliance for Repairand Maintenance (R&M) spending and manages overall financial operations,fostering a culture of transparency and shared understanding of fiscalresponsibilities. 30%General Administrative and Advisory Services: Collaborates on facilitiesmanagement planning (annual/5-year), including construction and R&M projects,and prepares bid packages, involving and training relevant staff in theintricacies of project development and federal guidelines. Providesadministrative support for construction contracts, assists with property leasenegotiations, and ensures maintenance of federal physical resources, providinghands-on training and guidance on compliance and system entry (e.g., CPAIS).Assists with procurement and contracting functions, actively advising andtraining employees on proper methods, federal regulations, and documentation tobuild their acquisition expertise.-Provides comprehensive administrative andproblem-solving support, offering advisement to staff across Frederick, MD,Newark, DE, and the broader Northeast Area, personally performing duties toensure operational continuity, and developing problem-solving skills within theadministrative team. Serves as a primary resource for leadership onadministrative and financial management tools, focused on implementation andtraining staff to maximize their proficiency with new systems and effectivebusiness practices. 20%Human Resources and Personnel Support: Provides expert advice to managersand staff on position management, HR options, and federal policies, empoweringthem to navigate personnel matters effectively and independently. Ensures timelyprocessing of employee pay, benefits, and retirement paperwork, while alsotraining staff on proper documentation and procedural requirements. Assists inadministering key personnel processes such as onboarding and offboarding,developing consistent practices and training administrative support to ensure asmooth and compliant experience. 10%

Other:Training for IT security and related topics.Training will be provided as necessary by the agency.Physical requirements: Work is essentially sedentary. The position requiresextensive computer work, including prolonged periods of sitting and operating apersonal computer and related peripherals. Reasonable accommodations may be madeto enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions ofthis position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environmentfree from discrimination and harassment in any form administering ExperiencedWorker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEWSolutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equalopportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants inthe federal programs.