VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Secretary

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION
Crystal Boarding School
Crystal, NM

POSITION TITLE & GRADE:
Secretary, CE-0318-02

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full time, Year Long

Salary Range $21.49 to $30.54, Per Hour

LOCATION:
Crystal Boarding School, Crystal, NM

ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:
D36N05-2024-05-R1, Re-Advertisement

Vacancies

Issue Date: 10/25/24

Closing Date: 11/08/24 - 04:00 pm, Mountain (DST) Timezone

The Bureau of Indian Education's mission is to provide quality education opportunities from early childhood through life in accordance with the tribes' needs for cultural and economic well-being and in keeping with the wide diversity of Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages as distinct cultural and governmental entities. The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.

JOIN US AS WE INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION!

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Incumbent will create and maintain a safe, positive learning environment to ensure the holistic development of each student and staff member through cultural, social, spiritual, physical and academic experience. Incumbent will support the Bureau of Indian Education’s mission, which is to provide high quality education opportunities from early childhood through life while considering a tribe’s need for cultural and economic well-being. In performing this mission, the BIE takes into account the spiritual, mental, physical, and cultural aspects of school-aged children within their family and tribal community. To meet its trust responsibility to Indian Tribes, BIE works to strengthen education opportunities for American Indian students to be successful and competitive globally; to enhance student participation in their tribal communities; and support tribes in nation-building, in development of the next generation of tribal leaders.

Responsibilities:

The Secretary performs a variety of clerical and administrative duties which are auxiliary to the work of the school. The work affects the accuracy, reliability, or acceptability of further processes or services. The supervisor directs the staff primarily through face-to-face meetings. Internal procedural controls are simple and informal. Typical duties include:

Maintains subject matter files and records that relate to the work of the school. Sets up and maintains logs showing the status of actions and correspondence. Ensures that files include all required documents and that all documents are properly signed.

Receives visitors and telephone calls to the school, determines the nature of requests and directs callers to appropriate staff, or personally providing the information desired when routine or procedural matters of the office are involved. Coordinates requests for appointments with supervisor and staff as necessary. Checks on their availability and confirms appointment. Reschedules appointments upon request of supervisor or staff member if necessary.

Responds to routine and nontechnical requests for information such as status of reports, routine human resources actions, suspense dates for matters requiring compliance, and similar information readily available from files. This may involve determining whether or not to release the information based upon the nature or degree of sensitivity of the information and the requester's authority to receive the information.

Receives incoming correspondence, screening material prior to distribution for suspense dates, establishing controls, and following up for supervisor. Reviews correspondence prepared for the supervisor. Checks for spelling, typographical errors, conformance to formats and procedural requirements.

Schedules appointments and makes arrangements for time, participants, and location of meetings in accordance with instructions from the supervisor. Makes necessary arrangements for travel, arranging schedules of visits, making reservations, notifying organizations and officials to be visited, and submitting travel vouchers and reports.

Maintains inventory of office supplies. Prepares purchase orders and requisitions of office supplies, equipment, and publications.

Prepares time and attendance reports and reviews correspondence for compliance with established procedures prepared by staff members for supervisor’s signature or clearance. Maintains time records for all school personnel.

Establishes and maintains cumulative folder for each student and files all necessary reports and information relating to the student in compliance with the Privacy Act.

Maintains and operates office machines, equipment, and computers. Performs or coordinates general maintenance and repair thereof.

INDIAN PREFERENCE POLICY:

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. Consideration will be given to Non-Indian applicants in the absence of qualified Indian Preference eligible.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Within the scope of Indian preference, all candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or other non-merit factors.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION LANGUAGE:

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify this agency. The decision in granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

NOTE: This is a READVERTISEMENT. Applicants that previously applied will be considered and need NOT re-apply UNLESS to UPDATE their application.

Refer to BIE Job Category Standards for additional qualification requirements and substitutions for education. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements contained in the BIE Job Category Standard.

NOTE: Persons submitting incomplete applications will be given credit only for the information they provide. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit all required documentation in support of their application in order to receive full credit for their Indian Preference, education, training and/or experience. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE SOLICITED BY THIS OFFICE.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Level 02 – An applicant may qualify for Level 02 in one of three ways.
(a) graduation from high school or GED supplemented by two years of college or secretarial training and two years' experience as a secretary; or
(b) graduation from high school or GED supplemented by four years of successful experience as a secretary equivalent to pay level 01 responsible to a department head or equivalent supervisor; or
(c) by an equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated in A or B above.

Applicants must possess all of the following secretarial skills: typing, filing, answering telephones, greeting visitors, and composing non-technical correspondence. A qualified typist is required.

Self-certification typing form available online - https://www.bie.edu/topic-page/forms.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Background investigation Required: Incumbent must undergo a comprehensive background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, contact with all references, employers, co-workers, personal associates and a review of driving record, credit history, criminal history, and military service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Good distant vision in one eye and ability to read without strain printed material the size of typewritten characters is required, glasses permitted. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid is required; except that some positions may be suitable for persons who are blind or deaf. In most instances, an amputation of arm, hand, leg, or foot will not disqualify an applicant for appointment, although it may be necessary that this condition be compensated by use of satisfactory prosthesis. In addition, applicants must possess mental and emotional stability.

BASIS OF RATING:

Once the announcement has closed, all applicants for this position will be rated based upon the extent and quality of their experience, training and/or education as reflected on their resume. The judgement of qualification will be based on materials submitted, therefore, it is the applicants’ advantage to give complete thorough and complete information in a neat and orderly fashion.

SPECIAL REFERENCE:

U.S. Citizenship is required. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration if selected.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
All selections under an announcement must be made within 3 months from the issuance date of the certificate referral list.
Position has a positive education requirement.
Contract Length: Year Long
Tour of Duty: Full Time (Seasonal)
The Bureau of Indian Education has determined that the duties of this position are NOT suitable for telework under any circumstances.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position is not covered by Bargaining Unit/Union.
Probationary period is three consecutive contract terms.
May require overtime work.
Salary includes applicable locality pay.
Direct Deposit of pay is required.
A Recruitment Incentive is not offered.
Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) will not be authorized.
Government quarters may be available.
DRIVING REQUIREMENT: Incumbent may be required, as an incidental duty, to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle, in the performance of duties, therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Incumbent must have a safe driving record within the three-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607 and be able to meet the safe driving requirements of the Bureau of Indian Education.
Applicant is subject to a favorable background investigation. This is a Non-Critical Low Risk Position subject to a favorable adjudicated background investigation.

The Investigative Process for Public Trust Positions: Background investigations for public trust positions are conducted to gather information to determine whether applicants are reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the U.S. The information that provided on the Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions (SF-85P) and the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306) may be confirmed during the investigation. The investigation may extend beyond the time covered by this form, when necessary to resolve issues.

The applicant's current employer may be contacted as part of the investigation, although the applicant may have previously indicated on applications or other forms that the applicant did not want the current employer to be contacted. If the applicant has a security freeze on their consumer or credit report file, then the agency may not be able to complete the investigation, which can adversely affect the applicant's eligibility for a public trust position or the ability to obtain Federal or contract employment. To avoid such delays, the applicant must request that the consumer reporting agencies lift the freeze in these instances.
In addition to the questions on the SF-85P, inquiry also is made about the applicant's adherence to security requirements, the applicant honesty and integrity, falsification, misrepresentation, and any other behavior, activities, or associations that tend to demonstrate a person is not reliable, trustworthy, or loyal.

After a suitability /fitness determination is made, the applicant may also be subject to continuous vetting which may include periodic reinvestigations to ensure the employee is continuing suitability for employment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Required Documents

NOTE: To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

To apply for this position, submit a complete Application Package to include the following:

Your resume which may be submitted in any written format of your choice. It must clearly identify the following:
- Vacancy Announcement Number
- Month and year of High School Graduation or date GED information received PLUS name of school, city, and state.
- Complete contact information for employer reference (your supervisor) for last 12 months of employment. If none is available, you must provide a professional reference which is a person not related to you and who knows your qualifications and fitness for the kind of job for which you are applying.
Your resume must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Your work experience must contain the following:
- Job Title
- Duties
- Accomplishments
- Employer’s name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number
- Starting and ending date (month and year)
- Hours per week
- Salary
Claiming Indian Preference: Form BIA 4432, available at Verification of Indian Preference for Employment (PDF), Verification of Indian Preference for employment, is required for claiming Indian Preference. The form must be completed by the appropriate official with the federally recognized tribe where the applicant is enrolled as a member. No other form will be accepted.

This position has an individual occupation requirement for positive education: Copies of Official transcripts are preferred; student advisement and web-print outs are NOT acceptable submissions. Copies of Official or Unofficial College Transcript may be accepted for initial qualifications evaluation or pay setting. Transcripts MUST show the degree awarded, date conferred, and all required courses as required by the position. Please note, this may be shown with multiple transcripts. Upon tentative selection, you MUST submit Official transcripts for all colleges attended before final job offer can be confirmed.

Additional Documents (Optional):

Cover Letter to resume: Cover letter providing your intent for employment and brief narrative of your qualifications or strengths for the position.
Claiming Current or Prior Federal Service: Copy of most recent SF-50, DD03434 or other accepted equivalent to SF-50, Notification of personnel Action, to identify prior Federal service and/or highest previous rate.
Claiming Additional Education: Copies of Official transcripts are preferred; student advisement and web-print outs are NOT acceptable submissions.

Copies of Official or Unofficial College Transcript may be accepted for initial qualifications evaluation or pay setting. Transcripts MUST show the degree awarded, date conferred, and all required courses as required by the position. Please note, this may be shown with multiple transcripts.

Upon tentative selection, you MUST submit Official transcripts for all colleges attended before final job offer can be confirmed.
State Driver’s License: Copy of licensure as identified in the conditions of employment. It must reflect your name, issue date, expiration date, and endorsements (as applicable).
Claiming Military Service: DD214 (member copy 4) for consideration of service credit for leave purposes.
Future Military Retirees*: You are required to submit a copy of your retirement DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) OR certification document** OR a copy of your retirement letter AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) upon issuance.
Future Separation from the Military*: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) OR certification document** OR a copy of your most recent active duty orders AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214(Member 4 Copy) upon issuance.

*Active duty military members who are selected may not be appointed unless on terminal leave or already separated from the armed forces.

** The "certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. The Statement of Service must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters, AND the Statement of Service letter must include your rank, dates of active duty service, the Type of Discharge, Character of Service (i.e. honorable), and, if applicable, when your terminal leave will begin.

Applications and all accompanying documents must be received by 11/08/24 - 04:00 pm, Mountain (DST).

SCHOOL MAILING ADDRESS:

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Indian Education
Crystal Boarding School
PO Box 1288
Navajo, New Mexico 87328

FAX SIGNED AND DATED APPLICATIONS TO: 505-777-2648

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Aaron Barber, Business Technician, 505-777-2385

For VERIFICATION of our receipt of your application-resume, please contact: Aaron Barber, Business Technician, 505-777-2385

Application Deadline

Applications and all accompanying documents must be received by the closing date & time of the announcement.

Applicant’s qualifications will be evaluated solely on the information submitted by them in their applications.

Applications become part of the official record and will not be duplicated or returned.

This office accepts telefaxed applications.

Applications mailed using Government postage and/or envelopes are in violation of OPM and postal regulations and will NOT be considered.

This office does NOT accept applications via e-mail.

PLEASE NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents like military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for other than the applicant.