Program Support Assistant

These positions are located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Midwest Area, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research located in Peoria, IL. In these positions, you support the research unit by coordinating administrative operations, managing documentation and business processes, maintaining records and correspondence, and providing essential administrative assistance to ensure efficient and compliant program management.

Maintains calendars, schedules, leave records, and electronic documents.

Maintains and revises office filing systems.

Logs, routes, and tracks incoming correspondence.

Performs project coordination, travel documentation, budget tracking, agreements, procurement, and HR tasks.

Processes routine administrative transactions (financial, procurement, agreements, property, personnel).

Maintains tracking logs and administrative suspense items.

Coordinates research documentation and maintains project files.

Independently manages calendars, schedules, leave, and electronic communications.

Manages correspondence control and prepares responses requiring policy interpretation.

Develops or improves administrative systems and office procedures.

Prepares and processes travel authorizations and vouchers, provides technical guidance on travel regulations, and ensures regulatory compliance.

Advises staff on CRIS, research plans, annual reports, manuscripts, agreements, grants, and travel documentation.

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/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.