Become an Essential Part of the USDA: Secretary (Office Automation) at NBAF

Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to support a mission-critical agricultural research facility? The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a highly competent individual to serve as a Secretary (Office Automation). Based in Manhattan, Kansas, this role provides direct support to the Director of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).

Job Responsibilities

As a confidential assistant, your day-to-day work is varied and high-impact. You will:

Manage the Director's calendar and scheduling.
Compose and edit high-level correspondence.
Coordinate logistics for meetings, conferences, and site visits.
Serve as the primary point of contact for staff, research units, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must:

Be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level.
Type at least 40 words per minute.
Pass a rigorous background check.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement	Description
Experience	1 Year Specialized (GS-07 equivalent)
Typing Skill	40 WPM Minimum
Citizenship	Mandatory U.S. Citizen/National
Security	Moderate Risk (Background check required)

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $55,882 to $72,644 per year. Federal employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including a pension, 401(k)-style thrift savings plans, health insurance, and paid time off.

Application Tips

Keep your resume concise: It must not exceed two pages.
Documentation matters: Ensure all SF-50s or transcripts are uploaded in standard file formats like PDF or Word.
Assessments: If you are invited to take the USA Hire assessment, prepare by reviewing the OPM candidate resource center.

This role offers a unique intersection of administrative excellence and national service. If you are organized, professional, and ready to assist in the protection of America's agriculture, apply today.

Why This Secretary (Office Automation) Job Matters

Join the forefront of agricultural innovation as the lead administrative support for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.

Secretary (Office Automation) Job Overview

The USDA Agricultural Research Service is seeking a highly skilled Secretary (Office Automation) to serve as a key confidential assistant to the Director of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. This pivotal role involves managing the daily operations of the Director's office, handling high-level communications, and coordinating essential administrative functions that support cutting-edge research.

Requirements for Secretary (Office Automation)

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level.
Successful completion of a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Commitment to direct deposit for all federal salary payments.
Successful passing of an E-Verify employment check.
Completion of a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Office Automation)

Proven experience coordinating conferences and high-level meetings.
Ability to independently manage office correspondence and ensure policy compliance.
Strong proficiency in calendar management for senior executives.
Exceptional judgment in handling high-profile visitors and sensitive inquiries.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Access to federal health and life insurance programs.
✓Participation in the federal retirement system.
✓Flexible work arrangement opportunities depending on agency policy.

💡 How to Apply Secretary (Office Automation) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Secretary (Office Automation) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Click 'Apply Online' on the official USAJOBS listing.
Complete the mandatory questionnaires and assessments.
Attach all required documentation including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Check your status in the USAJOBS portal periodically.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically highlights your experience coordinating meetings and managing executive schedules.
Verify that your resume is exactly two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Take time to practice for the USA Hire assessments using the official OPM resources.
Double-check your uploaded documents to ensure they are under 5MB and not in an Adobe Portfolio format.
Turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to receive updates on your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of this role?

You will serve as a confidential assistant to the Director of the NBAF, handling administrative workflows, calendar management, correspondence, and meeting coordination.

Can I work remotely for this position?

This position requires an on-site presence in Manhattan, Kansas, though it may be eligible for flexible work arrangements per agency policy.

Is there a typing requirement?

Yes, applicants must demonstrate the ability to type at least 40 words per minute.

Job from Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) serves as the primary internal research agency for the USDA. The NBAF is at the forefront of national security and agricultural protection, ensuring that the food supply and livestock health of the United States remain robust against biological threats. Joining this team means contributing to the vital science that sustains our nation.