Program Assistant - Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology
ABOUT THE BOARD ON CHEMICAL SCIENCES
The Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology (BCST) of the National Academies convenes top experts to conduct research and share their insights on pressing chemical science and engineering issues. Our goal is to provide our nation's decision makers with the highest quality scientific and technical advice.
We work in eight areas: Basic Research; Chemical and Energy Industries; Biochemistry; Environmental Chemistry; Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Electrochemistry; National and Homeland Security; and Education and Workforce Development.
BCST values diversity in our staff and strives for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.
JOB SUMMARY
Under supervision, provides routine clerical and administrative support, assisting in the daily execution of assigned program(s) or project(s). Provides staff support including answering phones, preparing vouchers, assembling meeting materials, and making travel arrangements. Assists in coordination of unit and committee, forum, and other types of meetings. Under direction, may enter edits in draft reports and copyedit and/or format newsletters and/or other program/project materials.
In this clerical and administrative support role, the majority of time is spent assisting in the daily execution of assigned program(s) or project(s). Under general supervision, incumbent performs tasks of varying complexity following pre-determined guidelines. Incumbent receives guidance/supervision on new assignments, but normally works independently on mastered tasks.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
1. Performs routine clerical tasks including word processing, copying, faxing, filing, answering and screening calls, drafting correspondence, and assisting with mailings. Responds to inquiries and follows-up on communications. Maintains and updates records, databases, and files.
2. Assists with the logistical arrangements for committee meetings, including assembling and reproducing agenda books and briefing materials. Arranges travel and lodging for staff, members, etc. Arranges food and beverage and supporting services for meetings. Registers attendees and may provide basic assistance at meetings as directed.
3. Prepares and processes invoice vouchers and travel expense reports in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
4. Inputs edits and proofreads reports. Formats text and publications. Forwards materials to printer.
5. Performs administrative-related Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) tasks.
6. Attends meetings, training classes, and workshops.
7. Updates applicable databases and systems on a timely basis and ensures documents and files are accurately maintained and archived.
8. May perform basic subject-oriented literature searches for staff and committee members and gather references.
9. Where applicable, updates and maintains web pages.
10. May respond to general inquiries as directed.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to follow instructions and resolve problems with supervisory consultation or by using closely prescribed procedures. Ability to be flexible and change directions as the job dictates. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Good communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Two years of related experience.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to program coordinator/officer/director. Supervisor is available to assign and review work, set priorities, address exceptions and answer operational questions.
Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations. In accordance with the National Academies’ commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except as otherwise permitted under a reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons. Unless granted an accommodation, successful applicants will be required to confirm their vaccination status and proof of vaccination promptly upon beginning employment. Applicants needing accommodations should indicate this in their application; applicants will not be discriminated against in the hiring process on the basis of requesting an accommodation.
The National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:
To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies’ staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.