Program Support Assistant (Onsite)

Program Support Assistant (Onsite)

ID:

ARS-NEA-062

Location:

Frederick, MD Posted Date:

5/1/2026

Agency:

ARS

Wage/Hr:

$36.00

Hours/Week:

40

Minimum Age:

55 For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States. NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). These experienced professionals provide administrative, scientific, and technical support to the Agricultural Research Service through the 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 is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an "at-will" relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE

An "Enrollee" is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An "Enrollee" is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies' areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees. This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States. •This position will be open until filled.

Duties:

The Program Support Assistant will provide comprehensive administrative and program management support to the Research Leader and professional staff within the Management Unit. This position plays a critical role in ensuring smooth operations by coordinating a wide range of administrative functions, including agreements, travel arrangements, procurement, and human resources support. The enrollee performs a full range of secretarial and program duties, providing technical and procedural advice, identifying and analyzing issues, and serving as the initial point-of-contact for questions and problem resolution across various administrative areas. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies' areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees. Serve as a primary administrative point of contact for the Unit. 25% Coordinate program planning and location activities, including research project reporting and support for human resources activities. 25% Perform a full range of office automation duties requiring a variety of software and differing methods and approaches. 20% Prepare and process travel requests and vouchers for ARS staff approval. 20% Provide technical guidance on administrative procedures and compliance requirements. 10%

Qualifications:

Minimum of 1 year(s) of experience in assisting with planning and coordinating administrative tasks; preparing or tracking travel or accounting forms; and preparing or reviewing outgoing correspondence for proper format, grammar, and punctuation.

OR HS/GED

Degree in General Experience assisting with planning and coordinating administrative tasks; preparing or tracking travel or accounting forms; and preparing or reviewing outgoing correspondence for proper format, grammar, and punctuation. Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel

Other:

training for IT security and related topics will be required. Training will be provided as necessary by the agency. Physical requirements: Work is essentially sedentary. The position requires extensive computer work, including prolonged periods of sitting and operating a personal computer and related peripherals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.