Administrative Officer Advisor 2 (Remote)

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. NOTE: This position has the option to work remotely.

Minimum of 5 year(s) of experience in federal administrative management, with a strong preference for individuals who have served as a senior-level Administrative Officer within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). OR HS/GED Degree

• Required qualifications include: Comprehensive expertise across all core administrative functions, including federal financial management (budgeting, allocations, reporting), human resources and personnel support (policies, actions, benefits), and general administration (procurement, contracting, facilities, property management). Proven ability to provide expert advisory services to leadership and staff on complex administrative, financial, and HR matters, translating policy into practical guidance. Significant experience in a leadership, mentorship, and training capacity, including developing and delivering instruction to less experienced staff, fostering their professional growth, and building administrative capabilities. Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to implement effective business practices and solutions. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and serve as a trusted resource.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel

This pivotal role offers comprehensive administrative, advisory, and compliance support, emphasizing leadership, mentorship, and talent development. The enrollee ensures operational continuity and supports research leaders and staff at the Frederick, MD, and Newark, DE locations. Key responsibilities include training details and administrative support personnel, serving as a valuable resource to colleagues across the Northeast Area (NEA), and personally executing duties to ensure critical administrative functions are met. This role is designed to provide critical administrative support functions and foster the development of future administrative talent. 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.

• Mentorship and Training (Emphasis): Serve as a dedicated mentor, providing structural guidance, hands-on instruction, and knowledge transfer to a detailed and other inexperienced administrative staff, enabling them to develop the skills and confidence necessary to manage the full scope of administrative operations independently. Assists in delivering structured, step-by-step training on various administrative systems, including human resources, financial tracking, procurement processes, compliance reporting, timesheets, and travel procedures. Act as a trusted mentor to staff by modeling a high level of integrity and providing leadership and direction through open dialogue and advisement. Provide guidance, troubleshooting, and process support to administrative officers and program staff across the NEA, sharing best practices and ensuring consistent application of policies. 40%
• Financial Management: Assists in the preparation of Annual Resource Management Plan (ARMP), ensuring adherence to agency policy and best practices, and guiding staff through complex planning and reporting requirements. Assists in monitoring budgets, fiscal integrity, and provides accurate monthly Status of Funds (SOF) reports for effective expenditure planning and financial oversight, educating fund holders on proactive financial management and compliance. Advises on and works with staff to resolve financial irregularities, allocations, and year-end reporting, using these opportunities to train and empower staff to identify and address financial discrepancies. Advises on compliance for Repair and Maintenance (R&M) spending and manages overall financial operations, fostering a culture of transparency and shared understanding of fiscal responsibilities. 30%
• General Administrative and Advisory Services: Collaborates on facilities management planning (annual/5-year), including construction and R&M projects, and prepares bid packages, involving and training relevant staff in the intricacies of project development and federal guidelines. Provides administrative support for construction contracts, assists with property lease negotiations, and ensures maintenance of federal physical resources, providing hands-on training and guidance on compliance and system entry (e.g., CPAIS). Assists with procurement and contracting functions, actively advising and training employees on proper methods, federal regulations, and documentation to build their acquisition expertise.-Provides comprehensive administrative and problem-solving support, offering advisement to staff across Frederick, MD, Newark, DE, and the broader Northeast Area, personally performing duties to ensure operational continuity, and developing problem-solving skills within the administrative team. Serves as a primary resource for leadership on administrative and financial management tools, focused on implementation and training staff to maximize their proficiency with new systems and effective business practices. 20%
• Human Resources and Personnel Support: Provides expert advice to managers and staff on position management, HR options, and federal policies, empowering them to navigate personnel matters effectively and independently. Ensures timely processing of employee pay, benefits, and retirement paperwork, while also training staff on proper documentation and procedural requirements. Assists in administering key personnel processes such as onboarding and offboarding, developing consistent practices and training administrative support to ensure a smooth and compliant experience. 10%

• Training for IT security and related topics.
• 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.