Supervisory Copyright Specialist (Records Research and Certification Supervisor)

This position is located in the Records Research & Certification Division, Office of Copyright Records, U.S. Copyright Office. The position description number for this position is 085604. This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Duties

The Office of Copyright Records (CR) is responsible for preserving, maintaining, and servicing copyright-related records in physical and digital formats. The staff of the Office of Copyright Records retrieve records for court cases and public research, perform certified searches and write search reports based on copyright-registered materials and other copyright records, and provide certified and non-certified copies of copyright deposits, additional certificates, and other copyright records, maintain the official records of the U.S. Copyright Office, and respond to inspection requests from members of the public or Congress.

Performs the administrative and management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Observes workers' performance and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Resolves informal complaints and grievances.

Provides guidance to staff in the preparation of comprehensive and objective reports (either in a certified or uncertified format) of research findings for diverse and complex technical questions on copyright law. Directs the division’s research efforts, suggests alternative sources or validates subordinate suggested sources. Advises staff on the most complex and unusual technical work problems. Offers direction and consultation regarding the most difficult aspects of reports.

Reviews prepared reports and ensures staff provides supportive documents in the form of printed materials such as circulars, slip letters, and other relevant information; also determines the appropriate fees have been applied.

Serves as technical expert for the division in processing difficult, or unusual requests for inspection, answers diverse and complex technical questions dealing with inspections of materials submitted for copyright registration, including deposit copies of materials in support of the registration, and for requests of certified registration certificates and certified copies of deposit materials.

Resolves the most difficult inspection cases, requiring extended dialogue with requesters. Orders deposits and records; conducts inspections; authorizes copies of deposits and records for claimants; certifies Copyright records, documents, and deposits; and contacts requesters to provide or obtain related information, resolve issues, and accept payment information.

Conducts inspections for sensitive or unusual cases of access, when questions arise regarding requesters' authenticity and authorizations, and when requesters' previous behaviors and histories with the Copyright Office indicate the need for a higher ranking official. Monitors requesters during the inspection process. Reviews the requester's notes as needed.

Performs various other duties as assigned.

Salary

• $101,401 - $131,826/year

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment

The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library’s vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library’s Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: https://www.loc.gov/static/portals/careers/documents/loc_supervisor_core_competencies.pdf

Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

This position requires access and use of high value and top tier collections to perform the work of the position. This position requires a Public Trust background investigation at the Moderate risk level.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to supervise and/or lead and develop a diverse workforce.**

Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and develop solutions.**

Knowledge of copyright law, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices.**

Ability to communicate and interact with others.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Other Information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. All who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: https://www.loc.gov/careers/working-at-the-library/frequently-asked-questions/vetting-personnel-at-the-library/

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period.  In addition, per Library of Congress Regulation 9-532, an appointee or internal selectee is subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period if this is their first supervisory/managerial position at the Library of Congress. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

Required Documents

Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent).

How to Apply

Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.

You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes. To do so, complete the following steps.

Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress.

Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. We recommend you go to the end of the Qualification and Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.

Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements.

Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.

Step 5: Hiring Management offers three options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.

(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.

(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, e.g. 2 undergraduate transcripts from different schools or 2 SF-50s, etc., be sure that they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.

Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, etc.) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.

If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov, no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits