USDA - ARS Program Support Assistant (HNIP)

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. They work in finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table.

The ARS is looking for a student intern for their Spring 2024 session.

The Program Support Assistant provides a broad scope of program management and secretarial support for the Unit including the following:

• Participates in program planning support work such as research project coordination, travel documentation, budget coordination/tracking, agreements, and purchasing/procurement of supplies and equipment, and human resources administration.
• Serves as the primary administrative business process point of contact for the unit.
• Responsible for the administrative oversight of various business processes, which may include processing financial, procurement, extramural agreements, property, personnel, and other administrative instruments for the management unit. 
• Maintains tracking logs, action items, manages administrative suspense items and transaction records.
• Uses an electronic calendar, database or spreadsheet software to document employee leave schedules and to commit the Section Head and AAOD's time for appointments and meetings; transmits and receives documents and messages electronically.
• Provides SEA with mailing documents/support to shipment of official packages to various locations.
• Serves as principal timekeeper to the location. Responsibilities include prepares, maintains, and transmits Time and Attendance (T&A) reports using automated agency program (STAR) to the National Finance Center; trains back-up timekeeper to serve during incumbent’s absence; prepares and submits Leave Audits/Lump Sum payments and Donor/Recipient reports as required; reviews T&A logs of Unit personnel for completeness and accuracy; and provides technical pay and leave advice on routine matters.
• Other duties may be assigned
• Establishes, maintains, and revises the office filing system.
• Schedules conferences and meetings, including arranging logistics, preparing agendas, and notifying participants.
• Other duties may be assigned