Supervisory Librarian

Job Description

Legislative Branch

Library of Congress

Summary

This position is located in the East Central Europe Section, within the Germanic and Slavic Division of the Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Directorate, under Discovery and Preservation Services at the Library of Congress.

This is a supervisory position and is not covered by a bargaining unit. The incumbent will work a flexitime schedule. The salary range shown includes locality pay for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Position Description Number: 137599

Who May Apply

Open to the Public:

• U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States.
• Non-citizens may be considered if no qualified U.S. citizens are available and legal hiring requirements are met.

Duties

As a Section Head, you will:

• Lead and Supervise: Direct a team of staff performing work through GS-13 level, providing both administrative and technical supervision. Set clear goals and performance standards, monitor progress, and deliver regular feedback and formal evaluations.
• Manage Human Resources: Oversee staffing needs, approve leave, resolve conflicts, handle grievances, recommend personnel actions, and implement disciplinary measures when appropriate.
• Plan and Coordinate Work: Independently plan, schedule, and manage the section’s projects and daily operations. Develop and implement guidelines, procedures, and quality assurance measures to ensure efficient workflows.
• Lead Projects: Serve as a project or team leader on key initiatives, task forces, or committees. Coordinate complex projects of lasting significance, determine scope and methodology, and establish technical standards and protocols.
• Oversee Acquisitions: Assess resources and oversee activities related to the library’s acquisitions program. Assist with budget planning and monitoring.
• Maintain Collection Quality: Ensure that the library’s collections remain comprehensive and accessible. Evaluate and make recommendations regarding gifts and acquisitions in alignment with library policies.
• Develop Training: Interpret and update training policies, design and deliver training programs, and incorporate modern information technologies to enhance staff development.
• Contract Oversight: May serve as Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) or manage service contracts as needed.

Note: Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

Conditions of Employment

• Supervisors are expected to demonstrate the Library’s core leadership competencies, including decisiveness, inclusiveness, flexibility, innovation, and integrity.
• Use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is prohibited under federal law, regardless of local laws. Past or current illegal drug use may impact eligibility.
• Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a security and suitability investigation.
• A one-year probationary period applies for new permanent appointments; an additional one-year supervisory probationary period may apply for first-time supervisors at the Library.

Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate progressively responsible experience that shows:

• Ability to lead and manage a diverse team.
• Skill in analyzing, planning, and executing library programs and projects.
• Knowledge of library science principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to serve as a consultant or liaison.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems, applications, and other information technologies.
• Ability to develop and provide training.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Applicants will be assessed based on their responses to the application questionnaire and a structured interview. For certain positions, education, licensing, or certification may also be verified. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) marked with a double asterisk (**) are critical and must be demonstrated clearly to be considered for final selection.

Veterans are encouraged to claim preference by providing the appropriate documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-15) with their application. Missing documentation may result in veterans’ preference not being applied.📄 Required Documents

To ensure your application is complete and eligible for consideration, please submit the following:

• Current or Former Federal Employees: You must provide your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) to verify your federal status.
• Applicants with Disabilities: If applying under special hiring authorities, include a valid certificate of eligibility. This certification must:
  • Be issued by your State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, your college/university Disability or Career Services Office, or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Verify that you have a severe disability.
  • Be dated within three years of your application.
  • Note: Certifications from health care providers will not be accepted.
  • For questions, please contact the Library’s Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email [email protected].
  • Important: Failure to submit a valid certification will result in your application not being considered under the Selective Placement Program.
• Education Documents (if applicable): If you are using your education to qualify for this position, you must provide transcripts or other acceptable proof of attendance/degrees from institutions accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all required documentation may result in an ineligible rating or may affect your final evaluation.

✅ How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit a complete application:

1️⃣ Create or Update Your USAJOBS Profile:

• If you don’t have one, create a USAJOBS account and build your resume.
• Your Social Security Number is required for USAJOBS but will not be shared with the Library of Congress.

2️⃣ Review the Job Announcement:

• Read the entire announcement carefully.
• Preview the online questionnaire (found at the end of the “Qualifications and Evaluation” section) and tailor your resume accordingly.

3️⃣ Start Your Application:

• Click the “APPLY ONLINE” button on this job posting.
• Log in to USAJOBS and follow instructions to submit your resume.
• You will be redirected to the Library’s Hiring Management system to complete your application.

4️⃣ Complete the Application Questions:

• Answer all vacancy questions thoroughly and truthfully.

5️⃣ Upload Supporting Documents:

• Attach your SF-50, certification for disability hiring (if applicable), transcripts, and any other required documents.
• You can:
  • Select documents already uploaded in USAJOBS.
  • Upload files directly from your computer.
• Important: If you have multiple documents of the same type (e.g., multiple transcripts or SF-50s), combine them into a single file before uploading. If uploaded separately, only the most recent file will be visible to HR.

6️⃣ Submit and Confirm:

• Review your complete application, ensure all documents are attached, and click “Finish.”
• Check your application status anytime through your USAJOBS or Hiring Management account.

⏰ Deadline:
Your complete online application and all required documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

⚙️ Technical Assistance:
If you experience any technical issues, email [email protected] or contact the point of contact listed in the job announcement before 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date.
Extensions will not be granted.