Program Support Assistant 3 (Remote)

About the role

Program Support Assistant 3 (Remote) – ID: ARS-MWA-058, located in Madison, supporting the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) through the Experienced Worker Program (EWP). This role provides administrative, scientific, and technical support to ARS staff. The position is part of a temporary, at‑will enrollment program for experienced workers aged 55+; enrollment does not guarantee employment for a definite period and can be terminated by either party at any time.

Responsibilities

• Prepare travel arrangements via Concur for ARS staff (≈60% of time).
• Review and route agreement documentation (≈20% of time).
• Perform other assigned duties (≈20% of time), with training provided as needed.
• Maintain ARIS entries.
• Ensure compliance with program restrictions: the enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize use of federal funds, initiate or conduct federally funded research, author articles as a federal employee, coordinate scientific research between government and private industry, present themselves as a government employee or representative, make decisions on federally based research on behalf of policymakers, or supervise government employees.
• Work is largely sedentary, requiring sustained attention to detail and the ability to handle short‑deadline tasks.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• Minimum age 55.
• At least 3 years of experience in office or secretarial work.
• Prior experience with ARS is a bonus but not required.
• An AA degree in Education (or any field) is acceptable but not required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.

Skills

• Proficiency with Windows operating system.
• MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams, MS Outlook.
• Experience using Concur for travel arrangements.

Pay

$27.50 per hour.

Schedule

27 hours per week.