Materials Handler

Summary This position is in the Collections Management Division , Preservation Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services. The primary duty stations are: Capitol Hill, DC; Landover, MD; and Ft. Meade, MD. Assignments will be made at the discretion of the supervisor. The position description number for this position is 63840. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. Responsibilities Responsible for the orderly relocation of large segments of the Library's general and special collections. Realignment of these collections must be done in accord with prescribed procedures including shelving accuracy, adherence to shelf load specifications and knowledge of unique requirements of the specific class being realigned, including the understanding of the different needs of growth potential of both serial and monograph volumes. Works with a high degree of independence in determining sequences of loading and unloading book trucks and other conveyances containing Library collections, equipment and supplies. Participates in developing space utilization plans, and implementing the movement of materials from one area to another, which may involve intra- or inter-building transport. Shifts the various collections to relieve congestion, including materials in non-book formats, such as moving image and recorded sound. Following Library regulations, coordinates storage and space utilization for a specific product line, commodity, or equipment group, specifically in a library setting, for library collections, supplies and related equipment and hardware. Provides assistance in developing plans for storage and arrangement of collections and related equipment and supplies in accord with Library of Congress regulations that determine the configuration set-up, movement, rearrangement, and traffic flow of materials. Inputs and files information related to inventory control and tracking for collections items received, sent or moved into the automated inventory control and tracking systems, such as the LC Integrated Library System or the Ft. Meade Library Archival System. Screens shipping and receiving documents to identify discrepancies. Contacts appropriate Library personnel to resolve issues in question and expedite the resolution of discrepancies. Handles or oversees one or more product lines for the Library. The primary focus is on the Library's collections in all formats and at all Library locations, but focus is also on related equipment (such as shelving) and collections-related files. Provides support for the Library's off-site storage program. Works as part of a team of Materials Handlers in performing tasks associated with off-site collections storage. Tasks include: processing collections for transfer off-site, including: working in the Ft. Meade tracking system database (Library Archival System) to link items to boxes and boxes to a shelf location at the facility; managing the collections at the Library’s off-site storage facilities, allocating space, acquiring and shelving newly arriving collections, responding to requests for items stored off-site, and ensuring the facilities are well managed and collections in their proper location. Erects, dismantles and reconfigures collections storage shelving units in all of the Library's buildings both on and off Capitol Hill. These installations include wall hung shelves, work surfaces, standard library shelving, industrial wide span shelving as well as free standing units. Operates a forklift truck and other materials handling equipment such as an order picker, electric pallet jack, powered industrial cart and/or manual pallet jack in the loading, unloading, moving, transfer and transport of the Library's materials. Performs routine maintenance on this equipment, including checking battery water, power steering fluid and detecting any equipment malfunctions. Completes daily safety checklist on equipment. As part of the collections shifting or maintenance program, shelf reads and rearranges the various collections of the Library to maintain the proper sequence and uses a good knowledge of the classification scheme to identify volumes with cataloging and labeling errors and forwards these materials to the proper facility for correction. Provides service to the Library's various collections housed at off-site storage facilities, primarily the High Density Storage Facility at Ft. Meade, Maryland and the Landover Center Annex and Cabin Branch in Landover, Maryland. Serves on a team of Materials Handlers involved in special projects, such as a conversion to an automated warehouse or the relocation of a major equipment group. Ensures safe receipt, storage, and movement of collections and associated equipment and supplies. Operates sedans, large station wagons, and/or 15-passenger vehicles. Operates vehicles in transporting staff, officials, and property of the Library of Congress to and from specified points in connection with various official demands and responsibilities. As required, delivers sensitive documents and valuable collections upon request. Performs various other duties as assigned. The incumbent of this position will work a fixed work schedule from Monday through Friday, starting at 8:00 am and ending at 4:30 Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of Employment Conditions of Employment 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. Driver’s license is required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Duties of the position require the incumbent to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds on a recurring basis. A physical examination is required every three (3) years to perform the work of the position. After an offer of employment has been made and before commencement of duties, the selectee MUST be physically qualified by the Library’s Health Services Division. PROOF OF A CURRENT AND VALID STATE ISSUED DRIVERS LICENSE MUST BE PROVIDED WITH THE APPLICATION. OFFICIAL DRIVING RECORD WILL BE REQUIRED IF SELECTED. 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. Knowledge of materials handling and warehouse procedures. * Skill in operating and maintaining materials handling and warehouse-related equipment and vehicles with safety and dexterity. * Ability to utilize computer technology in performing warehouse management work.** Ability to interact with others. Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. for the use of materials handling and storage. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education Additional 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. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process 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. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM. 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. 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. 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. A “Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.