Pathways to Public Service Program - Program Support Specialist - Department of Parks and Recreation

Washington D.C

General Job Information

Introduction

The Pathways to Public Service Program is an initiative that strengthens the pipeline of diverse talent from local colleges and universities, including Howard University, the University of the District of Columbia, and Bowie State University, into District government roles. The program is designed to provide 12-month public service apprenticeships, professional mentorship, and direct hiring pathways for participants into full-time government employment.

Application Criteria

To complete your application for this role, please submit the following:

  • Résumé
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experiences
  • Unofficial transcript

Duties and Responsibilities

Participates in analytical studies based on examination of management needs. Identifies research and analyzes programs issues or problems; and presenting results. Evaluates current procedures to improve operational efficiency and makes recommendations to improve program(s) activities and services. Recommend administrative strategies or changes in internal operating procedures to incorporate new requirements, and to improve, expedite and eliminate management problems.

Participates in the development of procedures and guidelines in order to satisfy the goals of the department or agency. Devises means improvement and consolidates and/or standardizes administrative forms and procedures. Participates in improving effectiveness in meeting schedules, deadlines, priorities and production goals. Provides assistance and participates in the coordination of special assignments to coordinate and resolve general management matters and other appropriate issues and projects related to the functional responsibilities of the program(s).

Qualifications

To participate in the Pathways to Public Service, you must have the following eligibility requirements:

  • Graduate from an HBCU with a bachelor’s degree in either December 2024 or May 2025.
  • Commit to being a resident of the District of Columbia within 180 days.

Specialized Experience: This position requires one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lowest grade level in the District of Columbia government. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experiences:

Program and Policy Analysis

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to identify trends, gaps, and areas for improvement in programs
  • Competency in evaluating policies and making data-driven recommendations

Administrative and Operational Efficiency

  • Skilled in reviewing and improving procedures, forms, and workflows
  • Ability to develop and implement new processes to increase productivity

Research and Data Collection

  • Proficient in gathering, synthesizing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data
  • Experience conducting fact-finding investigations and preparing results

Communication and Reporting

  • Strong written communication skills for drafting memos, reports, and responses
  • Comfortable editing, formatting, and preparing documents for leadership review

Project Coordination

  • Ability to coordinate special assignments and interdepartmental initiatives
  • Organized and capable of managing multiple tasks with competing deadlines

Regulatory Compliance

  • Understanding of regulatory requirements and internal policy guidelines
  • Experience monitoring staff or program compliance with established protocols

Technical Proficiency

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to create spreadsheets, charts, and summary tables for presentations

Customer Service and Issue Resolution

  • Skilled in handling inquiries and complaints in a professional, solutions-oriented manner
  • Experience conducting follow-up and preparing appropriate replies

Relevant Experience

  • Conducting administrative or programmatic analyses in a public or private sector setting
  • Participating in policy development, standard operating procedure updates, or form design
  • Supporting department initiatives through research, reporting, and documentation
  • Contributing to special projects that involve interdepartmental coordination
  • Assisting with process improvement efforts and performance tracking
  • Drafting and editing communications in response to internal or external requests

Supporting operational compliance efforts by monitoring procedures and documenting outcomes

Relevant coursework & internship experience:

Coursework:

  • Coursework in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, or Management

Internship or entry-level experience in:

  • Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or administrative offices
  • Program evaluation, policy analysis, or operational support roles
  • Data entry, document management, and report generation using PC-based tools

Licensures & Certifications

None

Work Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in a normal office setting.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Operating Status: In-person reporting, flexible and limited telework options available upon position eligibility and operational needs.

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Duration of Appointment: Career Service - Term (13 month appointment)

Pay Plan, Series, Grade:CS-0301-09

Salary: Apprentices will earn an annual salary of $54,183

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under collective bargaining.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security Sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability, and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

DC Government Benefits

District government provides a full benefits package including:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Short-term Disability
  • Long-term Disability
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Indemnity Coverage provided through Aflac
  • Employee Assistance Program: Counseling; legal and financial services; identity theft services; work-life referral services for child and elder care, lactation support, home repairs, pet care, etc.; wellness coaching; and more.

District Government employees earn 4 hours of paid leave each pay period (every two weeks) until they have 3 years of service, at which point they begin accruing 6 hours of paid leave per pay period. The District provides employees with paid leave on 12 annual holidays per year.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Submission of a resume alone is NOT a complete application. This position may require the completion of additional form/s and/or supplemental materials. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.

If you have any questions, or need support with your application, please contact careerpathways@dc.gov for assistance.

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Confirmed 17 hours ago. Posted 8 days ago.

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