Zimmerman Associates, Inc Hiring for Research Assistant II – OBR Tracing D at Martinsburg, WV Full Time

ATF is a unique law enforcement agency in the United State Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. We collaborate with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public we serve through information sharing, training, search, and use of technology.

The mission of the National Tracing Center Division is to conduct firearms tracing and associated programs and processes accurately and efficiently for International, Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies to provide investigative leads. The NTC has three branches: Firearms Tracing Branch, Law Enforcement Support Branch, and Tracing Operations and Records Management Branch.

The mission of the Tracing Operations and Records Management (TORM) Branch is to acquire and maintain firearms industry records to support the firearms tracing process and provide investigative leads.

The Research Assistant II (RA2) acts as a senior level subject matter expert for all functions in the Tracing Operations and Data Entry Sections. The Tracing Operations Section provides administrative support services for the Communications, Demand, and eTrace Programs. The Data Entry Section supports the workflow of all incoming Urgent / Routine Trace Requests, Multiple Sales of Handguns, and Demand (1, 2, and 3) s. P rimary responsibility for the RA2 is to support the Tracing Operations and Data Entry management team on any assignment to include the ability to professionally lead lower-level staff, conduct team member trainings, perform analytical research for resolution, and perform workload quality control checks. The RA2 is expected to develop a skill set that they will use to perform a variety of search activities across multiple applications, recognize patterns in the records, be able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, manage time wisely and make good decisions.

Position Duties

Examples of support duties performed by the RA2 for the Tracing Operations and Data Entry Sections:

• Re-checks assignments if the lower-level staff cannot complete the work item; performs and completes the work item or escalates to the next level
• Performs in-depth analytical research, searches, and analyses to complete and close complex requests that cannot be resolved by other members of the team, or through exhaustive research determines that the request cannot be completed based on the information provided
• Perform a variety of simple to complex search activities across multiple applications and record sets
• Process any work activity supporting the Tracing Operations and Data Entry Sections
• Conducts training sessions for all new team members, including assisting team members to improve quality and productivity deficiencies
• Execute approved detailed processes for assigned work area with a high degree of understanding and application.
• Improve interaction with active Federal Firearms Licensees using a variety of contact methods such as inbound and outbound telephone calls, electronic mail, and facsimile transmissions.
• Accurately and efficiently updating results and documenting communication details in an arranged, organized manner to include date and time of communication, person with whom contact was made if applicable, and follow-up information or results
• Managing team workloads based on and in accordance with appropriate time zone areas
• May be required to perform Team Lead duties such as assisting with managing work assignments of same or lower-level staff, compiling, analyzing, and presenting workload statistics for the team, aid in identifying team performance issues and providing re-fresher training and job aids to improve team performance, productivity, and quality
• Acting on behalf of the group supervisor when directed
• Meet or exceed the established production and quality matrix goals for assigned work area
• Completing other duties as requested by contract management

Requirements

Applicant must submit an approved Eligibility Statement. (Meeting current Performance standards including Production and Accuracy goals, attendance, and behaviors)

To be considered, the applicant should have:

• Ability to work with minimal supervision, perform tasks in a timely and efficient manner while following policies and procedures
• Experience in performing work with a strong sense of attention to detail and accuracy
• Manage time to efficiently complete the actions within acceptable service and accuracy levels
• Proven ability to manage work schedule to effectively work under time constraints
• Highly proficient and strong computer skills including accurate use of keyboard, expert skills with various computer programs and databases used in the work processes including proficiency with, but not limited to, eTowrs, FTS, FLS, FID, ECM, and Microsoft Office Suite applications and accessing and utilizing web browsers to conduct advanced research
• Knowledgeable and proficient with analytical fact finding and investigative techniques to gather and analyze information and research data
• Identifying and submitting complex and / or potential problems to appropriate levels of management for resolution and providing prompt and effective communication to team members.
• Strong understanding of ATF’s mission and approved work processes; acts as subject matter expert (SME) in the assignment area including, but not limited to, firearm serialization which includes manufacturer, caliber, type, and model is preferred
• Ability to apply expert judgment in selecting, applying, and adapting appropriate work-related material in all formats that follow a broad range of principles, concepts, and practices. May include the ability to recognize patterns to focus the search and make independent decisions about when to move from one search technique to another or from one records / dataset to another, interpret and select information to be prepped, imaged, or entered from the variety of sources
• Performing other Duties as assigned by Supervisor as needed to meet contract requirements, administrative tasks such as ensure team goals are met, recording performance records and training for same or lower-level staff
• Able to work as a team player
• Understanding and dedication to providing excellent Customer Service
• Ability to accurately record and production numbers
• Excellent at communication with various audience levels, both written and verbal
• Ability to perform frequent and repetitive motions using fingers, hands, wrists, and arms
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds

Education & Specialized Experience

• College degree, or high school diploma / GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience on the ATF contract with 1 year of experience as a Research Assistant I or higher is preferred; or 3 years of experience on the ATF contract with 2 years of experience as a General Clerk III or higher is preferred
• Three months in current position is required; 1 year of data entry experience is preferred
• Previous management and / or leadership experience is preferred
• Knowledgeable with firearm and federal license regulations including, but not limited to, The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), Stolen Firearms Federal Regulations, The Brady Bill, and The National Firearms Act (NFA)
• Some telephonic customer service skills preferred including, but not limited to, ability to fax, scan, file and distribute incoming documents, excellent telephone etiquette to include answering in-coming calls and placing out-going calls as well as resolving the call to include, but not limited to, taking messages, transferring the caller to voice mail, or transferring the caller.
• Passing test score if typing test was required in previous position

ZAI is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with Federal and State Equal Opportunity Laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veterans status or any other legally protected status.