What are the responsibilities and job description for the Proofreader / Keyboarder Apprentice position at Government Publishing Office?
Summary GPO employees possess a diverse array of talent in many administrative fields and trades. We provide other agencies with innovative services for the printing, publishing, storage, and distribution of digital content. If you are an energetic, inventive individual looking for a challenging, yet rewarding career opportunity, GPO may be the place for you. This position is part of the Government Integrated Print Services, Government Publishing Office in Washington, District of Columbia Responsibilities Serves as an Apprentice Proofreader / Keyboarder performing the following duties : Learns basic typography (Type face, fonts, leading, kerning, measurements, terminology, tracking, hierarchy, grammar, justification, hyphenation, footnotes, and tabular materials). Becomes skilled in processing and proofreading the Congressional Record, Federal Register, Reports, Hearings, Bills, and other legislative or executive branch publications. Trains on XML using an XML Editor including (but not limited to) XML Tree and Syntax, working with different document types, editing documents, and parsing. Learns to proofread both straight and tabular matter to detect and mark all typographical, spelling, and style errors using standard proofreader marks and the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual. Learns to manipulate files and extensions in the database to make corrections, author's alterations, and updates. Attends training class to interpret Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), coding and trouble- shooting typeset files, identify, troubleshoot, and fix errors. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position is a part of the apprenticeship program that currently spans three years, with the first year focused on comprehensive training. During years two and three, participants will engage in on-the-job training and actively contribute to the production of publications. By the end of the program, successful participants will transition into journeyman positions, establishing themselves in the professional publishing field. Please note that the duration and timeline of the program are subject to change. Throughout the program, apprentices will develop fundamental typographical and proofreading skills, including identifying and correcting typographical, spelling, and style errors. They will also gain expertise in coding for data output using the xPub system, a critical tool in modern publishing workflows. This role provides the foundation for a rewarding career, combining technical skills with the opportunity to contribute to the accuracy and quality of essential Congressional and departmental materials. To qualify for the Proofreader / Keyboarder Apprentice, applicants must meet the following screen-out elements to be considered for this position : Element No. 1 : Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision which is : The ability to read and write in the English language using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; apply basic mathematical skills to solve or perform calculations; proofread documents to identify content, grammatical, or style errors; and use computers for basic functions such as creating documents, internet browsing, and / or sending emails. Typing Proficiency : Applicants must be able to type at least 40 words per minute (WPM) based on a 5-minute sample with 3 or fewer errors. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out elements, which usually appears as question 1 and 2 in the online questionnaire. If your knowledge and ability in the screen-out elements are not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. Additional Information Apprentice Program Salary Guidelines First year Apprentice pay will be set to 60% of the Proofreader / Keyboarder Journeyperson rate. At the beginning of the second year of the program, the Apprentice will be pay-adjusted to 73% of the Proofreader / Keyboarder Journeyperson rate. This adjustment is contingent upon Apprentices meeting all 90-day success criteria benchmarks including use of leave and Proofreader / Keyboarder program evaluation results. At the beginning of the third year of the program, the Apprentice will be pay-adjusted to 85% of the Proofreader / Keyboarder Journeyperson rate. This adjustment is contingent upon Apprentices meeting all 90-day success criteria benchmarks including use of leave and Proofreader / Keyboarder program evaluation results. After graduation at the end of the third program year, the Apprentice will be promoted to the higher-level Proofreader / Keyboarder Journeyperson position, KI-4403-00 @100%, at the beginning of the fourth year. Employment of Relatives Section 3110 of Title 5, U.S. Code, prohibits a Federal official from appointing, promoting, or advocating the appointment or promotion of a relative in the agency where the official is serving or exercises jurisdiction. In addition, Section 2302(b)(7) of Title 5, U.S. Code, makes it a "prohibited personnel practice" for a person in authority to "appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for the appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement of a relative." For further information visit : and Work Life Balance : The GPO offers Transit subsidy for commuters using public transportation (Metro Bus / Rail, MARC, VRE, etc.). Background Investigation : To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the GPO requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy; this position requires Suitability. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Suitability. This review could include fingerprints and credit checks, as well as a full field FBI background investigation and tax and bar checks for attorney applicants. The background investigation covers a period of seven to ten years depending on the nature of the position; this process may take 6 weeks or longer. The Agency may rescind the tentative offer, if the candidate is unable to pass the background investigation. Reasonable Accommodation : This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process you must contact the HC Specialist on the vacancy announcement at least seven business days before the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The selectee will work Shift 1. Additional vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement.
