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SUMMARY

The Research Assistant position provides technical support to aid the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) in evaluating non-availability of Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) compliant products. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Contacts known manufacturers of similar products and determine their capability to produce the necessary products for USDA projects and lead time required for delivery to project site.

Evaluates product’s availability within US markets.

Reviews research performed by other Federal Departments/Agencies to determine whether domestic capacity exists and/or whether other Federal Departments/Agencies have issued waivers for the items.

Prepares repot of findings for each market research request.

Maintains database of product and industry research and of market research requests from USDA.

Prepares and presents training, if directed by USDA.

Travel may be required, up to 25%.

Plans daily activities within the guidelines of company policy, job description and supervisor’s instruction in such a way as to maximize personal output.

Responsible for aiding in own self-development by being available and receptive to all training made available by the company.

Responsible for keeping own immediate work area in a neat and orderly condition to ensure safety of self and co-workers. Will report any unsafe conditions and/or practices to the appropriate supervisor and human resources. Will immediately correct any unsafe conditions as the best of own ability.

CNI CORE COMPETENCIES

Responsible for the integration of CNI Core Competencies into daily functions, including: commitment to integrity, knowledge/quality of work, supporting financial goals of the company, initiative/motivation, cooperation/relationships, problem analysis/discretion, accomplishing goals through organization, positive oral/written communication skills, leadership abilities, commitment to Affirmative Action, reliability/dependability, flexibility and ownership/accountability of actions taken.

COMPLIANCE

Promotes and encourages a culture of compliance with all applicable rules (federal, state, local, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, Prime Contract requirements, etc.) for themselves and the company as a whole. Fosters an environment in which they will report any violations or reasonably suspected violation of CNI policy, FAR, and/or CFR and are comfortable discussing the myriad compliance, conflict, FAR, CFR, etc. issues that arise during the performance of a government contract. 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and a minimum of three (3) years relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education / experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

U.S. Citizenship required.

JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Visio, etc.).

Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of management and coworkers, as well as a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds.

Excellent organizational skills with ability to pay close attention to details.

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Excellent customer service skills with ability to apply good listening skills and to handle unusual or complex situations with a calm and focused approach.

Ability to identify problems and to use sound judgment.

Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and accept direction on given assignments.

Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with exceptional discretion.

Exemplifies professional behavior, dignity, and excellence, and maintains high standards under pressure.

Produces quality work, meets critical deadlines, and pays attention to detail in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Proactive, takes initiative, and accepts accountability for assigned work functions.

Works independently and in a team environment.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily performed in an office/warehouse setting. Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  Regularly required to reach with hands and arms, occasionally above head. Regularly required to twist at the waist, climb and descend stairs while carrying objects. Ability to speak and hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. Regularly lifts and/or moves up to twenty-five pounds, and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to fifty pounds. Works near moving mechanical parts. Regularly exposed to general office and general office machinery noise. May be exposed to warehouse, truck or forklift noise.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!