Associate Ombuds

Associate Ombuds

Department: Department of Commerce

Location(s): Suitland, Maryland

Salary Range: $169279 - $197200 Per Year

Job Summary: This vacancy is for Associate Ombuds position located at the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland. The Census Bureau is accessible from the Metro Rail Green Line - Suitland Station. This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Associate Ombuds, 0301-15, positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Major Duties:

• Provides informal communication channels between parties and, as a neutral, uses applicable alternative dispute resolution techniques to minimize the escalation of conflict and achieve conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Reviews, analyzes, and assesses all sides of an issue in an informed and unbiased fashion while being impartial with person(s) involved and elevating matters as appropriate.
• Provides options to prevent and resolve highly complex and very high-level workplace conflicts and issues.
• Maintains statistical data, analyzes systemic problems, and identifies patterns of conflict, emerging policy issues, and recurring problems.

Qualifications: Specialized Experience: For the GS-15 you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: Resolving complex conflicts in a neutral, confidential, independent, informal role between management and staff; analyzing and evaluating issues to make unbiased recommendations; advising senior leadership on implementing processes and procedures designed to assure a systematic approach for dealing with problems and issues affecting employees and the interests of the agency; advising heads of agencies on effective policy changes; and experience collaborating with staff, supervisors/managers, senior leadership, and other supporting resource programs to resolve complex and sensitive workplace conflicts. Education: Education cannot be substituted at this level. 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.

How to Apply: Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/01/2026 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USA JOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, if you are unable to apply online, please email the Agency contact.

Application Deadline: 2026-04-01