Supervisory Patent Classifier

Supervisory Patent Classifier

Department: Department of Commerce

Location(s): Alexandria, Virginia

Salary Range: $181443 - $195200 Per Year

Job Summary: Join USPTO's leadership team and help shape the future of global patent classification. As Director of Classification Quality and International Coordination, you will guide classification policy, improve quality, and collaborate with international partners to support innovation and strengthen Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) standards.

Major Duties:

• The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia.This position is eligible under the Situational Telework Program per agency and business unit discretion/policy. As Director of Classification Quality and International Coordination/Supervisory Patent Classifier, you will: Lead a classification team, guide staff development, and ensure accuracy and consistency of classification work. Shape classification policy, complete advanced analysis projects, and provide expert guidance on Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), International Patent Cooperation (IPC), and International Property Five (IP5), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) activities. Support strategic and international classification initiatives, prepare technical briefs, and represent USPTO in coordination efforts. Evaluate classification quality, identify improvement needs, and deliver program-wide quality assessments. Conduct research and develop policy recommendations that support classification goals and organizational priorities. This is your opportunity to lead a mission that supports innovation, strengthens patent quality, and influences how the world classifies technology. Applicants should familiarize themselves and must be able to comply with the relevant conflict of interest laws and standards of ethical conduct for employees of the executive branch regarding possible conflicts of interest in connection with their potential area of examination as seen here: https://www.commerce.gov/ogc/about-ogc/bureaus-and-offices/office-assistant-general-counsel-ethics-law-and-programs-office/ethics-rules. Attorney-applicants must also be able to comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible professional responsibility conflicts in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify the USPTO Office of Enrollment and Discipline at OED@uspto.gov if you currently represent clients before the USPTO and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances. You will be required to file a confidential financial disclosure report, i.e. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Form 450 annually.

Qualifications: You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1200/patent-classifying-series-1223/ Basic Requirements: Applicants for this position must meet the basic individual occupational requirements for a scientific, technological, or engineering occupational series related to the area in which patents are examined, as defined by OPM. Positions at this level require one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrate: Thorough knowledge of the functions, processes, and practices associated with U.S. patents and the patent examining process; Ability to perform patent work assignments in the area(s) of technology of the position to be filled; and Originality and creativity in solving technical problems. In addition to the above, positions at this grade level require thorough knowledge of patent classification principles, procedures, and practices. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-14. To qualify, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level that demonstrates the requirements described above and includes experience with at least three of the following: Leading teams to improve patent classification processes. Leading teams in developing and implementing training materials and/or platforms related to classification work or technical subject matter. Participating in strategic planning and international collaboration efforts. Leading teams to develop and integrate classification automated tools into existing organizational tools and/or processes. 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.

How to Apply: You MUST apply online. If you experience difficulties with the application process or do not have access to a computer, please contact the HR Specialist listed as the point of contact before the closing date of this job announcement. If you are a new user to the USAJobs Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJobs user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help setting up an account or for general help using USAJobs, go to USAJobs Help Page. Once you have gathered all of the required information and are ready to begin the application process, click the "APPLY" button at the right side of the page. You will then be directed away from USAJobs to the Department of Commerce application site for USPTO. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, then select "Update Application." If you experience any difficulties with the application site, OPM has a Help feature on each page. Use this option when you need assistance. All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJobs "Saved Documents" feature. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is defined as information that can be traced back to a specific individual and potentially compromise their security or privacy. Examples of PII include: date of birth, Social Security Number, and place of birth. Please ensure that you have removed all Personally Identifiable Information from all documents prior to submitting or uploading your applications material.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-30