This position is located in the Audio and Braille Production Section, Collections Division, National Library Service Blind/Print Disabled, Library Collections and Services Group. The incumbent for this position will work a full-time, flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. The position description number for this position is 422317.
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to monitor a production process and develop, plan, analyze and implement solutions to production-related problems.** Knowledge of production monitoring and evaluation methods and procedures.** Ability to utilize automated systems and functions to perform production controller work.** Ability to serve as a liaison and interact collaboratively with others. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Serves as an expert on production control assignment which includes a broad range of duties involving substantial breadth and depth of analysis on the resolution of unusual production, labor, machine and material conflicts and shortages that were not responsive to standard solutions in the production of braille and recorded books and magazines. Considers numerous interrelationships and variables to develop production control plans and programs for very difficult and complex products or projects. Applies a variety of methods to analyze production processes when there are complex and difficult production problems. Must have comprehensive practical knowledge of specialized production methods and procedures, machines, and materials. Plans, develops, and implements production control programs of considerable breadth and complexity. Establishes criteria, formulates effective production control programs, assesses the effectiveness of production programs, and investigates or analyzes a variety of unusual production problems and conditions. Uses a high degree of initiative in searching out sources of information, much of it indirect or obscure, to develop project estimates and plans for control of complex production projects. May depart from traditional criteria, methods, and procedures to develop new ones which may also require proposing new policies to obtain effective results, overcome unusual problems, and meet the individual program and customer requirements. Handles the complex coordination of the timing and sequence of: large amounts and wide varieties of materials and a multitude of requirements for new equipment and materials. Makes adjustments to production schedules and prepares justification for additional funding for unplanned work discovered during the disassembly or overhaul of the product. Initiates, controls and monitors the flow of titles through the various processing stages at NLS and the manufacturing steps used by commercial, non-profit or volunteer organizations to produce and distribute braille and recorded editions of books and magazines for the blind and physically handicapped. Uses manual and automated systems to control, monitor and track progress and status of the more than 3,500 titles and 77 magazines in production at any given time. Independently identifies and analyzes backlogs or processing delays in the book or magazine manufacturing cycle. Using production/manufacturing operations knowledge and analytical tools, resolves problems or recommends alternate processing solutions/procedures to expedite production. Acting as project monitor’s representative for the various contracts established by NLS in the production of braille and recorded materials, maintains direct liaison, through telephone contact, correspondence or personal visit, between Audio and Braille Production Section and the various manufacturers or volunteer agencies under contract to produce braille or cassette books and magazines. Provides guidance to contractor and NLS personnel related to manufacturing procedures. Coordinates the availability of source materials and government furnished equipment or supplies, prepares production authorizations and assign titles on a continual basis to contractors for production. Using knowledge of NLS specifications and the problems encountered when producing a book in braille or recorded form, writes instructions telling contractors how to deal with difficult or ambiguous material in the title. Using understanding of book and magazine contracts, alerts supervisor when a contract provision is being violated or is in danger of being violated. Handles corrective actions for difficult and complex production problems. Possesses a good working knowledge of the basic requirement and procedures of all departments being coordinated both inside and outside of the production area. Generates, updates, analyzes and distributes up to fifteen complex monthly and ad hoc computer-generated or manual reports. Analysis is expected to be complete and accurate and reports professionally written. Reports are presented as final to management. Prior to generating reports, incumbent is responsible for coordinating manual and computer-generated update information from multiple producers (up to 30 contracts). Final reports analyze status of book and magazine contracts in terms of: production and delivery schedules, production planning, and program budgeting. Provides management, NLS network librarians and producers under contract with up-to-date, and accurate information for use in the production of books and magazines in special media.