Ready to step into leadership? Join the Classification Standards and Development Division (CSD) as a Supervisory Patent Classifier serving as the Director of CSD. Lead the development of classification systems that support patent examination across emerging technologies while guiding teams, influencing agency initiatives, and collaborating with leadership and global partners.
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. For more information, please visit the OPM Qualifications Standards. 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. Specialized experience for this position includes: Leading or directing the development or revision of classification systems or similar technical frameworks, including analyzing subject matter and applying established standards to assign and organize information; AND Providing guidance on policies, procedures, or standards to staff or stakeholders, and resolving issues related to classification or information retrieval; AND Planning and managing projects or program activities, including setting priorities, assigning work, monitoring progress, and reviewing work for accuracy and completeness. 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.
The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year. As Director of CSD, you will lead classification systems, programs, and teams that support patent examination across evolving technologies. You can expect to perform the following duties: Lead the development and modernization of U.S. and international patent classification systems, ensuring they effectively support patent examination across complex and evolving technologies. Serve as a senior technical and policy authority, providing expert guidance on classification standards, systems, and search methodologies to leadership and stakeholders. Direct high-impact classification initiatives and programs, overseeing the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of classification systems, tools, and processes. Represent the USPTO in national and international forums, collaborating with global partners and influencing classification standards and strategies. Lead and manage a high-performing organization, including supervising subordinate managers and staff, aligning resources and priorities, and ensuring quality, consistency, and mission success. 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.