This position is located in the Recordation Division, Office of Copyright Records, U.S. Copyright Office. The position description number for this position is 463184. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustment for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for the person(s) selected for this position.
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 research, analyze, and evaluate issues.** Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and execute work.** Ability to utilize computer technology/software applications. Knowledge of copyright law, regulations, policies, procedures and practices. Ability to meet and deal with others. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Within the United States Copyright Office (USCO), the Office of Copyright Records is responsible for establishing records policies and preserving, maintaining, and servicing copyright-related records. This Office records transfers of copyright ownership and notices of termination, makes copyright registrations and documents and related information available to the public, researches and provides certified and non-certified copies of copyright registration deposits, ensures their storage, retention, and security, and performs records management and safeguards the official records of the U. S. Copyright Office. The Office of Copyright Records oversees the world’s largest repository of records on copyright ownership. Analyzes and examines section 205 documents submitted in paper-based form and through the electronic recordation system to determine whether requirements for recordation have been met. These include documents in English or foreign languages. Conducts research and takes action to resolve various problems or questions in the determination of whether the material meets the requirements for registration. Independently reviews and examines all types of routine copyright documents submitted to the section. Assists members of the public and staff of other Copyright Office divisions in determining whether documents submitted for copyright are recordable. Determines whether the legal and formal requirements of the copyright law have been met for document recordation. Ensures submitted documents are in the proper form. Independently creates a public record catalog for all types of recorded documents and catalogs significant features of a document in an organized manner with strict adherence to specific cataloging rules and Copyright Office policies and procedures. Research is sometimes necessary for consistency and compatibility with existing documents. Because of the variable nature of the individual documents and identifying information, the specialist must often devise his/her own methods for recording assigned material by evaluating various rules, conducting research when necessary, and contributing materially to the development of a systematic catalog of records. This information is presented in an organized manner and in strict adherence to specialized copyright rules. The incumbent determines and inputs in final form all index terms and cross references for each document entry. Communicates with attorneys, authors agents, and representatives of copyright related industries as well as members of the public through various methods, including letters, telephone, and email, to answer routine copyright-related inquiries relating to document recordation. Provides guidance in explaining Recordation policies and procedures and provides user acceptability testing for system modernization efforts. Answers inquiries involving general advice concerning Copyright document recordation received through in-person meetings, telephone, or correspondence. Such answers generally are considered to express the opinion of the office and therefore require extreme discretion. Signs and forwards outgoing correspondence on own authority. Forwards most complex inquiries to higher level staff. Performs various other duties as assigned.