Licensing Examiner

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity. We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future. Responsibilities Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to authors of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other works. The United States Copyright Office, a service unit of located within the Library of Congress and under the direction of the Register of Copyrights, administers the Copyright Law, advises Congress and government agencies on legal and policy matters; provides international representation on copyright issues; administers the national copyright registrations system; provides collections materials to the Library through voluntary registration and mandatory deposit programs; records documents relating to copyright chain of title; administers statutory license provisions of the law, including collecting and distributing royalties; maintains the world's largest database of copyright public records; and, provides information and reference services to the public. The Licensing Division in the Copyright Office administers the statutory licenses in the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the U.S. Code). The Division collects royalty fees from: 1) cable operators for retransmitting television and radio broadcasts (Section 111), 2) satellite carriers for retransmitting network and non¬network signals (Section 119), and 3) importers or manufacturers for distributing digital audio recording products (Chapter 10). The Division deducts part of its operating costs from the royalty fees and invests the balance in interest- bearing securities with the U.S. Treasury for later distribution to copyright owners. The Division also collects filing fees to cover part of the costs in administering the cable and satellite licenses. The Division also administers the statutory licenses for the organization transmitting to the public a webcast (Section 112), the public performance of sound recordings by means of digital audio transmissions (Section 114), making and distributing phonorecords (Section 115), and for the use of certain works in connection with non-commercial broadcasting (Section 118). The position serves as a Licensing Examiner in the Financial Management Division, Office of the Assistant Register and Director of Operations, Copyright Office. As the Licensing Examiner, you will: Provide assistance to licensing examiners on difficult issues and problems. Examine a full range of the statements of account or other documents submitted yearly, quarterly, and biannually. Judge whether statements of account have been prepared in accordance with applicable requirements of law and regulations. Resolve problems and issues that arise regarding copyright law, Copyright Office regulations and policies, Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations, relevant General Counsel office opinions, and relevant court decisions and case law pertaining to compulsory licenses. Independently communicate new initiatives/activities having a direct impact on public understanding and perception of personal, divisional and Copyright Office work activities. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 352435. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of Employment Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications 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 examine all types of statutory licensing documents for legal conformity with the licensing provisions of the Copyright Act, regulations, and operating procedures.** Knowledge of copyright law, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices.** Ability to analyze and resolve problematic submissions of royalty and filing fee payments.** Ability to communicate and interact with others. Ability to utilize computer technology and software applications. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education Additional Information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email [email protected]. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.