US Office of Personnel Management: Knowledge Areas for Engineering and Technology, Study notes of Human Resource Management

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Multipurpose Occupational Systems

Analysis Inventory - Close-Ended

(MOSAIC) Competencies

January 2013 a New Day for Federal Service

Office of Personnel Management's (OPM)

Multipurpose Occupational Systems Analysis

Inventory - Close-Ended

(MOSAIC) Competencies

January, 2013

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Background

OPM has been conducting Governmentwide occupational studies using its Multipurpose Occupational Systems Analysis Inventory - Close-Ended (MOSAIC) methodology for more than two decades. MOSAIC, a multipurpose, survey-based occupational analysis approach, is used to collect information from incumbents and supervisors on many occupations for a wide range of human resource management functions. The competencies used in these MOSAIC studies are free and for your use.

Through these studies, we have identified the competencies employees need to perform successfully in nearly 200 Federal occupations, as well as for leadership positions. These competencies provide users with a basis for building integrated human resource management systems that use a common set of competencies to structure job design, recruitment, selection, performance management, training, and career development so that employees receive a consistent message about the factors on which they are selected, trained, and evaluated.

For more information regarding MOSAIC occupational studies, please see Appendix G in the Delegated Examining Operations Handbook.

Final List of MOSAIC Competencies

Through the many MOSAIC studies, some of the competency definitions were altered – some to a small extent and others to a greater extent – which resulted in some competencies having multiple definitions (e.g., the competency, Self-Management, had three different definitions).

Having multiple versions of a competency can cause confusion; therefore, to make the process of selecting a competency easier, OPM personnel psychologists reviewed all 885 of the current MOSAIC competencies and came to a consensus on which competency definitions will be used for future MOSAIC studies. However, there are certain instances where a competency will continue to have multiple definitions; in those instances, the reason for the additional definitions will be noted.

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How to Use This Document

This document alphabetically lists all 325 MOSAIC competencies and definitions. You can use the linked alphabetical listing below to "jump" to a given letter (hold "Ctrl" and click), or you can search for keywords or phrases by holding the "Ctrl" key and the "F" key at the same time. Click the "Back" at the end of each letter group to return to the linked alphabetical listing.

Alphabetical Listing of Competencies

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

MOSAIC Competencies Page 6 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Aircraft Maintenance - Knowledge of aircraft engines, parts, and systems, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Ammunition and Explosives - Knowledge of ammunition and explosives and their uses, interactions, dangers, production, handling, storage, and disposal.

Animal Husbandry - Knowledge of the care and handling of animals, including feeding, controlling, restraint, health, and reproduction.

Applies Technology to Tasks - Selects and understands procedures, machines, or tools that will produce the desired results; identifies or solves problems in machines, computers, or other technologies as they are related to performing tasks.

Architecture - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and practices used in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings or other structures, taking into consideration aesthetic and functional concerns.

Arithmetic - Performs computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning - Performs computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly; solves practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques such as formulas and percentages."

Arrest - Knowledge of the laws, principles, and procedures used in apprehending a criminal suspect, including polices for pursuit and proper use of force and capture such as Miranda rights.

Artificial Intelligence - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools used to design systems that perform human intelligence functions.

Astronomy - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the physical processes leading to the emission of electromagnetic radiation or particles from celestial bodies, the measurement and physical characteristics of celestial bodies, including cosmic microwave background, submillimeter technology, galaxies, star formations, and planetary science.

Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

MOSAIC Competencies Page 7 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Audit Reporting - Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques used to report audit findings (criteria, condition, cause, effect, and recommendation).

Auditing - Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards and procedures for conducting financial and compliance, economy and efficiency, and program audits.

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B

Biology - Knowledge of the environment, plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

Botany - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of plants, including structures and functions, classification, taxonomy, plant communities, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, conservation, and care of plant species.

Budget Administration - Knowledge of the principles and practices of budget administration and analysis; including preparing, justifying, reporting on, and executing the budget; and the relationships among program, budget, accounting, and reporting systems.

Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools to construct objects, structures, and buildings.

Business Process Reengineering - Knowledge of methods, metrics, tools, and techniques of Business Process Reengineering.

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MOSAIC Competencies Page 9 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Classification - Knowledge of classification concepts, principles, and practices related to structuring organizations and positions and determining the appropriate pay system, occupational grouping, title, and pay level of positions.

Clerical - Knowledge of filing, typing, entering data, maintaining records, taking shorthand, and using and completing forms.

Client Engagement/Change Management - Knowledge of the impact of change on people, processes, procedures, leadership, and organizational culture; knowledge of change management principles, strategies, and techniques required for effectively planning, implementing, and evaluating change in the organization.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Communications Security Management - Knowledge of the principles, policies, and procedures involved in ensuring the security of communications services and data, and in maintaining the communications environment on which it resides.

Compensation - Knowledge of compensation concepts, principles, and practices, including pay and leave administration and compensation flexibilities.

Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.

Compliance Inspection - Knowledge of the guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with compliance inquiries, including application of compliance rules and criteria and ability to make appropriate decisions and issue citations, fines, or orders.

Computer Forensics - Knowledge of tools and techniques used in data recovery and preservation of electronic evidence.

Computer Languages - Knowledge of computer languages and their applications to enable a system to perform specific functions.

Computer Network Defense - Knowledge of defensive measures to detect, respond, and protect information, information systems, and networks from threats.

MOSAIC Competencies Page 10 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Computer Skills - Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

Computers - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of electric circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Configuration Management - Knowledge of the principles and methods for planning or managing the implementation, update, or integration of information systems components.

Conflict Management () -* Manages and resolves conflicts, grievances, confrontations, or disagreements in a constructive manner to minimize negative personal impact.

Conflict Management (‡) - Encourages creative tension and differences of opinions. Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counter-productive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.

Conscientiousness - Displays a high level of effort and commitment towards performing work; demonstrates responsible behavior.

Constitutional Law - Knowledge of the laws and legal precedents related to the U.S. Constitution.

Continual Learning - Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues self- development.

Contracting/Procurement - Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques, or requirements (for example, Federal Acquisitions Regulations) for contracting or procurement, and contract negotiation and administration.

Control of Funds - Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and requirements for maintaining control and accountability of obligations and expenditures for all appropriations and fund accounts (for example, revolving, non-appropriated, multiyear, and single-year appropriations).

MOSAIC Competencies Page 12 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Customer Service (‡) - Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.

Cutting - Knowledge of meat cutting, including the grades and structure of meat, fish, or poultry.

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D

Data Management - Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and tools of data management, such as modeling techniques, data backup, data recovery, data dictionaries, data warehousing, data mining, data archiving, data disposal, and data standardization processes.

Data Systems - Knowledge of computer hardware and software development and systems as they apply to the conception, specification, analysis, planning, development, installation, test, modification and use of data handling and computing systems in support of aerospace flight and ground systems.

Database Administration - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools for automating, developing, implementing, or administering database systems.

Database Management Systems - Knowledge of the uses of database management systems and software to control the organization, storage, retrieval, security, and integrity of data.

Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

Decision Support - Knowledge of decision support theories, methods, and tools for identifying, synthesizing, representing, and evaluating the important aspects of a decision situation and prescribing the recommended course for decision makers and other stakeholders.

Decisiveness - Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.

MOSAIC Competencies Page 13 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Depth Perception - Accurately judges which of several objects is closer or farther away from the observer, or the distance between an object and the observer.

Design - Knowledge of conceptualizing, developing, producing, understanding, and using plans, models, blueprints, and maps, including the use of tools and instruments to produce precision technical drawings, working prototypes, components, or systems.

Detention - Knowledge of the policies and procedures for detaining criminal suspects including processing, fingerprinting, detention requests, informing detainee of charges, and transportation.

Developing Others - Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods.

Distributed Systems - Knowledge of the principles, theoretical concepts, and tools underlying distributed computing systems, including their associated components and communication standards.

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E

Earth Science - Knowledge of interdisciplinary disciplines associated with the earth’s composition, structure, or other physical aspects, including atmosphere.

Ecology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.

Economics - Knowledge of economic policy, principles, and practices, market and non-market values, and the analysis and reporting of economic data.

Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, tax law and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

MOSAIC Competencies Page 15 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, and practices, and of equipment, tools, mechanical devices, and their uses to produce motion, light, power, technology, and other applications.

Enterprise Architecture - Knowledge of principles, concepts, and methods of enterprise architecture to align information technology (IT) strategy, plans, and systems with the mission, goals, structure, and processes of the organization.

Entomology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of insects, including taxonomy, morphology, behavior, life cycles, population dynamics, host-insect interactions, the role of insects in natural and managed ecosystems, and the regulation, prevention, and control of pest-related problems.

Entrepreneurship - Positions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.

Environmental Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods to protect and improve the quality of the environment and its resources; and to monitor, control, abate, and prevent pollutants.

External Awareness () -* Identifies and understands economic, political, and social trends that affect the organization.

External Awareness (‡) - Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders' views; is aware of the organization's impact on the external environment.

Eye-Hand Coordination - Accurately coordinates one's eyes with one's fingers, wrists, or arms to perform job-related tasks (for example, to move, carry, or manipulate objects).

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MOSAIC Competencies Page 16 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

F

Facilities - Knowledge of the physical, engineering, and experimental equipment and operational characteristics of facilities, and safety and equipment development designed to support aerospace activities.

Federal Funds Processing - Knowledge of methods and procedures for processing direct and reimbursable program funds (for example, automatic and funded reimbursements, interagency agreements, transfer appropriations), grants, loans, and credit programs.

Financial Analysis - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis, forecasting, and modeling to interpret quantitative and qualitative data; includes data modeling, earned value management, and evaluating key financial indicators, trends, and historical data.

Financial Assistance Mechanisms - Knowledge of the differences between acquisition and financial assistance purposes and requirements; knowledge of Federal assistance instruments, techniques, and procedures for grants (for example, block, mandatory, discretionary) and agreements (for example, cooperative, interagency).

Financial Management () -* Prepares, justifies, and/or administers the budget for program areas; plans, administers, and monitors expenditures to ensure cost-effective support of programs and policies; assesses financial condition of an organization.

Financial Management (‡) - Understands the organization's financial processes. Prepares, justifies, and administers the program budget. Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results. Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.

Financial Systems - Knowledge of the standards, architecture, and specifications of automated financial systems, including source documents, system flows, system interfaces, and related internal controls.

Fine Arts - Knowledge of theory and techniques required to produce, compose, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

MOSAIC Competencies Page 18 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Food Service - Knowledge of preparing and serving food for consumption.

Foreign Language - Knowledge of sign language or of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Forensics - Knowledge of procedures of civil, criminal, or administrative hearings, evidence collection, including the delivery and receipt of evidence, classes of evidence, and rules of evidence and legal procedures.

Forest Management - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of silviculture and forest ecology, forest use, management, harvesting, conducting inventories, regeneration, sustainability, and conservation; and the role of disturbances in timberland resources.

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G

General Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of engineering and their practical applications.

Genetics - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of genetics, including the biochemistry of DNA, gene interaction, gene expression, gene inheritance, population genetics, adaptation, and evolution.

Geography - Knowledge of geographical locations, their relationships and characteristics.

Geographical Sciences - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods for describing the location and distribution of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical locations, relationships, characteristics, and what the land supports.

Geology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the origins and structure of the earth, including the physical forces that have shaped it and its physical and organic history.

MOSAIC Competencies Page 19 of 40

• Definition contains wording that is more generalizable † Definition contains wording to achieve a specific reading level

Geophysics - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories related to solid earth structure, global seismic patterns, lithosphere, atmosphere, and the behavior of the earth’s gravitational, magnetic, and electrical fields, and other forces affecting the earth and its environment.

Geotechnical Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to the investigation and evaluation of subsurface soil or geologic conditions and properties for the purpose of designing stable foundation systems, earthen structures, or the remediation of subsurface conditions.

Grants Management - Knowledge of requirements, practices, and procedures for soliciting, receiving, reviewing, and processing proposals, and awarding and administering grants and agreements.

Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence.

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H

Hardware - Knowledge of specifications, uses, and types of computer or computer-related equipment.

Hardware Engineering - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools for designing, developing, and testing computer or computer-related equipment.

Hazardous Materials - Knowledge of hazardous materials and waste and their uses, interactions, dangers, production, handling, storage, and disposal.

Health Physics - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods pertaining to the protection of people, their environment, and equipment from hazards (for example, radiation or hazardous chemicals) and the control of radioactive material.

History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and impact on particular civilization and cultures, and of preservation and archival techniques.