Insights into RGE-EDGE Program Positions and Reviews
"Explore the RGE-EDGE Program details including positions, routes, review process, and performance comparison. Learn about the mandatory reviews of research and development positions and how to qualify for RGE/EDGE roles. Discover the key aspects of the program and how it impacts permanent scientists seeking career progression."
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Presentation Transcript
Overview of the RGE-EDGE Program Steve Hilburger and Mark Miller RGE-EDGE Coordinators Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI) January 2025 RGE mailbox rge-edge@usgs.gov RGE Web Site www.usgs.gov/rge-edge U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey
Topics Covered RGE and EDGE Positions Routes to RGE and EDGE The RGE and EDGE Process o Timing o Package o Peer Panels 2
RGE and EDGE Positions RGE EDGE Research Grade Evaluation Equipment Development Grade Evaluation Research positions Development positions Seek extension of knowledge and understanding Seek new or improved products, processes, and techniques Conduct hypothesis-driven research Develop tools and devices that support scientific research OPM RGE Guide OPM EDGE Guide 3
RGE and EDGE Review Mandatory, periodic review of permanent Research and Development positions ~1,000 research scientists ~45 development scientists Positions have full performance level GS-15; but there is no guarantee of promotion Federal grade classification Grade classification based on criteria in OPM guides Person in the job concept Administered by OSQI in collaboration with the HR Peer panels meet, discuss, and reach consensus 4
Routes to RGE-EDGE Hired into an RGE/EDGE position, or Re-classified from 9-factor to 4-factor position Conducting research/development work >50% of time Must qualify for a professional occupational series o Hydrologist, Computer Scientist, Ecologist, etc. o not Technician or Specialist titles No PhD requirement Done through RGE-EDGE panel process Must have support from center director o Have your CD email rge-edge@usgs.gov EARLY o 6+ months before submission date is best o No later than one month before submission date 5
RGE-EDGE vs. Performance RGE-EDGE Performance Research/Development activities Total job OPM guides Performance plan Panel of peers Supervisor Cyclical/Periodic Annual Classification Performance awards Poor performance ratings may delay RGE-EDGE reviews 6
Who is reviewed? Permanent scientists in 4-factor positions Permanent scientists in 9-factor positions seeking 4-factor At center director s request (see slide 5) Term scientists generally not reviewed May be reviewed by center director request Results vary by the position 7
Review Schedule and Frequency Frequency varies with grade Up to GS-13: every 4 years GS-14: 6 years GS-15: 7 years All schedule changes require CD approval: Early reviews scheduled with CD approval Communicate EARLY (no later than a month before submission date) Delayed reviews possible, typically limited to: Personal / health issues, or Temporary assignments away from typical work Not provided for convenience or to allow a better package 8
Annual Calendar Two RGE-EDGE cycles per year, each with ~100+ scientists reviewed; ~15+ panels held Summer Cycle April 15 Intent to Submit Deadline (for all early review and conversion additions) May 15 submission date Panels meet ~July through ~November Winter Cycle October 15 Intent to Submit Deadline (for all early review and conversion additions) November 15 submission date Panels meet ~February through ~May 9
The RGE-EDGE Package Research or Development Scientist Record List of references, including supervisor and center director Three significant contributions Approval Sheet signed by CD, supervisor, and scientist Supervisory letter of support (Optional) External Impact Statements (Optional) CD Reclassification Letter (Required for reclassifications) Templates and guidance www.usgs.gov/rge-edge 10
Scientist Record Outline Scientist Background Written Narratives o Research/Development Environment o Four Factor Narratives o Three Significant Contributions Supporting Information o Bibliography, Presentations, Service, Awards, etc. References Training offered each cycle, slides at www.usgs.gov/rge-edge 11
Four Factors RGE 1. Research Assignment 2. Supervisory Controls 3. Guidelines & Originality 4. Contributions, Impact, & Stature EDGE I. Nature of Assignment II. Supervision Received III. Guidelines & Originality IV. Qualifications and Contributions Factors 1, 2, and 3 cover: work in a permanent USGS position; covering roughly the standard review interval (4, 6, or 7 years by grade), or since the last promotion (if shorter). Factor 4 may include full career 12
Supporting Information (slide 1) A. Current and Recent Projects: a list; not long descriptions B. Bibliography C. Presentations D. Professional and Scientific Service E. Academic Service F. Technical Training Provided 13
Supporting Information (slide 2) G. Awards and Recognition H. Special Assignments I. Inventions and Patents J. Outreach and Media Coverage K. Previous Professional Positions L. Education External Impact Statements (optional, see online guidance) 14
Dynamic Peer Panels Panels are formed based on packages received in the cycle Program used to cluster packages into groups with similar expertise, with human curation 15
Peer Review Panels Composed of ~3-6 Scientists RGE Coordinator + Staff Scientist HR Specialist Meet via Teams; 3-5 half days Review ~4-8 scientists Panel members have relevant expertise Score by consensus, based on OPM Guides 16
Consider Impacts Changing the way people think or act Panels are asked, How and to what extent does the work: advance scientific understanding? advance the USGS and DOI Mission? protect and advance the health, safety, economic vitality, or ecological integrity of society? 17
Panel Findings Document what this panel found Panel members write in panel Scores for each factor and resulting GS level Narrative for each factor How the factor score was determined Why the higher score was not awarded Results are distributed to center directors after each panel. Center and HR implement grade changes as needed. 18
Panel Service RGE-EDGE scientists can expect to be invited to serve on a panel Timing varies, based on expertise needed Volunteers are very welcome! Contact rge-edge@usgs.gov Current RGE-EDGE scientists, or those actively pursuing reclassification to RGE-EDGE 19
Resources www.usgs.gov/rge-edge OPM s RGE Guide and EDGE Guide EDGE and ST checklists Training presentations Current Scientist Record templates w/guidance Approval Sheet Guidance for package submission via email 20
Contacts RGE Coordinators Steve Hilburger shilburger@usgs.gov Mark Miller mpmiller@usgs.gov Shared RGE mailbox rge-edge@usgs.gov Human Resources related to RGE Servicing Personnel Office www.usgs.gov/human-capital/connect 21
