Mid-Level FOIA Specialist

Summary

Aretum is a mission-driven organization delivering technology-enabled solutions across defense, civilian, and homeland security sectors. The Mid-Level FOIA Specialist supports the Freedom of Information Act program by processing requests, reviewing records, applying redactions, managing administrative files, and coordinating large-scale production efforts while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Timely acknowledge incoming FOIAs, referrals, consultations, FOIA appeals, and Privacy Act requests
• Conduct thorough responsiveness reviews, de-dupe records, and apply discretionary judgment on FOIA procedural issues such as fee category determinations, fee waivers, and grants for expedited processing
• Prepare search memoranda for the appropriate record custodians
• Review large record sets thoroughly, with an eye for detail
• Apply redactions to responsive records in accordance with the FOIA, USDA’s FOIA regulations, and any applicable case law
• Manage administrative files in accordance with internal standard operating procedures
• Coordinate and oversee the production of large-scale collection efforts involving multiple components
• Adhere to USDA’s commonly used confidentiality statutes

Skills

• Public Trust Eligibility Required
• 2-4 years of FOIA processing experience
• Associate's degree (3 additional years of relevant experience is acceptable in lieu of a degree)
• Federal FOIA processing experience, as a federal government employee or as a federal government contractor
• Experience processing complex FOIA requests that include submitter outreach and FOIA consultations and referrals
• Familiarity with FOIAXpress or a similar FOIA tracking/processing system
• Proficiency in delivering detail-oriented work
• Capable of working within a team
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• This is a remote position; however, occasional travel may be required based on project needs, client meetings, team collaboration events, or training sessions. Travel is expected to be less than 10% and will be communicated in advance whenever possible
• Due to federal contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this position
• This position supports a federal government contract and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Suitability Determination, depending on the agency's background investigation requirements

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Public Trust Eligibility Required
• 2-4 years of FOIA processing experience
• Associate's degree (3 additional years of relevant experience is acceptable in lieu of a degree)
• Federal FOIA processing experience, as a federal government employee or as a federal government contractor
• Experience processing complex FOIA requests that include submitter outreach and FOIA consultations and referrals
• Familiarity with FOIAXpress or a similar FOIA tracking/processing system
• Proficiency in delivering detail-oriented work
• Capable of working within a team
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• This is a remote position; however, occasional travel may be required based on project needs, client meetings, team collaboration events, or training sessions. Travel is expected to be less than 10% and will be communicated in advance whenever possible
• Due to federal contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this position
• This position supports a federal government contract and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Suitability Determination, depending on the agency's background investigation requirements

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Remote position