Public Affairs Specialist

Help HelpRequirementsConditions of EmploymentYou must be a US Citizen or US NationalMales born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exemptSubject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint checkSuccessful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institutionSuccessfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates thorough knowledge and understanding of established principles and practices of conducting a public information program. Specialized experience is defined as experience: Utilizing communication principles, methods, and techniques to develop information for public affairs activities, such as news releases, briefing papers, media advisories, web and social media posts, feature stories, fact sheets, and newsletter and magazine articles, for various target audiences; Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within the agency and with media representatives in order to develop and disseminate coordinated messages; Designing and producing workshops, meetings and public outreach events with a variety of stakeholder groups, such as nonprofit organizations, state and local government officials, Congressional staff, and local associations; and Developing targeted media campaigns utilizing a diverse array of media platforms (i.e., YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and products (i.e., Adobe Creative Suite, Drupal, GovDelivery) to communicate information to the public about agency programs. Equivalent combination of education and experience are not qualifying for this grade level.NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-1035 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standardsExperience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.EducationThere is no educational requirement for this position.Additional informationCareer Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.To be eligible for appointment to this position, the new hire must be cleared to come on board once the results of the fingerprint check, review of the OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and the candidate's Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP) entries have been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory. This position requires a favorable credit check as part of the background investigation.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.Read more Help Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.