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Writer-Editor ZA-1082-II (GS-9/11 equivalent)

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in the Public Affairs Office at NIST. You will report on and promote NIST's research programs and activities using the agency's social media accounts.

Are you ready to explore your future with NIST?

Your application package may be shared with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like the one you are applying to. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/09/2018 to 11/27/2018
Salary
$56,233 to - $88,450 per year
Pay scale & grade
ZA 02
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Gaithersburg, MD
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel maybe needed to attend conferences.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
03
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Drug test
No
Announcement number
NISTOD-2019-0002
Control number
516420700

Duties

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The individual selected for this position will report on and promote NIST's research efforts and programs via the agency's social media accounts. Adapt already written content (e.g., web content, press releases, video, speeches and more) and create original content for posting and promotion in social media channels. Create social media calendars that align with public observances and NIST priorities. Participate in planning and carrying out social media campaigns. Monitor social media channels for comments and questions and work with subject matter experts to craft appropriate responses. Analyze and present user data from NIST's social media channels. Research and present information and data on social media trends and best practices. Ensure social activities meet federal digital policies and guidelines. Work as part of a collaborative team.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen
  • You must be registered for Selective Service if applicable (www.sss.gov)
  • You must be suitable for Federal Employment
  • Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable

All applicants MUST submit two (2) writing samples that clearly demonstrate the ability to write about complex, chemistry, engineering, bioscience, physics, or information technology/cybersecurity research concepts in a journalistic style intended for a general, non-technical audience. Writing samples can include articles, video scripts, podcast scripts, or multiple social media messages tied to one social media campaign.

Applicants must meet requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement unless eligible for special hiring authority, reinstatement eligible, non-current Federal employee applying as a VEOA eligible which do not require time-in-grade/band.

Qualifications

Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 (ZA-I at NIST) in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience writing and editing content for communicating science and technical research topics to a variety of audiences in lay language, in a journalistic style.

OR

master's or equivalent graduate degree

OR

2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

OR

LL.B. or J.D., if related

Experience 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains Federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the OPM website located at http:///www.opm.gov/qualifications

Education

This position allows you to qualify and be considered based on your education. To receive this consideration, please submit a copy of your transcripts to document that you have met the education requirement. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, official transcripts will be required prior to a final offer of employment.

Foreign education: Individuals educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for a U.S. equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. View a listing of these accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. Provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing.

Additional information

All applicants MUST submit two (2) writing samples that clearly demonstrate the ability to write about complex, chemistry, engineering, bioscience, physics, or information technology/cybersecurity research concepts in a journalistic style intended for a general, non-technical audience. Writing samples can include articles, video scripts, podcast scripts, or multiple social media messages tied to one social media campaign.

A probationary period may be required.

This position is covered by an Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). This system replaces the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and grade with career paths and pay bands. For information regarding how the pay bands correspond to the General Schedule, click here.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job opportunity announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions). Your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. 

Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, salary, duties performed for each position, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level/pay band.

The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:

* Ability to adapt already written content (e.g., web content, press releases, video, speeches and more) for posting and promotion on social media channels. Creates original content for posting and promotion on social media channels.

* Experience monitoring social media accounts for comments, questions, etc., and working with scientific staff to draft appropriate responses.

* Experience compiling and analyzing social media data from social media accounts and recommends changes to social media strategy based on that data.


To preview questions please click here.

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