Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency. Reclamation is best known for Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River and Folsom Dam on the American River. Today we are the largest wholesaler of water in the country and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States. View our video titled "Traditions, Talent, and Teamwork" here
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Public Affairs Specialist. You can make a difference in the West through your public outreach and communications to explain programs, projects and mission of the Bureau of Reclamation.
Would you enjoy developing and executing public affairs communication for a variety of internal and external programs? Responsibilities include serving as a media contact and providing support and guidance for the area offices overseeing seven Western states for delivery to employees and external groups, such as media outlets, tribes, water users, irrigation districts, power groups, and other stakeholders in the environmental, power recreation and agricultural communities using press contacts, social media, websites, publications and other products.
Here is a great opportunity to join a great organization with excellent growth potential!
You can progress from $59K to 71K in 2 years! Year 1 - $59,246 (GS-11), and Year 2 - $71,012 (GS-12). Promotions to the next grade/salary level are neither guaranteed nor automatic, but based on supervisor initiation.
NOTE: This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Minimum Background Investigation (MBI). This is a condition of employment. Upon entrance to the position, the Human Resources Office will initiate the background investigation on the incumbent. Failure to receive a favorably adjudicated background investigation will preclude the appointment.
LOCATION: Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, Office of the Regional Director, Salt Lake City, Utah. For living conditions in Salt Lake City, click here
Summary
Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency. Reclamation is best known for Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River and Folsom Dam on the American River. Today we are the largest wholesaler of water in the country and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States. View our video titled "Traditions, Talent, and Teamwork" here
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Public Affairs Specialist. You can make a difference in the West through your public outreach and communications to explain programs, projects and mission of the Bureau of Reclamation.
Would you enjoy developing and executing public affairs communication for a variety of internal and external programs? Responsibilities include serving as a media contact and providing support and guidance for the area offices overseeing seven Western states for delivery to employees and external groups, such as media outlets, tribes, water users, irrigation districts, power groups, and other stakeholders in the environmental, power recreation and agricultural communities using press contacts, social media, websites, publications and other products.
Here is a great opportunity to join a great organization with excellent growth potential!
You can progress from $59K to 71K in 2 years! Year 1 - $59,246 (GS-11), and Year 2 - $71,012 (GS-12). Promotions to the next grade/salary level are neither guaranteed nor automatic, but based on supervisor initiation.
NOTE: This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Minimum Background Investigation (MBI). This is a condition of employment. Upon entrance to the position, the Human Resources Office will initiate the background investigation on the incumbent. Failure to receive a favorably adjudicated background investigation will preclude the appointment.
LOCATION: Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, Office of the Regional Director, Salt Lake City, Utah. For living conditions in Salt Lake City, click here
Manages website development, maintenance and communication for the Region.Leads and participates on web-related working groups and advisory committees, including those established and led by Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Interior headquarters and other staffs.Coordinates website development work performed by persons within the region and ensures it complies with the overall direction and objectives for the regional and agency web presence.Develops recommendations for overall regional Internet direction, communication strategy and tactics; ensures consistency with and support for Reclamation's strategic plan, mission, vision and values.Writes and edits content for web pages and other materials (i.e., issue papers, fact sheets, etc.) for online posting.Provides guidance and coordination to ensure corporate (Reclamation and Interior) identity, consistency, and intuitive navigation across all Region websites and Internet pages.Prepares and coordinates web content design and development to ensure message consistency and quality, and to prevent information duplication and contradiction.Consults with the Public Affairs Officer to ensure content is consistent with Regional policies.Works directly with regional leaders and customers to define engagement and communication requirements and provide solutions.Collects website metrics and prepares reports and records of work focused on website effectiveness and improvement.Prepares and presents briefings and other materials to the Public Affairs Officer and other customers throughout the Region.Ensures compliance with Section 508 Accessibility, Privacy and Electronic Freedom of Information Act and other relevant rules, regulations and statues.Evaluates new and emerging Internet technologies, methods and approaches to improve the quality and effectiveness of existing web-based communication effortsIndependently creates graphics and edits appropriate imagery for web pages and other communication products.Develops guidelines and protocols for the use of blogs and social media in local and Region-wide outreach efforts; provides instruction on engaging the public through social media, appropriate topics, strategy and goals, as well as guidance on maintaining proper tone and tenor in social media interactionsManages Region's social media efforts-including coordinating with appropriate Reclamation Headquarters social media experts, Area Office and Field Division staffs, and counterparts across other Reclamation regions.Coordinates development, writing, editing and publication of Region-wide internal newsletter (UC Today)Writes, edits and prepares a variety of communication-related content and products.Captures high-quality still and video photography to help illustrate Region programs, projects and initiatives.
Subject to Favorable Adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation
You must meet specialized experience requirements; (See Qualifications)
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation; (See How to Apply)
May be subject to a 1-year probationary period.
You must meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade restrictions and any selective factors, by the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
To qualify for the GS-11: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in the federal service. Specialized experience is further defined as knowledge of website development tools, web languages and relational databases--including demonstrated experience in web authoring languages (HTML, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, XML/XSLT, JQUERY, PHP, etc.) and architectures; helping to manage web content; experience assisting with communication and analytical practices, methods and techniques to resolve complex public affairs problems; improving communication with the public through websites and other online tools; helping to develop strategies for multi-media and social media -OR- completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; -OR- 3 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree;-OR- LL.M, if related, -OR- combination of experience and education that meets the requirements for this position.
This vacancy announcement allows substitution of education for experience to qualify for the GS-11. You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support your education if you are substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred.
To qualify for the GS-12: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the federal service. Specialized experience is further defined as expert experience using website development tools, web languages and relational databases--including demonstrated experience in web authoring languages (HTML, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, XML/XSLT, JQUERY, PHP, etc.) and architectures; managing web content; experience leading advanced communication and analytical practices, methods and techniques to resolve complex public affairs problems; improving communication with the public through websites and other online tools; developing strategies for multi-media and social media.
There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-12 level.
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.
Education
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For further information, visit: Foreign Education
Additional information
References: On your application, please include the names and current phone numbers for at least 3 supervisory references. If any individual is no longer available for contact, you are requested to provide the name and current phone number of another person with the company (team lead, acting supervisor, etc.) that would know your work history. Telework: Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. E-Verify: DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. For more information visit: Selective Service. Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.
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.
Working for the Bureau of Reclamation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit the Benefits URL above.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Category rating and selection procedures will be used for evaluating this position. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your on-line responses to the vacancy assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of your experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100 and Veterans with preference will be placed at the top of their respective category. Disabled veterans who meet minimum qualifications and have a compensable service connected disability of at least 10% (CP or CPS) would be placed at the top of the Best Qualified category.
Applicants will be further evaluated on the following “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)” through your resume and responses to the online questions. KSA 1. Broad knowledge and demonstrated skill in public affairs principles, communication best practices, web-related technology and services, social media trends and proven approaches, online publications, graphic design and photography. KSA 2. Knowledge of and experience with web design, development and management tools and techniques sufficient to fully develop Internet web sites based on customer requirements. KSA 3. Through regular communication establishes a collaborative working relationship with stakeholders to ensure that their needs are heard and addressed. KSA 4. Knowledge of the technical requirements of graphical, text and voice-based browsers to create easily navigable pages that comply with accessibility laws and guidelines.
Applicant's answers to questions will be verified against information provided in their online resume. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education and/or training relevant to this position. Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is apparent in your description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR that your resume/application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible or your score may be lowered. To preview questions please click here.
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.
Working for the Bureau of Reclamation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit the Benefits URL above.
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.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate: Resume: A resume with dates of employment. Your resume may be submitted in any format. If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application. For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/day/year to month/day/year or month/day/year to the date you are submitting the resume). If using an automated resume builder, be sure to include this specific information in the narrative portion of your work description. Any period of employment that does not include this specific information will not be credited toward meeting the qualifications requirements of the position. Transcript(s): All applicants MUST furnish a copy of your college transcript(s), if applicable. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work. DD-214, Certificate of Release From Active Duty: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference: Submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference: Submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form. For information on veteran's eligibility visit: here. CTAP/ICTAP: Provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP-ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: CTAP/ICTAP.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: HireMe
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your not being considered for this position. Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from your USAJOBS profile - instructions provided during the online application process. In addition, you may E-mail your supporting documentation to mgbishop@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 801-524-3187, mail to Bureau of Reclamation, Human Resources Office, Attn: UC-543, 125 South State Street, Room 7102-A, Salt Lake City, UT 84138-1147 OR hand-deliver to 125 South State Street, Room 7102-A-Human Resources, Salt Lake City, UT. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND THE VACANCY NUMBER ON THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENT(S).
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
125 S. State St., Room 7102-A
Attn: UC-543
Salt Lake City, UT 84138-1147
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation, by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate: Resume: A resume with dates of employment. Your resume may be submitted in any format. If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application. For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/day/year to month/day/year or month/day/year to the date you are submitting the resume). If using an automated resume builder, be sure to include this specific information in the narrative portion of your work description. Any period of employment that does not include this specific information will not be credited toward meeting the qualifications requirements of the position. Transcript(s): All applicants MUST furnish a copy of your college transcript(s), if applicable. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work. DD-214, Certificate of Release From Active Duty: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference: Submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference: Submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form. For information on veteran's eligibility visit: here. CTAP/ICTAP: Provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP-ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: CTAP/ICTAP.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: HireMe
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your not being considered for this position. Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from your USAJOBS profile - instructions provided during the online application process. In addition, you may E-mail your supporting documentation to mgbishop@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 801-524-3187, mail to Bureau of Reclamation, Human Resources Office, Attn: UC-543, 125 South State Street, Room 7102-A, Salt Lake City, UT 84138-1147 OR hand-deliver to 125 South State Street, Room 7102-A-Human Resources, Salt Lake City, UT. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND THE VACANCY NUMBER ON THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENT(S).
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
125 S. State St., Room 7102-A
Attn: UC-543
Salt Lake City, UT 84138-1147
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation, by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
