The Visual Information Specialist is a member of CPSC’s Office of Communications (OCM) and serves as the agency’s graphic designer under the supervision of the OCM Deputy Director. Some of the major duties and responsibilities of this position include:

• Coordinates, plans, maintains, promotes, designs and produces computer-designed print and electronic visual information materials, computer-designed illustrations and photographically enhanced media for targeted audiences.
• Prepares the arrangement and layout for graphic design projects by acquiring enough information about the subject from CPSC staff and other approved contributors to present it accurately and aesthetically.
• Designs visual products such as photographs, illustrations, diagrams, graphs, slides, charts, brochures, banners, infographics, environmental graphics, video graphics, and other forms of graphic communications for use on CPSC’s websites, OnSafety blog, video channels, social media sites and publications.
• Participates in the overall formulation of and contributes to the visual design of Commission responses to product safety hazards.
• Uses best practices in graphic design, follows all applicable agency directives, and coordinates with government and private sector experts in the field.
• Prepares final graphic products to be publishable according to 508 guidelines on the Web or for distribution electronically.
• Utilizes computer graphics to execute and design graphics images and illustrations that serve to attract the attention of consumers and induces them to read the material.
• Provides technical assistance and advice on design issues to agency staff including providing guidance on such matters as the principle of visual design as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Through the agency’s websites, social media, video channels and publications, information is disseminated to further the mission, programs and accomplishments of the CPSC. You have an opportunity to come to work where you can make a difference.

Conditions of employment

• Background Investigation Required.

This appointment requires completion of a one year probationary period unless you have previously successfully completed a probationary period that meets the following: 1) in the same agency, 2) in the same line of work (determined by the employee’s actual duties and responsibilities) and 3) contains or is followed by no more than a single break in service that does not exceed 30 calendar days. Failure to successfully complete the probationary period may result in termination of employment.

This is a Public Trust Position. Employment in this position requires a background investigation. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed or undisclosed background issues, the tentative employment offer may be withdrawn.

If you are a male 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. Please see http://www.sss.gov for more information.

Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to appointment and the appropriate background investigation forms to determine suitability for Federal employment. False statements or responses on these forms can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.

Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the I-9 Form (http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-9.pdf).

Compare employment eligibility verification from information provided on the I-9 Form to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The system confirms employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Qualifications

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Applicants must meet the qualifications for this position within thirty (30) days of the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience as a professional graphic designer and be able to demonstrate that he or she has managed graphic design projects from design concept through project completion and established production schedules.

If invited to an interview, you will be required to submit a portfolio demonstrating your own professional graphic design products.

Evidence of the above specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.

How you will be evaluated

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

After the vacancy closes, we will review your application package to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your responses to the questionnaire, resume and supporting documentation will then be reviewed. You will be placed in one of the three pre-defined categories. Your responses to the questionnaire will serve as the basis for your initial rating in one of three pre-defined categories: "best", "better", and "good". Within each category, those eligible through veterans preference will be listed at the top of the category. Your resume must support your answers to the questionnaire, or your category may be changed. The candidates in the highest category will be certified for referral to the selecting official and may be invited to an interview.

Please ensure your resume provides enough detail to support your answers to the questionnaire.

ICTAP candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a category rating of "better".
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