Clarification from the agency

This position is limited to applicant who meet the requirements of the Recent Graduate program.

Works with organizations in WAPA's regions and at HQ to plan and carry out communication strategies focused on both internal and external customers. Helps develop communication products and services and adapts or customizes materials for specialized audiences throughout WAPA's geographic service area. Major contributor to the development and implementation of communication plans for significant internal and external events, programs and initiatives. Directs internal communications program and WAPA's publications; provides routine support for internal communications efforts. Determines the need for information materials to support WAPA-wide programs to internal and external audiences and provides relevant products to various offices for adaptation to specialized audience needs. Seeks and includes regional input and perspectives into WAPA-published .Serves as major contributor to website content for internal and external web sites. Works with content owners to improve content as needed. Assists with web management and development. Writes regularly for web postings, seeking out informative and important information to share with internal and/or external audiences. Ensures web content is posted in a timely manner and that it meets format, style, accessibility and usability guidelines. Researches and assesses web design, content authoring, graphics, content and site management and social media tools and makes recommendations for purchase for use. Prepares speeches, talking points, questions and answers, and provides media training for employees across the organization. Helps arrange and participate in meetings, conferences and special events.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.

The employee may be noncompetitively promoted when qualified and recommended by management, however, promotions are not guaranteed. The full performance level of this position is GS-11. Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years after degree completion to apply). Successful applicants are placed in a one-year Excepted service, career developmental program which may include specialized training, formal rotational assignments, and other developmental activities. Under the formal training program applicants will be provided a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations. Participants who successfully complete the program may be converted to term or permanent positions.To be eligible for conversion to a permanent or term position, Recent Graduates must:

1)Have successfully completed at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program.
2)Demonstrate successful job performance.
3)Meet the Office of Personnel Management’s qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.

Qualifications

Recent Graduate candidates must meet the qualification requirements consistent with OPM qualification standards applicable to the position being filled by the closing date of the announcement.

RECENT GRADUATE, applicants must apply WITHIN TWO YEARS of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years after degree completion to apply).  Applications will be accepted from students meeting the graduation requirements by January 2019.

For the GS-7 level, you must have completed 1 full academic year of graduate level education

Or

eligibility under the superior Academic Achievement Provision after completing a bachelor's degree.Superior Academic Achievement for GS-07: Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with Superior Academic Achievement. To qualify based on S.A.A., education must be fully qualifying for the position being filled. Applicant must meet one of the following provisions for superior academic achievement: 1. A standing in the upper third of your graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision. 2. A grade point average of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent for (a) all courses completed; or (b) courses completed during the last two years of the curriculum.3. A grade point average of "B+" (3.5. on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent based on (a) the average of the required courses completed in the major field; or (b) the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.4. Election to membership in one of the national honorary societies (other than freshman societies) that meets the requirements of the Association of College of Honor Societies. Grade point averages will be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0, and 2.94 will round to 2.9. NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your S.A.A. claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society and you must provide evidence of your class standing or honor society membership with your application.

Or

1 year of specialized experience in:

Reporting and writing in a journalistic style for a variety of formats and audiences to serve stakeholders needs. Knowledge of SharePoint or other intranet and internet platforms

For the GS-9 level, you must have completed all requirements for a master's degree or equivalent degree.

Or

1 year of Specialized experience in:

Building multimedia content, including video and technically proficient in these platforms,  proposing communications strategies and tactics and basic skills in using SharePoint or other intranet and internet platforms.

In developing  communication products and services and adapts or customizes materials for specialized audiences

EXPLANATION OF TERMS

An academic year of undergraduate education is defined as 30 semester hours, 45-quarter hours, or the equivalent in an accredited college or university or 36 weeks at an accredited business, technical, vocational, or qualifying educational institution for at least 20 classroom hours per week.
An academic year of graduate education is defined as 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement or the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 academic year of full-time study.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

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

The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to place you into an initial quality category via OPM's Category Rating procedures. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to ensure you have been placed into the appropriate quality category.

Your application is rated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education (when applicable), and training as described in your resume and applicant assessment. Your credentials are measured against the established duties of the position at the grade level(s) being advertised.

The quality categories are usually defined as "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified", although they may differ slightly based on individual agency policy.

If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

If you are a Veteran Preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.

Selecting Official may check references on those applicants referred for consideration.
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