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Public Affairs Specialist

Environmental Protection Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is in the Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Planning and Implementation Staff.  

If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement.  

About the Office of Research and Development.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
08/18/2020 to 08/25/2020
Salary
$79,725 to - $103,647 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Durham, NC
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Announcement number
RTP-ORD-DE-2020-0077
Control number
576511700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Duties

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You will:

  • Analyze and synthesize scientific research findings, environmental policies, and program information to develop communications products geared toward a variety of audiences;
  • Plan, develop, and implement national communications and informational programs for a variety of non-technical audiences;
  • Assist, guide, and support the Center's Public Affairs Lead and press office in responding to the media and other public information requests;
  • Design and develop web sites and print communications materials on scientific/research topics for non-science audiences.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
  • You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
  • You may be required to travel less than 25% of each month.

This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation.  Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.  All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications

We are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as analyzing and synthesizing scientific research information into written communications materials for non-science audiences; using graphic design software to develop graphics for electronic and print communications materials; developing websites on scientific/research topics for non-scientific audiences.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:  1) Knowledge of development methods and practices for environmental communications products; 2) Skill in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing research findings; 3) Skill in written communication; 4) Skill in program management; 5) Skill in oral communication; 6) Skill in project coordination; 7) Skill in utilizing web and design software applications; 8) Skill in graphic design.

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.

If you have part-time work experience, read this:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Education

You do not need a degree to qualify for this position.

Additional information

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above.

EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee?  If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures

Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.

If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA.  Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

How you will be evaluated

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

We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.  Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section.  If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment.  Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position.  You are being evaluated under the category rating method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the ‘Best Qualified’, ‘Well Qualified’, or ‘Qualified’ category.

We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire.  If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.  We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements.  If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments.

NOTE:  We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).  However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.


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