The ideal candidate for this position will have a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Marketing, English or other relevant degree to Communications. This position starts at a salary of $49,157 (GS-07) with promotion potential to $60,129 (GS-09 grade level). Apply for this exciting opportunity to become a member of the External Affairs Division team within FEMA!
The ideal candidate for this position will have a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Marketing, English or other relevant degree to Communications. This position starts at a salary of $49,157 (GS-07) with promotion potential to $60,129 (GS-09 grade level). Apply for this exciting opportunity to become a member of the External Affairs Division team within FEMA!
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$49,157 to - $63,906 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 07
Location
Washington, DC
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional Travel may be required for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Recent graduates - This is an Excepted Service appointment under the Pathways Recent Graduate program, after successfully completing the 1 year program requirements the position is eligible for conversion to competitive service without further competition.
RECENT GRADUATE: The recent graduate program is for those who have graduated, within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program. The recent graduate program offers career development with training and mentor-ship. You must apply within two years of getting your degree or certificate (veterans have up to six years to apply if their military service obligation precluded them from the two-year period after obtaining a degree). You must be a U.S. Citizen.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
When disaster strikes, America looks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Now FEMA looks to you. Join our team and use your talent to support Americans in their times of greatest need. FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages Federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. We foster innovation, reward performance and creativity, and provide challenges on a routine basis with a well-skilled, knowledgeable, high performance workforce. Please visit www.fema.gov for additional information.
EMERGENCY ASSIGNMENT: Every FEMA employee has regular and recurring emergency management responsibilities, though not every position requires routine deployment to disaster sites. All positions are subject to recall around the clock for emergency management operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions.
In this position, you will serve as a Public Affairs Specialist with the External Affairs Division located in Washington, DC. Typical assignments include:
Assisting with media relations, digital media engagement, writing, and communications planning
Researching, drafting, editing, and distributing communications products and other strategic communications material
Communicating with branch chiefs, staff officers, and division leadership to provide status of assignments
Promotion Potential: Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must successfully pass a background investigation.
Selective Service registration required.
You must meet eligibility under the Pathways Recent Graduate Program.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
Please review "Other Information" section for additional key requirements.
To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo, successfully pass, and maintain a background investigation for Public Trust as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check after initial job qualifications are determined, a review of financial issues, such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs (please visit: Mythbuster on Federal Hiring Policies for additional information). For more information on background investigations for Federal jobs please visit OPM Investigations.
You must meet the Pathways Internship Program requirements AND the qualification requirements as described below at the time of the application.
Qualifications
You qualify for this position at the GS-07 level (starting salary $49,157) if you possess the following: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-05) in the Federal Service. This experience may have been gained in the federal government, a state or local government, a non-profit organization, the private sector, or as a volunteer; however, your resume must clearly describe at least one year of specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position includes:
Planning, coordinating, or evaluating the Public Affairs tactics and activities; and
Demonstrating strong writing skills and attention to detail
OR One full academic year of graduate level Education.
OR Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement.
OR Combination of education and experience.
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) Provision: Grade-point average (GPA) -- Applicants must have a GPA of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcripts, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two (2) years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or required courses in the major field completed during the final two (2) years of the curriculum.
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 provides valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
If you are selected for this position, you will be required to: (1) sign a Pathways Participant Agreement; (2) provide official transcripts; and, (3) complete 40 hours of formal, interactive training within 1 year.
NOTE: Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume. For a brief video on How to Create a Federal Resume, click here.
Current or former FEMA Reservists/DAE employees: To accurately credit your experience for these intermittent positions, make sure to list the dates (from MM/YY to MM/YY) of each deployment, along with the job title and specific duties you were responsible for during each deployment. Failure to provide this information may result in disqualification.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Education
Pathways Recent Graduate Program Eligibility: To be eligible for the Pathways Internship Program, you MUST:
You must have completed, within the last two years (from the closing date of this announcement), a qualifying associate, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from an accredited educational institution.
Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have up to six years after the date their degree was completed to apply.
You must provide a copy of all your transcripts; official or unofficial are both acceptable. Transcripts must have your name, institution name and information, and the date your degree was conferred or awarded and the date.
Program Completion and Conversion: Agency has the option to convert an intern to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, to a term position lasting 1-4 years) if the requirements of the program are met. This is not automatic. It is at the discretion of the employing office. Interns may be converted to the GS level qualified for at the time of conversion. To be eligible for conversion, an intern must:
Be a U.S. Citizen;
Complete 1 year of work experience acquired through the Internship Program;
Meet the Office of Personnel Management's qualification standards for the position to which the intern will be converted;
Meet agency-specific requirements in the Pathways Recent Graduate Agreement; and,
Perform their job successfully as documented through performance evaluations
NOTE: If you are selected for this position, you will be required to submit your official college transcript(s) at time of selection.
Additional information
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
DHS uses E-verify, an internet based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.
The entire time on the Pathways Internship Appointment is considered a trail-period and your program may be terminated without notice at any time during the program.
If selected for this position, and you have not previously completed these requirements, you are subject to (1) completion of a 2 day onboarding program at your primary duty location; and, (2) completion of a subsequent, multiple day orientation program within 90-120 days of hire at a location to be determined.
Travel associated with the orientation portion of this requirement may be at FEMA’s expense.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
This is a Bargaining Unit Unit position.
You must sign a Pathways Recent Graduate Program agreement prior to your appointment.
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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits.” Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the Pathways Program requirements and minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use your responses to the job questionnaire to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education and training. The competencies needed to perform this job are:
Technical Proficiency
Communication
Customer Service
Representing the Agency
Teamwork and Cooperation
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualification of the position and demonstrates high proficiency in all of the critical competencies
Well Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all critical competencies.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.
We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process.
Eligible applications that have veteran's preference will be referred and considered ahead of all others.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is not considered scientific/professional. Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.
Interview Requirement: Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from consideration.
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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits.” Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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.
Your responses to the job questionnaire - You will be directed to the online job questionnaire once you begin the application process for this position.
Your Transcript: Submit a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Transcripts must show your name, name of the institution, degree or courses taken and Grade Point Average (GPA). Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other acceptable documentation (i.e., a letter from your Command reflecting rank, dates of service, and type of discharge), which verifies veteran’s status and type of discharge prior to the closing date of this announcement. Those applying for 10-Point preference may fill out the SF-15 and/or provide documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions, within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. This must indicate your dates of service, expected release dates, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable or general conditions. View more veterans' information.
Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (See Note 1).
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position Title
Type of Appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee) Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
Note 1: Examples of applicable SF-50's for submission include appointment, promotion, and with-in-grade/range increases – award SF-50’s will not be accepted.
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.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the posted closing date of this job opportunity announcement, or at 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the date the application limit has been reached, whichever occurs first.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, Human Resources will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online or do not have access to the internet (e.g., applicant experiencing documented system issues, applicant does not have access to the internet, etc.), you may be able to submit a paper application and the required forms. To do so, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in the Agency Contact Information prior to the close of this announcement.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20472
United States
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed.
We expect to make a tentative job offer within 30 days after the deadline for applications.
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Any Offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your responses to the job questionnaire - You will be directed to the online job questionnaire once you begin the application process for this position.
Your Transcript: Submit a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Transcripts must show your name, name of the institution, degree or courses taken and Grade Point Average (GPA). Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other acceptable documentation (i.e., a letter from your Command reflecting rank, dates of service, and type of discharge), which verifies veteran’s status and type of discharge prior to the closing date of this announcement. Those applying for 10-Point preference may fill out the SF-15 and/or provide documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions, within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. This must indicate your dates of service, expected release dates, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable or general conditions. View more veterans' information.
Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (See Note 1).
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position Title
Type of Appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee) Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
Note 1: Examples of applicable SF-50's for submission include appointment, promotion, and with-in-grade/range increases – award SF-50’s will not be accepted.
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.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the posted closing date of this job opportunity announcement, or at 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the date the application limit has been reached, whichever occurs first.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, Human Resources will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online or do not have access to the internet (e.g., applicant experiencing documented system issues, applicant does not have access to the internet, etc.), you may be able to submit a paper application and the required forms. To do so, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in the Agency Contact Information prior to the close of this announcement.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20472
United States
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed.
We expect to make a tentative job offer within 30 days after the deadline for applications.
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Any Offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
