DOE's Clean Energy Corps is made up of the staff from more than a dozen offices across DOE. As vacancies become available, applicants may be required to go through the DOE Clean Energy Corps hiring pipeline where you may be evaluated based on competencies through a core competency /technical interview(s). You are strongly encouraged to express interest through the Clean Energy Corps Applicant Portal for consideration. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration for BIL positions.
Summary
DOE's Clean Energy Corps is made up of the staff from more than a dozen offices across DOE. As vacancies become available, applicants may be required to go through the DOE Clean Energy Corps hiring pipeline where you may be evaluated based on competencies through a core competency /technical interview(s). You are strongly encouraged to express interest through the Clean Energy Corps Applicant Portal for consideration. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration for BIL positions.
This series covers positions managing, supervising, leading, and/or performing work involved in establishing and maintaining mutual communication between Federal agencies and the general public and various other pertinent publics including internal or external, foreign or domestic audiences. Positions in this series advise agency management on policy formulation and the potential public reaction to proposed policy, and identify and carry out the public communication requirements inherent in disseminating policy decisions. The work involves identifying communication needs and developing informational materials that inform appropriate publics of the agency's policies, programs, services and activities, and plan, execute, and evaluate the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering agency goals. Work in the series requires skills in written and oral communication, analysis, and interpersonal relations.
Vacancies filled under this public notice may have varying levels of promotion potential and supervisory level, if any.
Positions may be filled as permanent, term, or temporary with a full-time or part-time work schedule.
As a Public Affairs Specialist you may:
design, plan, and direct or advise on the public affairs program in an agency, or organization within an agency;
develop and disseminate informational materials to the general public or specialized target groups within a domestic or foreign setting;
provide information of particular value and interest to agency employees;
establish and maintain effective working relationships with all media, both foreign and domestic, and develop and disseminate informational materials to pertinent publics through the media.
This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Subject to satisfactory security and suitability requirements.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Positions may be filled as permanent, term, or temporary with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.
The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to a Top Secret DOE "Q" clearance.
These positions are to be filled under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA - P.L. 117-58).
Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-09: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
Drafting information relative to an organization's mission, programs and accomplishments for dissemination to the public and the media; AND
Writing a variety of reports, products and projects such as; fact sheets, informational brochures or papers, articles and other content
OR EDUCATION: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED. OR COMBINATION: You may qualify on a combination of education and experience. The total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate level education more than the first 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-11:You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
Drafting information relative to an organization's mission, programs and accomplishments for dissemination to the public and the media; AND
Writing a variety of reports, products and projects such as; fact sheets, informational brochures or papers, articles and other content; AND
Assisting in the review of current communication strategies and plans
OR EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED. OR COMBINATION: You may qualify on a combination of education and experience. The total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate level education more than the first 36 semester hours (54 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-12: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
Drafting news releases, fact sheets, brochures, or other content that increase communication and understanding with the public; AND
Assisting with handling challenging or controversial issues impacting an organization; AND
Analyzing public reaction to programs and identifying options to improve communications internally and with the general public
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-13: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
Implementing communication outreach strategies to maintain public support and designing approaches to address specific communications problems; AND
Identifying and planning, design, and preparation of effective outreach materials, including fact sheets, postcards, flyers, mailers, and other visual materials for identified target audiences; AND
Carrying out special projects to assess the effectiveness of various communication methods (i.e., web, TV, radio, social media, etc.)
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-14:You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
Designing and implementing proactive public affairs projects including strategic communications programs and other communication strategies; AND
Researching, writing, and editing news releases, publications, web and digital content, reports, brochures, presentations, announcements, speeches, visual data products and other informational materials for the media and other groups interested in or impacted by an organization; AND
Carrying out special projects to assess the effectiveness of various communication methods (i.e., web, TV, radio, social media, etc.)
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 level.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-15: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
Providing leadership in developing and implementing written and visual promotional and informational products that enhance an organization's public and media image; AND
Designing and implementing proactive public affairs projects including strategic communications programs and other communication strategies; AND
Researching, writing, and editing news releases, publications, web and digital content, reports, brochures, presentations, announcements, speeches, visual data products and other informational materials for the media and other groups interested in or impacted by an organization; AND
Carrying out special projects to assess the effectiveness of various communication methods (i.e., web, TV, radio, social media, etc.)
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-15 level.
"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.
OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-1035 series can be found at the following website: OPM Qualification Standards
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
This public notice may be used to fill multiple positions as needed; therefore, applicants must meet the qualifications at the time the applications are reviewed.
Education
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
If qualifying solely based on education, transcripts must be provided.
Additional information
The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected under this authority are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802.
If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.
More than one selection may be made under this hiring authority.
Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
Positions may be filled at varying levels of leadership, ie Team Lead, Manager, Supervisor.
Supervisory positions may require a 1-year probationary period, if not yet completed.
New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position is announced under a government-wide Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Public Affairs Specialist positions in the GS- 1035 series. Under this Direct-Hire authority, applicants are required to meet minimum qualification requirements at the grade level(s) of interest. Veteran's Preference, Schedule A, Category Rating, and other methods of consideration DO NOT APPLY under Direct-Hire Authority regulations.
Appointments made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Civil Service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).
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.
Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Communications and Media
Oral Communication
Partnering
Planning and Evaluating
Strategic Thinking
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (07/31/2023) of this announcement.
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.
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 apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation,if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
This is a public notice that is open for 3 months.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
In addition to applying to this Job Opportunity Announcement, interested candidates are strongly encouraged to express interest via DOE'sApplicant Portal. The Applicant Portal allows candidates to align their talents with their passion by indicating specific areas of interest and allow hiring managers throughout the agency to search and review candidate resumes simultaneously to find the best fit for YOU in DOE. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration for BIL positions. The Applicant Portal allows those interested to align their talents with their passion by indicating specific areas of interest.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
These positions are to be filled under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA - P.L. 117-58). This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 5 CFR 330. Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time of your application.
Grid Deployment Office
P.O. Box 5088
Oak RIdge, TN 37831
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the Department of Energy from another Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation,if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
This is a public notice that is open for 3 months.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
In addition to applying to this Job Opportunity Announcement, interested candidates are strongly encouraged to express interest via DOE'sApplicant Portal. The Applicant Portal allows candidates to align their talents with their passion by indicating specific areas of interest and allow hiring managers throughout the agency to search and review candidate resumes simultaneously to find the best fit for YOU in DOE. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration for BIL positions. The Applicant Portal allows those interested to align their talents with their passion by indicating specific areas of interest.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
These positions are to be filled under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA - P.L. 117-58). This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 5 CFR 330. Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time of your application.
Grid Deployment Office
P.O. Box 5088
Oak RIdge, TN 37831
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the Department of Energy from another Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
