This senior public affairs specialist in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Communications will plan and coordinate the dissemination of information relating to the agency's national and regional programs and priorities to the public, media, partners, and others.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R3-23-12036651-AMS-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Summary
This senior public affairs specialist in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Communications will plan and coordinate the dissemination of information relating to the agency's national and regional programs and priorities to the public, media, partners, and others.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R3-23-12036651-AMS-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
This position will be located in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Midwest Region. Salary will be based upon duty station/locality pay once selected. Locality tables may be found at: 2023 Pay Tables. If selected, you may be placed at a regional office, field office, current duty station, or other DOI-owned or leased worksite located in one of the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, or Wisconsin. This is at the discretion of management. Additional questions regarding placement should be reserved for the interview process.
This Public Affairs Specialist position will carry out a variety of assignments, including media relations, internal information, visual information, communication planning, contingency/crisis response, and highlighting the FWS' mission.
As a Public Affairs Specialist your duties will include, but are not limited to the following:
Serving as a Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) spokesperson with reporters and the media about sensitive, complex, highly visible, and controversial matters, some of which may have international significance;
Responding to inquiries for information and interviews from local, regional, national and international wire services, television and radio networks, nationally and internationally circulated newspapers and magazines, the legal community, interest groups, consultants, and the public;
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with representatives of the news media, representatives of non-government organizations (NGOs), and with FWS employees in the headquarters, regional and field offices; Department of the Interior public affairs specialists; and employees of other agencies, bureaus, and offices;
Authoring and producing a wide variety of FWS media advisories, news releases, official statements, talking points, announcements, letters, internal memoranda, and related materials concerning assigned program areas; and
Assisting regional program managers with communications strategy, planning and implementation focusing on regional and national conservation priorities and long-term proactive goals.
Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
Medical Requirements: Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
Driver's License: Selectees MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 07/21/2023 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Qualification GS-12
In order to qualify at the GS-12 level, you must fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience may include: experience in communications and outreach pertaining to natural resources or wildlife conservation; implementing natural resource or wildlife conservation related communication plans and outreach strategies to improve understanding by various audiences; responding to inquiries and interview requests from local and national media outlets (television, radio, newspapers, magazines and bloggers), interest groups, and the public; maintaining effective working relationships with representatives of the news media, and representatives of nongovernment organizations (NGO); developing integrated proactive communication strategies and outreach plans in close coordination with senior public affairs specialists on potentially controversial and sensitive matters pertaining to natural resource or wildlife conservation related topics.
Minimum Qualification GS-13
In order to qualify at the GS-13 grade level, you must fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialize experience may include: experience in communications and outreach pertaining to natural resources or wildlife conservation; implementing natural resource or wildlife conservation related communication plans and outreach strategies to improve understanding by various audiences; writing and editing briefing materials and talking points for senior officials for media interviews, public speeches, or employee broadcasts; preparing speeches, news releases, opinion pieces, feature stories, letters to the editor, and other materials for public distribution; building or establishing relationships with media or partners who may have opposing points of view, particularly in the natural resource or wildlife conservation arenas; developing multimedia information products (podcasts, blogs, slide shows and other interactive media) and effectively utilizing web, text, graphics, photos, audio, video, and other social media to convey information.
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.
Education
Not applicable at the GS-12 and GS-13 grade level
Additional information
PCS INFORMATION:
Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.
Telework:
This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/"
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.
This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle will consist of applicants completing an occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle will consist of applicant resumes being reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule. This process will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
KSAs at the GS-12 and GS-13 grade levels
Knowledge of communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques in order to function as a communications authority for a wide variety of complex, sensitive, and highly visible Service activities and initiatives and to develop and disseminate written and oral information to the news media, partners, stakeholders, Congress, NGOs, and the general public.
Knowledge of conservation issues, Federal wildlife law and regulations, and natural resource and wildlife management topics in order to convey in layman's terms, complex technical information in a clear, accurate, interesting, and engaging manner that captures the attention and meets the needs of the news media and the public.
Ability to work under pressure and short deadlines and to provide coordinated responses (on and off record) to communication demands often times to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions to achieve a more balanced perspective among these publics.
Writing ability and skill in order to author news releases, public service announcements, presentations, feature articles, opinion pieces, speeches, and web-based multimedia products designed to convey complex information in a clear, accurate, interesting, and engaging manner to publics with varying levels of comprehension of agency programs and policies, or opposition or indifference to the agency's program objectives.
Knowledge of and skill in developing, planning, and executing communication plans and outreach strategies for the dissemination of information for a wide variety of target audiences, including members of Congress, senior officials, officials of state and local government, non-government organizations, and a culturally diverse public to improve public understanding of wildlife issues.
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified
The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
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.
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents:
1. Resume:You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer, supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
4. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
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.
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 07/21/2023 ,11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
5600 American Blvd, West Suite 990
Bloomington, MN 55437
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents:
1. Resume:You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer, supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
4. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
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.
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 07/21/2023 ,11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
5600 American Blvd, West Suite 990
Bloomington, MN 55437
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
