Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. citizens.

This position is located under the Office of Public and Governmental Affairs, Public Affairs Branch in Washington, District of Columbia.

The primary purpose of this position is to support the Public Affairs Branch and its mission to execute communications strategies that enhance the public's understanding of ATF's mission and inform the media of key ATF programs and activities.

As a Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-11, your typical work assignments may include:

• Determining the most effective methods of disseminating information to highlight ATF programs and activities;
• Developing, organizing and preparing material to meet media and public information goals;
• Responding accurately and appropriately to inquiries from the news media;
• Maintaining effective working relationships with media representatives, public interest and community groups, representatives of private industry, and internal ATF staff.
• Conducting liaison activities with Federal, State and local law enforcement and regulatory officials, industry groups, etc.

Conditions of employment

The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process.

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
2. May be required to serve a one year probationary period.
3. Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test
4. Must successfully complete a background security investigation
5. Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov

Qualifications

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

To qualify for 11, candidates must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below.

Specialized Experience for GS-11: is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume. Examples of specialized experience include:

• Drafting press releases, speeches, background papers, and other public affairs documents appropriate for the intended audience; and
• Producing written and oral presentations to explain, defend or gain understanding of programs; and
• Maintaining effective working relationships with media, community groups, and internal staff that enhance cooperation and support for programs and activities; and
• Researching and analyzing information from various media sources to identify potential problems and make recommendations.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Silver (minimum score of 85) or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Silver (minimum score of 85) or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at:https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/

Veteran Preference: If you are entitled to veteran preference, you should indicate the type of veteran preference you are claiming on your résumé.

In order to verify your veteran preference entitlement, please submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions.

In addition, if you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the natural mother of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit the October 2013 Revised Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim.

Although veteran preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated," veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified.

If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, you may be eligible to use leave under the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015. This act grants leave for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for a disability instead of using regular sick. For additional information see: Disabled Veteran Leave

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.

We will review your resume https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/ and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use your responses to the assessment questionnaire to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education, and/or training. The assessment questionnaire is designed to measure your ability in the following competencies:

• Communications and Media
• Partnering
• Technical Competence

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:

1. Gold: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), as determined by the job analysis.
2. Silver: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPF's as determined by the job analysis.
3. Bronze: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs as determined by the job analysis.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Candidates within the Gold category who are eligible for veterans' preference will receive selection priority over candidates without veterans' preference.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12316228