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PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Air National Guard Units
Montana Air National Guard - 120 ALF WG

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, GS-9/11, Position Description Numbers D2383000/D2382000, and is part of the Montana Air National Guard, 120 ALF WG. (A copy of the Position Description can be obtained from HRO upon request.)

Selecting Official: Lt Col Cody Smith

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/21/2026 to 05/06/2026
Salary
$61,722 - $97,087 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Great Falls, MT
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
MT-12940289-AF-26-450
Control number
866133800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is open to: Area I - Permanent (Tenure 1/2) T32 technicians of the MT Air National Guard (MTANG), Area II - Indefinite (Tenure 3) MTANG T32 technicians & MTANG T5 permanent (Tenure 1/2) or term (Tenure 3) employees that are military members of the MTANG, & Area III - military members of the MTANG or T5 temporary (Tenure 0) employees of the MTANG that are also military members of the MTANG.

Duties

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Coordinates the planning and development of complex, high level public affairs assignments in support of commander's programs and priorities. Carries out public affairs tasks that support the wing commander's priorities through the integration of visual information, social media, community engagement, command information, communication planning, contingency/crisis response, media operations, environmental, security and policy review, and public affairs resource management activities. Responds to requests for information, materials and support; and plans and conducts community engagement activities with community officials and groups. This includes providing and/or clearing material concerning controversial unit activities such as hazardous operations, costly acquisitions, and equal opportunity issues upon request by media representatives. Maintains an active web/social media presence, provides visual information services for documentation and/or publicity purposes and plans and arranges news media coverage. Evaluates the propriety and advisability of agency support of/ participation in local activities, programs, and events. For approved events, coordinates support requests from community and community groups, schools, news media organizations, and others to include requests for interviews, speakers, tours, bands, honor guards, and aviation support and support of local observances and celebrations.

Researches, drafts, coordinates, produces, and reviews public affairs products such as, web based content, photographs, videos, news and feature articles, news releases, talking points, fact sheets, briefings, speeches and scripts, newsletters, and other materials. These items are designed with the objective of effectively communicating agency activities, programs, and policies to a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Modifies standard methods and adapts approaches in developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of groups or individuals of significant issues concerning agency programs. Identifies potential problems or areas of friction and advises management officials concerning the causes of the problems and suggested methods for resolving them. Confers with program specialists, action officers, and other subject matter experts to obtain the latest and most accurate information and imagery approved for public release.

Maintains effective working relationships with officials of various senior wing leadership, civic, news media, community groups, Department of Defense personnel, as well as local, state and national government officials, and the general public. Attends meetings and maintains professional contacts. Explains public affairs policies and procedures and resolves most problems that arise. Determines appropriate recommendations for unresolved issues and performs follow up. Participates in special assignments and projects. Maintains effective relationships with DoD personnel, National, State and local officials, to include their respective State PAOs, who are critical target groups, needed to maintain effective working relationships and ongoing communications between the Wing and State.

Manages audio visual equipment for section. Appointed as the Wing Visual Information Manager per current DoD directives. Stays abreast of current visual information methodology and technological developments. Manages budget and procures new equipment and supplies. Plans, organizes, and carries out the visual information program. Provides photographic editing and processing, and video support, for alert missions to include mishaps. Provides historical documentation support. Designs, creates, and assembles materials for presentations, publications, and exhibits. Selects visual materials such as, photographs and graphics used in the communication of information. Designs the placement and appearance of visual materials; designs the placement of text in relation to art; decides type styles and typographical effects; and, plans effective use of color schemes, textures, and shapes in consideration of technical constraints to particular communication methods for example, printed distribution, exhibit, or oral presentation. Tailors products to best suit various public forums. Provides guidance and acts as a liaison to visiting non-military organizational photo crews, to include public news media photographers, who request to conduct photography activities.

Creates new, adapts, or modifies accepted communication campaign formats to reach a target audience with a specific message. The selection of a communication campaign format is based on an analysis of targeted audience demographics and message content. After an informational campaign has been implemented, solicited and unsolicited response data is gathered to assess campaign effectiveness in reaching the target audience.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the employing state's National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Appointments in the Title 32 MTNG technician program may terminate/suspend your military incentives; please see your MTNG Retention Office/Military Personnel Incentive Program Manager for details.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • External applicants must be able to start within 6 months of selection.
  • Selectee is required to complete SE1-260 requirements within six months of employment.
  • Selectee must complete the DoD Public Affairs Qualification Course within two years of employment; or, for on-board personnel, complete the course within two years from the appointment date to this position description.

Qualifications

Military Grades:
Enlisted E5 - E7



GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Must have experience, education or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or using analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience in compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Experience using computers and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE -OR- EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-09
Must have one of the following:

A) 1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Experience, education, or training involving knowledge of writing, communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to the public affairs of an agency. Experience in applying and adapting knowledge of strictly controlled situations of an agency. Experience writing articles on routine events of non-controversial subjects. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services. Experience participating in meetings with specialized groups to listen to and understand feedback on agency programs that are of particular interest to public. (MUST address your experiences in detail on resume as they relate to these specialized experiences, if using experience to qualify)


B) master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. (MUST provide copies of all relevant transcripts, if using education to qualify. Official transcripts may be required at a later date.)

C) A combination of Specialized Experience and education as outlined above which, when combined, equal 100% of the requirement.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE -OR- EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-11
Must have one of the following:

A) 1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Experience, education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military. Experience developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences. Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services. (MUST address your experiences in detail on resume as they relate to these specialized experiences, if using experience to qualify)

B) Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related. (MUST provide copies of all relevant transcripts, if using education to qualify. Official transcripts may be required at a later date.)

C) A combination of Specialized Experience and education as outlined above which, when combined, equal 100% of the requirement.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Air National Guard Units

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. Since the earliest American colonial days, citizens have joined together for collective defense. We have a proud tradition of coming to the aid of our friends and neighbors in times of serious emergencies. Join our National Guard team and serve your nation, your states and your community!

Agency contact information

Vanessa Toquero
Email
vanessa.toquero.civ@army.mil
Address
MT 120AW
2800 Airport Ave B
Great Falls, MT 59404
US

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