This position is located in Office of Public Affairs. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the agency.
The supervisor is Hal Pittman.
This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements. This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
Summary
This position is located in Office of Public Affairs. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the agency.
The supervisor is Hal Pittman.
This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements. This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
The successful candidate will perform the full range of public affairs officer duties.
Such duties include but are not limited to:
Serves as a technically authoritative expert Public Affairs Officer performing highly complex work in the
administration of public, media, educational and community information programs that contribute to
public understanding of NRC programs and policies, particularly as relating to technical and scientific
subjects. Plans and executes projects to convey complex information concerning NRC programs,
research on program-related areas, responsibilities, and activities. Responds to information requests
from the news media, and specialized/general public audiences regarding the NRC's programs, both in
written and verbal form, often requiring detailed explanations of negative comments made on the
organization's activities or performance in particular situations. Writes and/or edits public information
statements, news releases, special reports, bulletins, etc., with an emphasis on translating
technical/scientific information into lay, understandable language. Develops strategic methods to
effectively communicate highly complex and sometimes controversial subjects and information, such as
those associated with nuclear power reactor plans and functions.
Leads in select public affairs projects and initiatives. Participates with management officials in formulating
information campaigns, communication strategies, and policies and procedures governing NRC
information functions. Employs a full range of communication methods and techniques in analyzing
proposed public information and education content and delivery. Produces the Information Digest, an
Agency communication resource consisting of broad, specialized, complex, and informative issues.
Leads in collaborating and coordinating information with NRC managers and staff to ensure accuracy of
content and endorsement by senior-level management officials. Develops graphics and other visual
content to augment the information and make it more useful to the public. Determines optimum use of
digital assets over print to reach the widest possible audience. Supports the agency's social media
platforms by maintaining YouTube and Flickr and serving as backup for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
and other platforms as deemed necessary. Leverages the editorial calendar for the development and
production of social media and audiovisual products that amplify agency messaging.
Establishes and maintains channels of communication through personal contacts with key personnel of
information media (print and broadcast) as well as Federal, State, and local government officials. Assists
top management and Commission offices on Commission issues, as assigned by the OPA Director.
Secures concurrences from other divisions and offices on OPA draft news releases, brochures and other
publications, scripts, videos, infographics and other collateral products; discusses public information
implications of any suggested changes made when necessary; clarifies, points and coordinates revisions
with all divisions concerned, suggests concurrent products or social media to augment the
communication.
Maintains contact with program and other offices in the agency to keep abreast of policy items scheduled
to be brought before the Commission and assesses public interest in and importance of public
participation in those decisions. Develops video, graphical, and social media approaches and
recommends actions to ensure the public, the media and other stakeholders comprehend the basis for,
and implications of the technical decisions made by the Commission and NRC staff, and the
Commission's decision and rulemaking process. Participates in crisis/emergency communication
response activities either via exercises or real-time events
Serves as OPA spokesperson afterhours, including weekends as required.
Attends local and out of town public hearings to inform news media on NRC policies and procedures.
You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
All information in your resume must be true and accurate.
Conditions of Employment:
This is a Drug Testing position
Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: independently researching and regularly writing news and informational materials- regarding nuclear energy or other technical/scientific topics-and quickly assessing scientific or technical information for news value.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
Demonstrated experience independently researching news reports analyzing news coverage and preparing appropriate responses/rebuttals, writing news releases, communicating via social media and preparation of other written materials intended for the general public on technical matters related to nuclear energy and materials fields. Demonstrated ability to effectively translate complex technical information into plain English using various mediums, including social media platforms.
Experience that demonstrates independently responding to oral or written media and general public inquiries whereby complex scientific, technical and/or regulatory information is translated into plan understandable language, appropriate to the level of expertise of the inquirer and/or their audience.
Demonstrated ability to develop timely and effective communication strategies for managing announcements and issues of interest to the media and general public, and emergent events or incidents. In-depth knowledge of current nuclear energy and materials issues and programs.
Demonstrated ability to interact and work effectively with colleagues, as well as managers and technical staff to obtain information necessary to support public affairs objectives. Experience that demonstrates skills to search and generate stories and information electronically from various print and online information sources.
A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate must be addressed in your resume. The NRC encourages applicants to provide job experience details in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Education
There are no education requirements for this position.
Additional information
This position may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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.
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.
As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.
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.
When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Your application will be evaluated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job requirements. You must respond to all required application questions.
If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each office.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a concise resume that directly relates to this position.
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.
As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.
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.
The following documents are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information.
SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Additional Resume Information:
Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position:
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Concise, results-focused language for job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 06/04/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12962746.
Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process. You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx.
Important Considerations:
Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Office of Public Affairs
11555 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
US
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting "Application Status." You will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We will review your resume, question responses, and transcript(s) (if appropriate) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information.
SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Additional Resume Information:
Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position:
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Concise, results-focused language for job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 06/04/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12962746.
Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process. You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx.
Important Considerations:
Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Office of Public Affairs
11555 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
US
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting "Application Status." You will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We will review your resume, question responses, and transcript(s) (if appropriate) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
