PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-9 grade level for consideration for the GS-11 grade level and one year at the GS 11 for the GS 12). Applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered for the GS-11 level: Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as writing and developing articles, feature stories, news releases, and photography; composing reports, talking points, briefing packets and power point presentations; providing guidance in the development and implementation of internal and external marketing, outreach programs, and public affairs plans to communicate programs and services; and assisting with the planning, design and preparation of visual information material related to all programs. OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level: 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; OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. Applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered for the GS-12 level: Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as developing, coordinating, and carrying out public information programs to communicate policies, programs, services, and strategic marketing and program activities to an internal and external audience; and establishing and maintaining work relations with representatives to provide, and develop information and respond to legislative questions. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-ADMIN. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The incumbent will serve as Public Affairs Specialist working closely with state leadership, the State Outreach Coordinator, Program Managers, Field Office staffs, Conservation Partners, local congressional representatives and others. The primary purpose of this position is to carry out the NRCS information, awareness, outreach, and strategic marketing programs to communicate NRCS policies, programs, services and activities.