Public Affairs Specialist

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. If qualifying based on education, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying: Specialized Experience GS-09: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing the following: (1) assisting with the production of informative print and electronic and digital products in support of an organizations communication objectives; (2) writing a variety of public affairs materials to reach targeted audiences; (3) assisting in writing and editing news articles, graphic design, and photography to convey information about an organization. OR, Education GS-09: Successful completion of at least least two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to the work of the position. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. OR, Combination of Specialized Experience and Education GS-09: An equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate level education described above, when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement. Please note only graduate education in excess of one year (18 semester hours) may be used to qualify under this option. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Specialized Experience GS-11: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing the following: (1) overseeing arrangements with the media involving public lands activities; (2) developing recommendations for public lands activities and programs; (3) analyzing new media technology that enhances public lands activities; and (4) designing information programs to assure effective communication with the public. OR, Education GS-11: Successful completion of at least three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to the work of the position. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. OR, Combination of Specialized Experience and Education GS-11: An equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate level education described above, when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement. Please note only graduate education in excess of two years (36 semester hours) may be used to qualify under this option. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Specialized Experience GS-12: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing the following: (1) managing strategic communications projects to include: producing press releases, implementing communications plans, and conducting media interviews; (2) representing an agency in official and public meetings; (3) advising staff on public affairs matters; (4) preparing public affairs correspondence for leadership. TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. One year at the GS-09 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. One year at the GS-11 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. (Must submit SF-50 (s) that show Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted). Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service). Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Volunteer Experience: 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. You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as “varies”.
These positions are in the Colorado State Office assigned to one of the following locations: Craig, Lakewood, or Meeker. Craig and Meeker: Salary Range Per Grade Level: GS-09 $59,966 to $77,955 GS-11 $72,553 to $94,317 GS-12 $86,962 to $113,047 Lakewood, Colorado: Salary Range Per Grade Level: GS-09 $66,670 to $86,670 GS-11 $80,665 to $104,861 GS-12 $96,684 to $125,685