Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

This position is in Region 5, External Communications Office, Community Involvement & Outreach Section. About Region 5: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-5.

This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

This job is open to recent graduates who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

Recent Graduates who have completed a qualifying degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or technical education program within the preceding two years of application submittal (the two years begins on the date all course requirements are met). Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation may apply up to six years after degree or certification.

Duties

At the entry level of this position, you will:

-Plan and execute programs and outreach efforts designed to encourage public involvement in the Agency's decision making process

-Develop written materials which transmit information concerning the nature and purpose of the Agency's programs, projects, items of concern to the general public or more specialized public.

-Identify areas to be addressed with the public, needs of the target audience, and communication techniques most appropriate.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.  NOTE:  Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed.
• You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.

#LI-Onsite

If you are selected, the entire period served under the Recent Graduates program will be a trial period.

This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

Qualifications

In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-07 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-05 level defined as assisting with communication or outreach efforts for an organization.

- OR 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition) degree in the academic discipline as described below
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

To qualify for the GS-09 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-07 level defined as evaluating or coordinating communication or outreach efforts; and preparing written materials to convey basic organizational information.
- OR master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:  

-Skill in planning and executing outreach efforts.

-Skill in selecting appropriate communication strategies.

-Skill in oral communication to effectively coordinate the dissemination of information to media representatives and specific groups;

-Skill in written communication.

-Knowledge of environmental regulations sufficient to draft information materials on agency policies and programs;

-Skill in establishing effective relationships with media representatives and program staff.

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.

Additional details available on this announcement.

How to Apply

You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.

To begin the application process, click the Apply button on the top right of this announcement page, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire.  To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.

All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.

If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement.  You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.

For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.  Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.

• If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.

• If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process (e.g., writing sample or interview), you should notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office.

• If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.

The National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed.  For more information, see Reasonable Accommodation.