Public Affairs Specialist

at  US Environmental Protection Agency

QUALIFICATIONS

NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as experience evaluating and implementing communication and/or outreach strategies; collaborating with or creating partnerships with federal, state, local levels or media representatives to facilitate joint communication related to organizational programs; and preparing written materials to include press releases, news stories and/or fact sheets.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
Skill in analyzing the impact of program activities on the public.
Skill in developing outreach strategies to disseminate information to the public.
Ability to identify appropriate social media communication techniques and strategies to solicit public input.
Skill in written communication.
Skill in oral communication.
Knowledge of environmental regulations.
Skill in developing relationships with media representatives, managers, and 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.

• If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

• 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 to the top right on this screen, 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.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Help

You will:

• Plan, evaluate, and implement various communication strategies for regional environmental public awareness programs.
• Analyze the impact of program activities on the public and advise staff of possible alternative approaches.
• Serve as the agency spokesperson at regional public meetings and various formal/informal briefings and workshops; maintain open two-way communication between various stakeholders.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.