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Position Title
Public Affairs Specialist
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
NC-1616-NACE-23-12118266-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, September 18, 2023 to Monday, October 2, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a United States Citizen?

For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position?   If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
 
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center. 
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
4. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?  If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
 
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.  
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Public Affairs Specialist position. Please answer the following questions pertaining to your experience and qualifications. (limit characters)
Minimum Qualification Requirements for the Public Affairs Specialist position. (limit characters)
1. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position. Each of your responses must be clearly supported by your education, training, and/or specific work experience you describe in your application packet submitted for this position (application form or resume, transcripts, list and description of training completed and/or other items you submit). If not, your score will be lowered, or you will be found not qualified. The information you provide will be verified. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. (limit characters)
2. From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Public Affairs Specialist work at the GS-12 level or equivalent.

Read all responses before making your selection. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
(limit characters)
For the questions below, please select the best answer or answers to indicate the skill level that you possess for each task listed. The questions were developed based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to perform the work of this position. Your responses will be used to determine minimum eligibility and qualification requirements. Be sure that your experience as listed in your application materials supports your responses to the questions below. Each of your responses must be clearly supported by your education, training, and/or specific work experience that you describe in your application packet submitted for this position (application form or resume, transcripts, list and description of training completed and/or other items you submit). If not, your score will be lowered or you will be found not qualified. The information you provide will be verified. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. (limit characters)
Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Represent a high-profile organization at public meetings and special events to provide information and educate audiences about proposed and/or implemented actions.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
4. Has served regularly as an on-the-record organizational spokesperson. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Deliver authoritative information orally to media and stakeholders on complex or controversial issues.
(limit characters)
6. Correct misinformation to improve public understanding of an organization's actions.
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7. Pitch to journalists and media outlets, creative story ideas and proactive messages that further the goals of a large, complex organization.
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Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
8. Write products including news releases, talking points, briefing papers, speeches, and fact sheets that stimulate interest in and promote understanding of an organization's mission.
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9. Demonstrate attention to detail in writing and editing for spelling, grammar, organizational style, consistency, tone, and clarity.
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10. Write and edit content for web pages, social media, and other digital or visual media.
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11. Apply principles of Plain Language to written materials.
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Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
12. Has provided on-the-record written responses to media inquiries. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
13. Develop products using inclusive language reflective of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles. (limit characters)
Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
14. Build and maintain effective working relationships with a strategic network of reporters, editors, on-line media contacts, external partners and constituent groups.
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15. Establish a network of internal subject matter experts to act as quality information sources.
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16. Provide leadership and professional advice to colleagues who are not in the same chain of command.
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17. Collaborate easily and maintain flexibility with colleagues at different levels of an organization, with different expertise, and with different experience and perspectives.
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Political Savvy - Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
18. Understand operational context and consider actions with the "big picture" in mind.
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19. Lead crisis communication response.
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20. Analyze public reaction or potential reaction to agency programs and policies, consider diverse points of view, and act accordingly.
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21. Develop and implement communications efforts that improve organizational transparency and increase public trust and confidence.
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22. Provide advice on the best way to handle sensitive or controversial issues that impact both internal and external customers.
(limit characters)
Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
23. Manage communications related to news gathering activities and breaking news.
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24. Understand requirements for and advise on media permits for news gathering activities.
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25. Implement intensive public information efforts that address high-profile, sensitive or controversial issues in a large media market.
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26. Analyze organizational changes in law, policy or regulation to proactively determine appropriate communication strategies.
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27. Plan and coordinate special events such as news conferences, ceremonies, photo opportunities, and public meetings for a high-profile organization.
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28. Evaluate media opportunities and channels (print, broadcast, web/social media, events) to accomplish communications goals.
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Verification Statement (limit characters)
29. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001), my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 CFR part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
(limit characters)