- Position Title
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- MW-1544-JEFF-24-12192429-DE Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, November 9, 2023 to Tuesday, November 28, 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?
2.
Are you a United States Citizen?
For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
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.
- 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.
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:
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.
- 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.
5.
Reasonable Accommodations for taking the online assessments are provided on a case-by-case basis only to qualified individuals with a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Do you have a disability (physical or mental) that you believe will interfere with completing the online assessments and require a Reasonable Accommodation?
Assessment 1
Minimum Qualifications - Specialized Experience Requirements (Screen Out)
1.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the specialized experience requirements for a Public Affairs Specialist GS-1035-12 position. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you 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. Your application materials must support the answers you claim in this assessment. If not, you will be found not qualified or your score will be lowered.
Your resume must include month/year to month/year and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of general or 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" and you could be found not qualified.
2.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending date of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
For the questions below, please select from A through E 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. Be sure to describe your experience that supports your answers to the questions below, in your resume or application materials. It is important that your application package submitted, including a resume or application form, clearly shows how you possess the experience and skills levels you claim in this questionnaire. 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, a 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.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
3.
Research, write, edit and distribute content for news releases, web/digital/social platforms, and other media relations/public relations products.
4.
Manage all media relations and information/education programs on specific issues that may be sensitive or controversial.
5.
Manage all facets of planning and coordination of public meetings, press conferences, special events, and ceremonies, including logistical arrangements, advance publicity, and informational handouts.
6.
Manage and direct events and activities in the local community and region involving park/Regional/Departmental officials and issues.
7.
Research, write, edit, and distribute communications products (e.g. newsletters, leadership messages, briefing papers, reports) intended for internal audiences.
8.
Interact effectively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds in situations where frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events arise.
9.
Advise supervisor, peers, other agency personnel, or local organizations of technical, programmatic, or professional issues.
10.
Maintain a strong working relationship within the office and other programs with varying size and complexity.
11.
Host official visitors including foreign dignitaries and government officials, applying a high degree of tact and diplomacy in all contacts.
12.
Build relationships with members of the press and uses contacts to promote park interests.
13.
Represent an organization with other Federal, State, and local agencies and governments to ensure sustained communications between the park and multiple local interests.
14.
Receive, investigate, and prepare replies to certain park controlled and congressional correspondence.
15.
Collaborates with external and internal experts on project-related matters.
16.
Represent management in interactions with key external partners (including individuals, federal and state agencies, elected officials and other community leaders, community foundations, etc.)
17.
Convey information on park/organization policies, negotiates agreements, and resolves potential conflicts.
18.
Coordinate, facilitate, and attend frequent public and internal meetings in a variety of communities and with a variety of audiences.
19.
Partner with local, regional and state-level organizations/committees, serving as NPS representative on collaborative mutually beneficial topics.
20.
Collaborate with other staff, to formulate program and project recommendations that support and enhance National Park Service and Gateway Arch NP goals and ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations. guidelines, and procedures including, but not limited to the parks' authorizing legislation, Federal Advisory Committee Act, 2 CFR 200, Director's Order 20: Agreements; and Director's Order 21 Donations and Fundraising.
21.
Ability to handle sensitive and controversial issues in public forums and present the best initiative of the NPS in public meetings.
22.
Ability to foster a "team" spirit and attitude among the various divisions and subdivisions within the Park.
23.
Skill in developing and maintaining effective relationships with media representatives to enhance communication between the NPS and its audiences.
24.
Ability to apply diplomacy and tact in promoting the NPS's interests. Ability to meet tight deadlines.
25.
Provide clear, concise presentations and summaries of complex data analyses for management decisions.
26.
Facilitate dialogue among stakeholder groups, researchers, park staff, partners, and planning team to foster exchange of information and ideas in meetings.
27.
Maintain a strong working relationship within the office and other programs with varying size and complexity.
28.
Provide on-the-record responses to media inquiries, pitch story ideas, and serve as a spokesperson in interviews with print, digital, and broadcast media.
29.
Represent leadership in matters involving public meetings, special events, public relations, and information-sharing meetings with official visitors.
30.
Participate in all levels of special interest, public relations activities, and represents the Superintendent when making addresses or attending public meetings.
31.
Make public presentations to community and other groups to communicate park objectives and policies.
32.
Develop relationships with partners to find common ground on controversial issue at your organization.
33.
Work effectively with partners and management staff to develop and implement operational changes and carry out duties.
34.
Analyze public reaction or potential reaction to agency programs and policies; consider diverse points of view and plan accordingly.
35.
Serve as liaison to park's numerous partners and other public agencies, non-profit organizations and special interest groups.
36.
Serve liaison to governmental and non-governmental tourism organizations in the St. Louis region and the State of Missouri.
37.
Provide technical partnership guidance to partners about NPS law, regulation and policies related to partnerships.
38.
Understanding of employee relations programs and possess exceptional conceptual leadership abilities.
39.
Develop products (e.g., briefing papers, newsletters, and fact sheets) that stimulate interest in and promote understanding of complex Visitor Use Management issues.
40.
Write and develop communications products (e.g., web pages, presentation scripts, speeches) with appropriate content, tone, and presentation method for the intended audience.
41.
Develop concise reports, agendas, and briefing materials for PEPC site, public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and staff meetings.
42.
Prepare Briefing Statements for the Regional Office, Washington Office, and Congress, as well as other management documents requiring technical knowledge or research. Develops alliances with outside interests that will provide regional support for the goals of Gateway Arch NP. This requires extensive work with state, regional and local agencies, as well as private interests.
43.
Draft and update issue briefing statements, position papers and news releases, coordinating with Region/Washington/Department Communications staff for consistency and mutual understanding. Provides advice to management officials on presentation of issues and likely public response. Drafts responses to controlled correspondence and prepares "boilerplate" responses where indicated.
44.
Assist with the development or updating of annual work plans, spending plans, funding requests, board presentations, agreements and other partnership documents. Develops and establishes Park Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) related to partnership functions. Provides policy leadership as a senior advisor to park managers regarding issues affecting partners.
45.
Document and disseminate notes on meeting proceedings, decisions, and action items. Develops briefing statements, notices, publications, and other materials needed to disseminate information about partnership programs and projects.
46.
Maintain external awareness, and understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders' views.
47.
Serve as the park's lead on land acquisitions and adjacent lands issues. This involves researching complex lands matters, coordination with Regional and Washington Office lands staff and the Solicitor's Office. Works with organizations/individuals that are interested in selling or donating lands to the park.
48.
Develop strategic communication plans in coordination with public affairs colleagues and subject matter experts at the park/program and regional levels.
49.
Research, study, and analyze a wide variety of data and information including demographics, visitor use trends, land uses, outdoor recreation trends, socioeconomic factors, and natural, cultural and recreation features.
50.
Plan, analyze and monitor the formulation and development of complex plans, programs, procedures, operating policies, internal controls and program goals.
51.
Research and investigate new or improved business and management practices for application to program operations.
52.
Plan, analyze, and monitor the formulation and development of complex and/or highly sensitive park-wide plans, programs, procedures, operating policies, internal controls, and program goals.
53.
Assist leadership in short- and long-term strategic planning efforts to strengthen current and future park operations.
54.
Work to improve effectiveness of park operations by developing new programs, resolving complex problems, and implementing other management actions that positively impact the park's mission.
55.
Develop plans and strategies for complex projects that involve multiple components requiring coordination from a variety of professions.