- Position Title
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- MW-JEFF-24-12506025-ST Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, September 5, 2024 to Thursday, September 19, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
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.
2.
Do you meet one of the following Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation. For example, a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your competitive status or a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
- Current Federal or former employees with career or career- conditional appointments in the competitive service that hold, or have held a career or career-conditional position at a lower grade level as the position being announced; or,
- Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibles
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation. For example, a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your competitive status or a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
3.
Are you a former member of the Public Lands Corps (PLC) who has served the time required for completing a PLC project carried out on Federal land within the preceding 2 years (an individuals eligibility for NCE under this authority shall not exceed 2 years after completion of his/her last PLC project), and:
• Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC (individuals must provide a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for NCE Hiring Based on PLC Service" and the complete PLC Participant Work Hours Verification Form with your application package in order to be considered under this hiring authority), and
• Meet OPM qualification standards and any other qualification requirement(s) stated in this vacancy announcement for the position in which you are applying.
• Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC (individuals must provide a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for NCE Hiring Based on PLC Service" and the complete PLC Participant Work Hours Verification Form with your application package in order to be considered under this hiring authority), and
• Meet OPM qualification standards and any other qualification requirement(s) stated in this vacancy announcement for the position in which you are applying.
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.
Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
To verify your eligibility, you must provide documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
For more information, review Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA).
- was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
- served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
- performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
- if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
For more information, review Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA).
6.
Do you meet one of the following Non-Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation. For example, a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50); etc. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
- Disabled veteran receiving 30% or more disability compensation from the VA;
- Transfer, reassignment or reinstatement eligible: current Federal or former employee with career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service that hold, or have previously held a career or career-conditional position at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced; or,
- Individual eligible under other non-competitive appointment authorities such as: Veterans Recruitment Authority; Military spouses under E.O. 13473; Certain former overseas employees; Present and former Peace Corps, Vista or Action volunteers; Former White House staff; Present and former Foreign Service officers and employees; Certain National Guard technicians; Schedule A; OPM Interchange Agreement and Other Miscellaneous Authorities.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation. For example, a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50); etc. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
Preferences
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
Performance
1.
My performance is at an acceptable level and I am not serving under a formal Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).
2.
If you do not have a current performance appraisal/evaluation within the last 18 months, please submit a statement as to why it is not available.
Assessment 1
Your responses to this questionnaire, in conjunction with the other portions of your completed application, will be evaluated in determining your eligibility to be considered for this position. Choose the response that best represents your education, experience, and/or training. Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provide.
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.
Communications and Media
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
2.
Research, write, edit and distribute content for news releases, web/digital/social platforms, and other media relations/public relations products.
3.
Manage all media relations and information/education programs on specific issues that may be sensitive or controversial.
4.
Manage all facets of planning and coordination of public meetings, press conferences, special events, and ceremonies, including logistical arrangements, advance publicity, and informational handouts.
5.
Manage and direct events and activities in the local community area that include various levels of management/government officials.
6.
Research, write, edit, and distribute communications products (e.g. newsletters, leadership messages, briefing papers, reports) intended for internal and external audiences.
7.
Skill in developing and maintaining effective relationships with media representatives to enhance communication to promote organization's interest.
Interpersonal Skills
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
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.
Represent an organization with other Federal, State, and local agencies and governments to ensure sustained communications between the organization and multiple local interests.
13.
Apply diplomacy and tact in promoting the organizations interests to convey policies, negotiate agreements, and resolves potential conflicts.
14.
Coordinate, facilitate, and attend frequent public and internal meetings in a variety of communities and with a variety of audiences.
15.
Handle sensitive and controversial issues in public forums and present the best initiative of the organization in public meetings.
Oral Communication
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
16.
Provide clear, concise presentations and summaries of complex data analyses for management decisions.
17.
Facilitate dialogue among stakeholder groups, researchers, internal staff, partners, and planning team to foster exchange of information and ideas in meetings.
18.
Provide on-the-record responses to media inquiries, pitch story ideas, and serve as a spokesperson in interviews with print, digital, and broadcast media.
19.
Represent leadership in matters involving public meetings, special events, public relations, and information-sharing meetings with official visitors.
20.
Participate in all levels of special interest, public relations activities, and represents the senior management when making addresses or attending public meetings.
21.
Make public presentations to community and other groups to communicate organization objectives and policies.
Partnering
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
22.
Develop relationships with partners to find common ground on controversial issue at your organization.
23.
Work effectively with partners and management staff to develop and implement operational changes and carry out duties.
24.
Analyze public reaction or potential reaction to agency programs and policies; consider diverse points of view and plan accordingly.
25.
Serve as liaison to park's numerous partners and other public agencies, non-profit organizations, and special interest groups.
26.
Serve as liaison to governmental and non-governmental tourism organizations.
27.
Provide technical partnership guidance to partners about laws, regulations and policies related to partnerships.
28.
Assist with the development or updating of annual work plans, spending plans, funding requests, board presentations, agreements, and other partnership documents.
29.
Develop and establish Organization Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) related to partnership functions.
30.
Provide policy leadership as a senior advisor to managers regarding issues affecting partners.
31.
Develops briefing statements, notices, publications, and other materials needed to disseminate information about partnership programs and projects.
Writing
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
32.
Develop products (e.g., briefing papers, newsletters, and fact sheets) that stimulate interest in and promote understanding of complex Visitor Use Management issues.
33.
Write and develop communications products (e.g., web pages, presentation scripts, speeches) with appropriate content, tone, and presentation method for the intended audience.
34.
Develop concise reports, agendas, and briefing materials for public involvement websites, public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and staff meetings.
35.
Draft responses to controlled correspondence, briefing statements, position papers and news releases, coordinating with Higher echelons of management and Communications staff for consistency and mutual understanding.
36.
Document and disseminate notes on meeting proceedings, decisions, and action items.
Reasoning
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
37.
Provide advice to management officials on presentation of issues and likely public response. (moved from write)
38.
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.
39.
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.
40.
Analyze, and monitor the formulation and development of complex and/or highly sensitive organization-wide plans, programs, procedures, operating policies, internal controls, and program goals.
41.
Research and investigate new or improved business and management practices for application to program operations.
Planning and Evaluating
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
42.
Serve as the organization's representative on land acquisitions and adjacent lands issues working with organizations/individuals that are interested in selling or donating lands to the organization.
43.
Assist leadership in short- and long-term strategic planning efforts to strengthen current and future organization operations.
44.
Work to improve effectiveness of operations by developing new programs, resolving complex problems, and implementing other management actions that positively impact the organization's mission.
45.
Develop plans and strategies for complex projects that involve multiple components requiring coordination from a variety of professions.
46.
Develop strategic communication plans in coordination with public affairs colleagues and subject matter experts at the organization/program and higher levels of management.