Natural Resources Conservation Service Logo
Position Title
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Agency
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Announcement Number
NRCS-24-12515242-DE-AR-TD Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, August 22, 2024 to Friday, September 6, 2024
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 current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy;  AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you 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.
 
 
(limit characters)
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as 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.
 
 
(limit characters)
4. Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below: 

• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating? 
OR 
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Are you a current or former Political appointee, Presidential appointee, and/or non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointee? (limit characters)
Assessment 1
1. Please select one response that best describes the highest level of experience you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service. (Note: One year of specialized experience is based on a 40-hour work week. If you have worked less than 40 hours per week, you must prorate your experience.)
(limit characters)
2. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience creating information products for print or web-based media.
(limit characters)
3. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience developing creative methods to convey information through the internet to the public about an organization's mission, decision and programs.
(limit characters)
4. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience developing creative methods to convey information about the organization's programs to the public.
(limit characters)
5. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience briefing news media, partners, and other interest parties, on organization's programs and activities.
(limit characters)
6. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience developing contacts with reporters and editors, legislative audiences, professional groups and/or constituent groups.
(limit characters)
7. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience analyzing communication needs and develop and recommend strategies to management that will advance the mission of the organization.
(limit characters)
8. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience analyzing incoming information and provide advice on the perceptions of the public and their congressional representatives to the organization's activities.
(limit characters)
9. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience coordinating special events such as news conferences, ceremonies, receptions, photo opportunities, public meetings and other such gatherings.
(limit characters)
10. In my public affairs or closely related specialist work, I have prepared the following written materials for use by the news and/or information media:
(limit characters)
11. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience evaluating and monitoring the ongoing impact and effectiveness of agency communication efforts and advising management if efforts should be discontinued, modified, or otherwise altered in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.
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12. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience administering social media platforms in support of natural resource conservation or agricultural issues.
(limit characters)
13. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience composing news releases, public service announcements, featured articles and speeches.
(limit characters)
14. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience determining and implementing most appropriate means for transmitting information regarding natural resource or agricultural topics electronically such as web-based internet and intranet information and mobile media-based technology.
(limit characters)
15. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience responding to inquiries from various forms of media such as wire services, television and radio networks, newspapers, magazines, newsletters and other media.
(limit characters)
16. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience engaging with staff at all levels of an organization to develop messaging, communications materials and outreach strategies related to an agency's mission.
(limit characters)
17. From the following list of interpersonal communication skills, please identify those that reflect your experience and abilities.
(limit characters)
18. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience interacting with senior leaders to develop strategies and messages on controversial issues that involve national policy.
(limit characters)
19. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience advising management on communication strategies and constituent group positions and actions to organizational decisions, policies and programs and recommend appropriate action.
(limit characters)
20. Your responses to the Announcement and Assessment Questionnaires, along with your resume and all supporting documentation are subject to evaluation and verification to ensure accuracy. Submitting false information or attempts to falsify information may be grounds for disqualifying you or for terminating you after you have been hired. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.
(limit characters)