Multiple positions being filled in support of the Wildland Fire Crisis Strategy. For duty location and grade level information, visit the Wildfire Crisis Strategy Hiring Engineering & Public Affairs webpage. The incumbent performs a wide variety of activities in planning and implementing a comprehensive public affairs program for the Forest. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact [email protected].

Duties

Duties listed are at the full performance GS-12 level. Participates in the development and implementation of public affairs communication plans, program strategies and techniques for dealing with addressing critical and complex public issues. Uses a variety of communications methods and techniques (i.e., written, oral, visual and personal) in devising the appropriate communication method for each public affairs campaign. Plans and implements with the assistance and in coordination with other Forest's staff, the communications campaigns needed to address critical issues. Incorporates situation analysis, target publics identification, media and message strategies, and evaluation of effectiveness and costs in each campaign. Coordinates, implements, and evaluates a Forest's communication program, with responsibility of informing employees about Forest, National, and Regional philosophies and culture, practices, programs, positions, and initiatives. Represents the Forest in meetings and discussions involving individuals, groups, and organizations working in support of, or opposing, the policies, programs, and work of the Forest. Provides input into the long-range planning, development and coordination of the overall Public Affairs program for the Forest. Organizes, coordinates and implements effective employee and public meetings, workshops, field trips, or other forums designed to foster employee and public participation. Stays abreast of the most current and effective communication methods and techniques.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-09: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting one or more of the following statements: Participating in the planning and administration of a conservation education program; Organizing and coordinating print and broadcast news and information media interviews with key agency officials; Reviewing print, broadcast, and internet media to analyze public awareness and attitudes regarding agency and activities; and/or Advising management on the probable public reaction to specific proposals, policies and actions. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR Combination of graduate level education and specialized experience; The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For the GS-11: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting one or more of the following statements: Responding in oral and written form, to requests for information by determining the nature of the data required and collecting and assembling the material using the appropriate format and style based on needs and organization practices; Assisting in evaluation and analysis of public comments on management issues; Identifying areas to be addressed, characteristics and needs of the target audience, and communication techniques most appropriate; Developing recommended approaches and drafting material for supervisor's approval; and/or Developing and presenting informational audio-visual material using new technologies and social media. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate-level education leading to such a degree (including LL.M) in a field related to communications. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. For the GS-12: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting one or more of the following statements: Preparing written materials to promote an organization's position on a variety of sensitive and controversial issues; Incorporate situation analysis, target publics identification, media and message strategies, and evaluation of effectiveness and costs in each communications initiative; Establishing and maintaining working relationships with media representatives, local leaders, congressional representatives, and/or representatives of special interest groups; and/or Designing and tailoring meetings and public involvement strategies to audiences that involved a degree of controversy. Work Experience: Your resume must clearly document the following for each block of work experience; the beginning day, month and year the work assignment started and ended; the hours worked per week; position title, and series and grade if applicable; and description of duties performed. This information must be provided for each permanent, temporary, or seasonal appointment/work assignment or volunteer work and should be clearly documented as a separate block of time. Incomplete, inaccurate, or conflicting work history may not be credited for qualifications purposes. This can result in an applicant not being considered for the position. 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.

Education

See above for education that may be qualifying.

Contacts

• Address USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT. Albuquerque, NM 87109 US
• Name: HRM Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-372-7248 X2
• Email: [email protected]