This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for a State Office, USDA, Rural Development (RD). The incumbent develops and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of Rural Development. Two positions will be filled in each of the listed locations. This is NOT a remote position. The selectee will be require to report to one of the office as listed.

Duties

Responsible for planning, developing, and communicating RD programs, policies, and activities to the State’s publics Develops and transmits informational materials to a variety of publics to enhance the understanding of available programs and services. Develops and implements long term communication strategies to build public support and participation in RD programs and Department of Agriculture initiatives. Organizes, coordinates, and conducts effective employee and public meetings, workshops, field trips, or other forums designed to foster employee and public participation.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit - 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 at https://www.e-verify.gov/

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-11 level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: writing, editing, and reviewing news advisories, releases, government/professional correspondence, talking points, or questions and answers; implementing communication plans for an organization; developing written communication material concerning a range of subjects related to the organization's programs; or analyzing information program materials and making recommendations for improving the delivery of program information. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related OR combination of education as described and specialized experience. Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Determine your qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required. Determine your education as a percentage of the education required. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-11. GS-12 level: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: designing, planning, and directing or advising on the public affairs program in an agency or organization that requires a wide range of knowledge of communication requirements and techniques; ability to analyze a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of the public affairs program, developing and disseminating information materials to the general public or specialized target groups; writing annual reports to congress; speech writing; develop and write for the web. There is no education requirement at the GS-12 grade level. NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-1035 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards 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 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

For the GS 11- A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
For the GS 12- Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position.

Contacts

• Address Rural Development 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Chee Vue
• Email: [email protected]