Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Specialist,
GS-1035-11/12
How to apply? Announcement #: MT-DEU-2019-0039
Applications NOT accepted through Handshake, must apply using external link.
Location: Billings, Montana
Salary Range: $62,236 to $96,978 per year
Duties: The incumbent serves as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Communications in the BLM's Montana/Dakotas State Office located in Billings, MT. The incumbent is required to deviate from standard approaches in developing new ways to communicate the BLM's message on controversial and sensitive issues where public reaction has been negative, hostile or indifferent. The BLM’s multiple use mission requires that the incumbent manage complex, and often controversial issues related to the diverse and conflicting programs managed in the office. The incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of duties including, but not limited to, the following:
- Creating, writing and distributing a wide variety of materials to communicate information about BLM issues, programs and activities to key publics. Materials include correspondence; news releases; opinion editorials; reports; newsletters; early alerts; talking points; briefing papers; speeches; interpretive brochures, signs and maps; web and social media content; and other new information materials.
- Providing quality control oversight and conforming to BLM and DOI branding, layout and design standards.
- Through the use of digital cameras, video devices, editing software, and emerging audiovisual technology, translating complicated concepts into clear photographic and video representations, easily understandable by the public. Developing video storyboard concepts for review, comment and final approval. Ensuring video products reinforce state and national strategic messages and support BLM national policy.
- Reviewing web and social media analytics to measure reach and effectiveness of video products and using that information to tailor approach for future video projects and communications campaigns.
- Developing a strategic audiovisual production plan, as needed, to develop priority photographic and video products. Developing and maintaining a photo and video database, utilizing best practices for creating file nomenclature. Ensuring web photo “alt text” descriptions comply with Section 508 requirements and that video products include Closed Captioning.
- Ensuring conformance to all technical, style and branding standards for photos and videos developed by the BLM’s national office.
- Supporting subordinate offices with audiovisual technical expertise as needed.
- Analyzing emerging and controversial public land issues and, in consultation with management and other teams, developing and implementing communication policies, plans, and strategies for a wide variety of diverse and often conflicting resource management programs. Advising line managers, program leaders, and staff on potential public reaction to BLM policies, decisions and activities. Assuming lead role in responding to highly visible, often controversial issues of a national interest, and developing, from an analysis of varied and conflicting reaction from the public, recommendations on how to communicate BLM programs more effectively.
Qualifications:
To qualify for the GS-11: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in the federal service.
Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work in planning, developing, and creating written and visual stories, presentations, and briefings as a news reporter, news anchor, news producer, news editor, assignment editor, or public affairs specialist at a radio or television station, radio or television network, daily newspaper, news agency or wire service, or with a government agency or in the armed forces working under daily deadline pressure conducting interviews and writing, shooting, editing, and producing completed news or feature stories using a combination of written copy, digital audio, digital still images, and video footage which were used on-air, online or in print. –OR- PH.D. or equivalent doctoral degree -OR- Three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree –OR- LL.M. if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
To qualify for the GS-12: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the federal service.
Qualifying specialized experience would include work where assignments were generally accepted as technically correct, and completed work was reviewed in terms of achievement of program objectives and compliance. Examples would include experience organizing, directing, and analyzing a wide variety communications as a news reporter, news anchor, news producer, news editor, assignment editor, or public affairs specialist at a radio or television station, radio or television network, daily newspaper, news agency or wire service, or with a government agency or in the armed forces working under daily deadline pressure conducting interviews and writing, shooting, editing, and producing completed news or feature stories using a combination of written copy, digital audio, digital still images, and video footage which were used on-air, online or in print.
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
Benefits:
- Paid federal holidays.
- Health/life insurance.
- Retirement plan.
More information about the job, qualifications, and benefits is located on the announcement.
How to apply? Announcement #: MT-DEU-2019-0039
Applications NOT accepted through Handshake, must apply via external link provided.