PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALST

This position is located on This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Florida State Office to develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of Rural Development (RD). USDA Employees: Please refer to the Next Steps section.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. For the GS-9 level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: supporting public awareness campaigns by performing tasks such as monitoring the status of planned media events or conference, developing proposed brochures, flyers, etc., developing information used by more senior staff to brief members of the general public; or developing and disseminating factual information concerning an organization's programs or projects. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LLB. or J.D., if related OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience. For the 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. For the 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 substitution of education at this grade level. 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.