PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, GS-1035 series.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices of a public affairs program and written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques to conduct and coordinate public affairs activities to develop intercommunication between the agency and a variety of publics. Knowledge of the organization's operations and functions sufficient to communicate accurate information.

Knowledge of concepts, principles, policies, and practices involved in communicating information through visual means which may include illustrations, photography, presentations. television/motion picture production, and base cable access television.

OR EDUCATION: I have successfully completed a 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. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as Political Communication or Public Communication. NOTE: You must submit copies of your official college transcripts.

OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: I have less than the full amount of specialized experience required but I have more than 2 years of graduate level education with a major or subject area related to the position to be filled. Therefore, I have a combination of experience and education. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your official transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1.

Knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices of a public affairs program and written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques to conduct and coordinate public affairs activities to develop intercommunication between the agency and a variety of stakeholders. 2. Knowledge of the organization's operations and functions sufficient to communicate accurate information. 3.

Knowledge of concepts, principles, policies, and practices involved in communicating information through visual means which may include illustrations, photography, presentations, television/motion picture production, and base cable access television. 4. Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting information to identify potential problems, arrive at valid conclusions and offer meaningful recommendations and/or resolutions to recurring, precedented assignments. 5.

Skill in working with people to establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups interested in or affected by AF and local installation/organization programs and policies and producing written information conveying complex information to public stakeholders with different levels of understanding. 6. Ability to plan and develop news stories, features, and quasi-technical articles. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Supports the commander's priorities by carrying out a variety of recurring precedented public affairs assignments. Produces and assists in producing materials that support the commander's public affairs goals. Attends a variety of meetings as a representative of the public affairs office. Assists in planning, organizing, and carrying out the visual information program.