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The position will serve as a field reporter, joining scientists in the field to conduct video and written interviews, write stories for the web and social media, and produce high quality multi-media content, and will coordinate staff participation for in-person and virtual local community outreach events throughout the year. We're seeking a strong writer who can write clearly, concisely, and in engaging ways to connect the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with Latinx communities.
Learn more about this agency07/01/2022 to 07/18/2022
$51,444 - $98,970 per year
GS 7 - 9
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
11
No
No
R8-22-11555991-RM-DE
663213400
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Open to all U.S. Citizens. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles.
Seeking Adaptable Communicator to Tell Engaging Multi-Media Stories about People and Endangered Species along Southern and Central California Coast
Do you love wildlife, the outdoors, and connecting with people from diverse experiences and backgrounds? Are you skilled in using multi-media to tell engaging stories? Are you flexible, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment?
If you answered yes to the above, and can speak, read, write in Spanish and English, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Ventura, California is looking for you to join our public affairs team!
The public affairs specialist position will work closely with biologists and botanists to communicate the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You will join scientists in the field to conduct video and written interviews, write stories for the web and social media, and produce high quality multi-media content. We're seeking a skilled, cross-disciplinary communicator with strong time management skills who is self-motivated, can work independently, and as part of a team. We're also seeking a strong writer who can write clearly, concisely, and in engaging ways to connect the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Latinx communities.
You will also be responsible for coordinating logistics for several in-person local community outreach events throughout the year and building relationships with external partner groups. This position is a GS 7/9 career-ladder position with the opportunity for promotion to full performance level GS-11. The position also offers the opportunity for regular teleworking (working from home) in addition to in-office time with peers. The position is located in Ventura, California and is eligible for telework opportunities. Bilingual in Spanish and English is a requirement for the position.
About Ventura, California Nestled along the southern California coast between beaches and coastal mountain ranges, the seaside town of Ventura is an outdoor-lovers paradise. Places like the Los Padres National Forest and Channel Islands National Park are both a short drive or boat ride from town. When you're not working as part of our team to recover native wildlife, from the southern sea otter and California tiger salamander to the Western snowy plover, you can enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities this diverse part of the world has to offer, from hiking and surfing to climbing and wildlife photography.
As a Public Affairs Specialist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: (The duties listed are at the (GS-09) grade level.)
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R8-22-11555990-GG (MP). You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Telework:
This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP and ICTAP click here
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents:
1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
Additional Documentation, if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
4. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
For information on what each Application Status means, visit: USAJOBS Help Center | How to see your application status
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application, including the invitation to take the USA Hire assessment. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/663213400. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Click here to watch short videos: Meet Your New Boss and Diversity is our Strength.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.
