This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/727451600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
This is the position of Public Information Specialist at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO),Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The purpose of the position is to develop and oversee implementation of a broad and comprehensive public information, education, and outreach strategy for the FLWO and related SAO observatories on Mt. Hopkins.
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
05/23/2023 to 06/06/2023
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Salary
$100,102 - $130,131 per year
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Pay scale & grade
IS 13
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Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
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Remote job
No
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Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
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Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel is required to attend meetings, training, etc.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent
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Work schedule
Full-time
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
13
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Drug test
No
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Position sensitivity and risk
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Trust determination process
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Announcement number
23-100
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Control number
727451600
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This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This position is open to all qualified candidates.
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Duties
Provides overall vision and strategy for FLWO public and government relations/outreach and science communications as follows:
- Designs, plans, directs, advises, and supports communication activities.
- Develops, edits, and disseminates written, verbal, and designed products on various communication platforms to the public or specialized target groups both domestic and foreign. This includes press releases regarding scientific research and public activities, videos and posts for social media, editorial pieces in local, national, and international news sources, etc.
- Establishes and maintains relations with media and serves as the official FLWO spokesperson on all matters pertaining to the Observatory and its presence and work in Southern Arizona. Advises Site Director and CfA/SAO management on possible public and media reactions to proposed policy statements or Observatory actions. Directs and leads media site visits.
- Coordinates closely with CfA external affairs staff in Cambridge, MA to stay current on and consistent with CfA/SAO strategic communication messaging and goals, to engage more effectively with the public and enhance public understanding, and to publish broader written content and releases about the Observatory.
- Establishes and maintains relationships with local, national, international, and tribal governments and councils to protect the overall interests of the Observatory and create firm-supported networks across the Observatory’s interconnected communities. Directs and leads government and VIP visits to Mt Hopkins.
- Establishes and maintains crucial relationships with community organizations in tourism, similar organizations in the science education field, and other observatory-based science centers. Represents FLWO at appropriate research and industry conferences, and presents research on applicable science, education, and observatory topics.
- Collaborates with other southwest Observatories on shared issues and opportunities; manages engagement with Southwest Observatories Collaboration and Arizona Astronomy Consortium.
Manages the FLWO Visitor and Science Center and public programming
- Provides strategic direction for the FLWO Visitor & Science Center (VSC) and works with a broad range of constituents and experts to develop both short term and long-range exhibits and programs. Maintains existing exhibits and proposes and develops new exhibits and in accordance with museum industry best practices and SI policy, particularly in areas such accessibility and outreach to disparately impacted communities in the primary local footprint (i.e., Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Rural community, Title 1).
- Develops and implements an operations concept and plan to make the FLWO VSC self-sustaining.
- Oversees FLWO Visitor & Science Center daily operations. Develops and manages budget, programming, and retail (sales, inventory etc.)
- Provides oversight and management for the FLWO VSC team, including an education specialist, part-time on-call guides, visiting non-scientific Smithsonian Fellows, education and policy interns, and a cohort of 60+ volunteers.
- Develops volunteer opportunities in areas such as exhibits, science communication and education, science center management, store management, data management, digitization and archives, safety, and engineering. Executes an outreach plan to ensure diversity and recruits in communities that have not historically participated in the program. Selects, trains, and supervises volunteers.
- Coordinates with the CfA Director’s Office on fundraising and grant-writing activities in accordance with operations planning.
- Serves as the public face of FLWO to visitors and designs, develops, and directs public programming including school and library programming, star parties, public presentations, lecture series, and tour programs (telescope tours,, VERITAS walking tour, and nature trail tour etc.).
Supports Observatory site protection efforts by providing public outreach and education on threats to astronomical observing caused by light/particulate pollution resulting from area industrial, commercial, and residential development.
Directs FLWO educational activities and outreach. Provides vision, direction, and strategy for the FLWO education program and sub programs including science education for both schools and the public, and specialty learning programs (e.g.: astrophotography, chemistry concepts, light pollution, and government affairs).
Maintains records of outreach and educational activities to quantify public impact and makes periodic reports to CfA and/or SI leadership.
Travels as required and performs other related duties as assigned.
Note: The incumbent of this position is required to file a Confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interests (SI Form 1085)
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Pre- and post-appointment background investigation
Direct deposit/electronic funds transfer required for salary payment.
Qualifications
One full-time year (12 months) of specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes demonstrating accomplishment of developing and implementing a comprehensive public affairs program that involves public information, internal information, media relations, and community relations that required a wide range of knowledge of communication requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where you analyze a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of the public affairs program.
For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.
Education
There is no education substitution for this position.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses
A recruitment bonus may be paid, if eligible.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Mastery of the principles, methods, practices, and techniques of communication so as to function as a technical authority with responsibility for the development and execution of plans for the dissemination of written and oral information regarding FLWO and related Observatories on Mt. Hopkins
Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate effective community education/outreach programs, including producing innovative material and programs that stimulate the interests of diverse audiences, both in-person and virtual.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with representatives of the media, state and local governments, Federal agencies, and other scientific and community organizations.
Experience in small museum management, including the ability to conceive, design, develop and maintain exhibits that present the Observatories’ scientific research to a diverse public audience.
Knowledge of astronomy or a related physical science sufficient to develop and present materials describing the scientific research of the Observatory to the media and a broad range of audiences.
Ability to recruit, train and manage a large and diverse group of volunteer staff
Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Detailed resume created in the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
- Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Agency contact information
Judy Gallagher
- Address
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SMITHSONIAN
60 Garden Street, MS17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
Required Documents
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Detailed resume created in the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
- Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Agency contact information
Judy Gallagher
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
60 Garden Street, MS17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!
Agency contact information
Judy Gallagher
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
60 Garden Street, MS17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States