Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Legacy Management, Department of Energy. As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will support public affairs efforts including suggesting stories, writing, editing, and working with media representatives and key partners to build relationships in environmental stewardship initiatives.

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Duties

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The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

The Office of Legacy Management manages the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) legacy responsibilities resulting from the nuclear weapons program. The mission of the Office is to protect human health and the environment through effective and efficient long-term surveillance and maintenance; to preserve and protect legacy records and information; implement Departmental policy concerning continuity of worker pension and medical benefits; manage legacy land and assets, emphasizing safety, reuse, and disposition; and actively provide and coordinate policy issues with Departmental organizations.

We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

As a Public Affairs Specialist , you will:

Plan and execute public affairs and informational programs to increase understanding of DOE's mission and to enhance its public and media image.
Develop and implement effective communication plans, campaigns, and tools for various target audiences, and evaluate their effectiveness.
Identify communication needs, develop informational materials, and deliver key organizational messages to inform external audiences about DOE's policies, programs, and initiatives.
Research, write, and edit various communication materials, including news releases, publications, and web content, ensuring they are accurate, clear, and meet DOE policies.
Support efforts to build relationships and collaborations with Native American tribes in long-term stewardship, education, and outreach activities.
Conduct independent government cost estimates and evaluate performance for public affairs contractors.
Requirements

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Conditions of employment You must be a United States Citizen.
This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
This position is not remote, the selectee will be expected to report to the duty station(s) listed. If selected, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and spouses of foreign service employees may be eligible for applicable workplace flexibilities.
A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
This position has been designated as PUBLIC TRUST. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or others with an existing investigation may not be required to undergo another check.
Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
This position is not included in a Bargaining Agreement.
This position is eligible for Situational Telework only.
Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the total #3 of the following:

Managing communication projects or services that include working with contractors for community and Tribal engagement.
Delivering impactful presentations to a wide range of audiences that include senior staff and external groups.
Developing communication plans to inform and engage the public on an organization's initiatives such as community or Tribal outreach efforts.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must (1) meet all of the requirements as described in this section; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

Additional information New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates.
Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
Equal employment opportunity policy.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program
Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/
The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.

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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.