About this role
Job SummaryThis position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the State Office/Area Office located in California, USDA, Rural Development (RD). The incumbent develops and administers a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of Rural Development. One position to be filled in any one of the listed locations.
QualificationsApplicants 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.
Major DutiesConducts the public affairs program for the State, with responsibility for planning, developing, and communicating RD programs, policies, and activities to the State's publics.Develops and transmits informational materials to a variety of publics to enhance the understanding of available programs and services.Analyzes and evaluates programs' needs to advise State Director and other management officials of the information that should be made available to the public or approaches to take to attain program goals.Develops marketing plans for the State and designs, publishes, and disseminates state specific program brochures and other outreach materials.Organizes, coordinates, and conducts effective employee and public meetings, workshops, field trips, or other forums designed to foster employee and public participation.RequirementsYou must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period depending on your appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.