PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Fresno, CA-13008301-AF-26-313

Summary

This PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST is located in the Public Affairs Function of a State Air National Guard (ANG) Wing, under direct supervision of the Wing Command and is part of the CA 144 FW.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens.

THIS IS A T5 EXCEPTED SERVICE, PERMANENT POSITION

The primary purpose of the PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, GS-1035-11, is to carry-out a wide range of public affairs assignments that include elements of visual information, social media, media operations, community engagement, command information, communication planning, contingency/crisis response, environmental, security, policy review, and public affairs resource management in support of the mission and the commander's priorities. The position modifies standard methods, evaluates the effectiveness of information, and adapts approaches in developing new informational materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of recipients.

• Manages audio visual equipment for section. Stays abreast of current visual information methodology and technological developments. Plans, organizes, and carries out the visual information program. Provides photographic editing and processing, and video support. Designs, creates, and assembles materials for presentations, publications, and exhibits. Selects visual materials such as, photographs and graphics used in the communication of information.
• Coordinates the planning and development of complex, high level public affairs assignments in support of commander's programs and priorities. Carries out public affairs tasks that support the wing commander's priorities through the integration of visual information, social media, community engagement, command information, communication planning, contingency/crisis response, media operations, environmental, security and policy review, and public affairs resource management activities.
• Creates new, adapts, or modifies accepted communication campaign formats to reach a target audience with a specific message. Researches, drafts, coordinates, produces, and reviews public affairs products such as, web-based content, photographs, videos, news and feature articles, news releases, talking points, fact sheets, briefings, speeches and scripts, newsletters, and other materials. Modifies standard methods and adapts approaches in developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of groups or individuals of significant issues concerning agency programs.
• Maintains effective working relationships with officials of various senior wing leadership, civic, news media, community groups, Department of Defense personnel, as well as local, state and national government officials, and the general public. Attends meetings and maintains professional contacts. Explains public affairs policies and procedures and resolves most problems that arise. Determines appropriate recommendations for unresolved issues and performs follow up. Maintains effective relationships with DoD personnel, National, State and local officials, to include their respective State PAOs. Provides guidance and acts as a liaison to visiting non-military organizational photo crews, to include public news media photographers, who request to conduct photography activities.

The position resides within the infrastructure and support functions of the state National Guard; the incumbent is not subject to mobilization, nor is the work described part of the military mission; and the incumbent does not perform a key advisory or essential administrative role that is inherently military. In addition, the position must meet one of the following: It does not have a comparable military function; the position is required in full-time (civilian) role when the organization, or similar military position, is mobilized to perform continuing post-mobilization functions; or the position requires a skill or competency that necessitates technical expertise or professional qualifications that cannot be readily found in the military structure of the state military force.

May make additional selections within 90 days of eligible(s) issuance.

Conditions of employment

Recruitment/Relocation
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive MAY BE authorized, subject to funding and approval.

PCS
Relocation Costs MAY BE authorized subject to provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation, funding, and an agency determination that a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is in the Government's best interest.

• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• May be required to successfully complete a one or two year trial period.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• Must maintain proper security clearance.
• Required to complete SE1-260 requirements within six months of employment.
• Must complete the DoD Public Affairs Qualification Course within two years of employment; or, for on-board personnel, complete the course within two years from the appointment date to this position description.

Qualifications

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, GS-1035-11: Must have at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-09 level, or equivalent pay band in other pay systems in the Federal government. This experience may also have been obtained in the private sector, but must demonstrate that it is comparable to the GS grade indicated. Specialized experience may have been demonstrated by performing duties such as: a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military; Experience developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences; Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions; Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.

Your resume must have complete information: Please ensure your resume accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry (beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM/YYYY; and total hours worked per week). If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified and you will no longer be considered for this position.

Part-time or unpaid experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date: You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by 08/14/2026