Photographer--DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Department of the Air Force Headquarters • Robins AFB, GA

2d

About The Position

The Photographer provides specialized still and video photography for communication campaigns, training, documentation, identification, and research. The position plans photography projects, including selecting subjects and determining backgrounds, positioning, and presentation, and processes photos and videos with specialized computer software and printer equipment.

For the 78 ABW/PA shop, the ideal candidate is a versatile visual communicator who will manage the base Official Photo Studio and serve as a primary Command Information Photojournalist. The role includes re-establishing and managing daily studio operations, ensuring official portraits and passports comply with AFI 36-2903, using the Public Affairs Productivity Portal (P3), and performing field-level photojournalism assignments across Robins AFB for publication to DVIDS. The photographer will use studio lighting, create visual stories, work with personnel at all ranks, and may respond to mishaps as an on-call Alert Photographer.

The position supports the commander's public affairs goals and may involve travel away from the normal duty station, extended or other-than-normal hours, and 24-hour on-call availability. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors and involves moderate environmental and weather-related risks, as well as physical exertion. Direct-hire vacancies may become available as positions arise; locations are not negotiable, and actual duty locations are listed on the Air Force Civilian Service website. Depending on the position selected, the employee may serve a one-, two-, or three-year probationary or trial period.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• A valid driver’s license is required because the position requires operating a motor vehicle.
• For GS-5 and below, qualifying general experience includes operating camera or processing equipment, including arranging lighting and composition, developing and printing film or negatives, or a combination of these; alternatively, relevant major study or qualifying photography training above high school may meet the requirement.
• For GS-6 and above, experience operating standard and specialized camera and film-processing equipment related to the position is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of still and video photographic principles and practices sufficient to plan and photograph subjects, events, and activities.
• Knowledge of specialized photographic equipment, techniques, and processes for assignments requiring detail, critical timing, and focus.
• Knowledge of DAF and DoD audiovisual-record management standards and requirements, including applicable National Archives and Records Administration guidance and federal laws.
• Skill in operating standard and specialized cameras.
• Skill in using computer hardware and software to generate high-quality, precisely scaled still and video images.
• Ability to apply advanced photographic techniques.
• Ability to understand Public Affairs concepts, principles, policies, and practices, and written and oral communication and visual information principles, methods, and techniques.
• Must serve a one-, two-, or three-year probationary or trial period, depending on the type of position selected.
• All federal employees are required to use direct deposit.

Nice To Haves

• DINFOS training, ideally graduation from the Basic Photojournalist Course, or an equivalent civilian professional portfolio.
• Experience or capability to manage a photo studio and serve as a primary Command Information Photojournalist.
• Ability to interact confidently with personnel at all ranks, from junior Airmen to General Officers.
• For positions requiring a high degree of artistic or creative ability, samples of work or other suitable evidence of technical competence may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized still and video photography support.
• Operate on-location and studio cameras, video cameras, and editing equipment.
• Manage and care for photographic equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Keep abreast of emerging technology and applications, and research and recommend technical solutions.
• Assist with the public affairs program and produce materials supporting the commander's public affairs goals.
• Plan photography projects, including selecting subjects and determining backgrounds, positioning, and presentation.
• Process photos and videos using specialized computer software and printer equipment.
• Manage daily operations of the base Official Photo Studio and ensure official portraits and passports comply with AFI 36-2903.
• Use the Public Affairs Productivity Portal (P3) and perform field-level photojournalism assignments across Robins AFB for publication to DVIDS.
• Respond to mission-essential requirements such as mishap response for on-call Alert Photography.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency.
• Disabled veteran leave may be available to eligible federal employees hired on or after November 5, 2016, who are veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed