Public Affairs Specialst

Agriculture, Rural Development•Crestview, FL

About The Position

This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Florida State Office, developing and administering a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of Rural Development (RD). The role conducts the State’s public affairs program and is responsible for planning, developing, and communicating RD programs, policies, and activities to the State’s publics. It develops and disseminates informational materials to help the public understand available programs and services, evaluates program information needs, and advises the State Director and other management officials on public information and approaches for achieving program goals. The position also develops state marketing plans and outreach materials, and organizes meetings and other forums to foster employee and public participation.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements for current federal employees seeking promotion.
For GS-9: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, qualifying graduate education, or a combination of education and experience.
For GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, qualifying doctoral or graduate education, or a combination of education and experience.
For GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11; education cannot substitute at this grade level.
Submit a transcript if education is used to qualify.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Successfully complete a background investigation and/or fingerprint check, E-Verify employment verification, and direct-deposit setup.
Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, depending on appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and communicate Rural Development programs, policies, and activities to the State’s publics.
Develop and transmit informational materials to enhance understanding of available programs and services.
Analyze and evaluate program information needs and advise the State Director and other management officials on information to make available and approaches to attain program goals.
Develop marketing plans for the State and design, publish, and disseminate state-specific program brochures and other outreach materials.
Organize, coordinate, and conduct employee and public meetings, workshops, field trips, and other forums to foster participation.