Public Affairs Specialist.

US Army Corps of Engineers; Huntington (WV); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers in Huntington, WV, seeks a seasoned public affairs leader to direct the district's comprehensive information program. You will synchronize media, public outreach, and command information to ensure accurate messaging and address public affairs issues.

The role includes managing news media requests, preparing experts for briefings, and maintaining district web content to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Qualifications

• Experience includes writing or editing information materials for target audiences via traditional or non-traditional media.
• Ability to write or implement communication plans with key messages and Q&As.
• Experience in conducting or facilitating media relations activities and obtaining interviews or responses.

Responsibilities

• Directs the district public affairs program and information initiatives.
• Manages media requests and prepares subject matter experts for interviews.
• Oversees public information and outreach to prevent misconceptions and address issues.
• Maintains web content for the district's internal and external sites.
• Responds to public inquiries about agency policies and activities.

Skills

Public affairs

Media relations

Writing/editing

Communication plans

Social media

Job description

Duties

• Directs the public affairs program for the district, including devising and executing a comprehensive public information program.
• Manages the overall communication efforts, including the synchronization of media, public outreach, and command information to prevent misconceptions and address public affairs issues.
• Manages news media requests and prepares subject matter experts for media engagement.
• Researches queries and responds to inquiries from the public, interest groups, and other organizations regarding agency policies and activities.
• Manages web content for the District's internal and external websites to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019‑R “Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified as Critical under the Drug Testing Program”. This position will require a pre‑employment drug test.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is

GS-12: Specialized Experience

One year of specialized experience which includes writing or editing information materials for target audiences through traditional or non-traditional media, such as news and feature articles, press releases, speeches, social media posts, advisories and scripts; Writing or implementing communication plans or guidance that entail sections such as key messages, talking points and Q&As; AND Performing media relations activities, such as facilitating media interviews, pitching to the media, or working with subject matter experts to respond to media queries. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11)

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Time in Grade Requirement for GS-12

Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-11).

FOREIGN EDUCATION:

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:

Who May Apply

Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See

• 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
• Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
• Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
• Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Interchange Agreement
• Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
• Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
• People with Disabilities, Schedule A
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
• Reinstatement
• Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the
• This is a(n) 22 Career Program position aligned under the Public Affairs and Communications Media Career Management Directorate.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
• Recruitment and Relocation expenses may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate when the agency determines it is in the Government interest. A Service Agreement will need to be signed.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case‑by‑case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here:

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.

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.

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.