Public Affairs Specialist - SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

This position serves as the Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs and reports directly to the Executive Director of Public Affairs. The Incumbent exercises responsibility for planning, organization, and execution of a comprehensive national news program involving all phases of the Department's public affairs programs.

As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will: Writes, edits and organizes information concerning agency and Secretarial initiatives which fits into a national news program covering all phases of the Department's mission, policies, plans and programs. Edits and rewrites copy prepared by staff members from other areas of the Department to ensure consistency with Departmental policies and effective communication. Respond, orally and in writing, to queries from the news media, the public and representatives of commercial, industrial, legislative and other organizations. Maintains close liaison with the public affairs offices of the operating administrations to remain current on the issues, programs, and projects for which she/he is assigned. IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT: The Office of the Secretary of Transportation, Office of Public Affairs is looking for a specialist to support a complex public affairs program.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the 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 period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TELEWORK: This position may be eligible for telework on situational basis. The number of telework days approved will be determined by your immediate Supervisor or Manager following the agency's telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requireements, working conditions, and expectations for the position.