Summary

This announcement is open to current or former federal employees and specific hiring authorities.

Duties

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The duties and responsibilities for a GS-1035-Public Affairs Specialist-13 generally include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as the senior national Public Affairs Specialist on-the-record spokesperson.
• Designs federal law enforcement public affairs programs and/or journalistic experience covering federal enforcement programs.
• Plans and manages public relations programs involving issues that are controversial.
• Handles queries from the media, other government agencies about DOJ activities.
• Develops policies and provides recommendations regarding dissemination of information to correct mis-perceptions.
• Drafts, reviews, and edits press releases, press statements, remarks, etc.
• Provides on-the-record statements to national and international media.
• Counsels DOJ officials on the formulation and articulation of an overall approach to communication issues.
• Confers and negotiates with managers and authors regarding product inadequacies.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period. See "Additional Information" for specific details.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
• A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Public Affairs Specialist, at GS-1035-13, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below.

For GS-13

Specialized Experience: For the GS-13, you must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Drafting press releases and/or briefing documents to ensure appropriate format and factual accuracy; 2) Responding to media inquiries; AND 3) Developing communication plans to control public perception.

You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 06/25/2026 of this announcement.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 06/25/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education

Somefederal 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.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made from this announcement.

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP):

These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

1. Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
2. Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

Probationary or Trial Period (as applicable): As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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:

1) your performance and conduct;

2) the needs and interests of the agency;

3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and

4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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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.

Benefits

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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

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.