Summary

This position is in Region 1, Office of Public Affairs, Public Affairs Section. About: Region 1

This is an office-centered positionyou must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

Duties

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At the full performance level of this position, you will:

• Plan, organize, direct, and oversee the activities of the Public Affairs section, providing leadership and supervision for a staff of public affairs specialists and other communications related staff to ensure effective, timely, and compliant strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public information products aligned with agency policies, statutory requirements, and organizational objectives.
• Exercise supervisory personnel management responsibilities for the Public Affairs staff, including counseling employees on policies and procedures, recognizing high performance, setting and appraising performance standards, addressing conduct and performance issues, approving leave and training, and ensuring accountability, so the team remains productive, effective, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Represent the Agency with a variety of functional organizations, establishing, developing, and maintaining effective working relationships with high-level officials within and outside of the Region and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters to coordinate policy and communications, negotiate and resolve sensitive issues, secure cooperation and resources, and ensure consistent, timely, and accurate information sharing on high visibility programs and initiatives.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

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You must meet time-in-grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.

This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

If you are selected, you must complete (or have already completed) a 1-year supervisory or managerial probationary period.

Upon acceptance of an initial appointment to a supervisory or managerial position with the EPA, you agree to complete all elements of the EPA Successful Leaders Program. This development program is designed to enhance leadership competencies and meet the agency's goal of providing new leaders with the tools needed for success.

Qualifications

NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as providing leadership and oversight to a team or project on communication strategies; maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders; and addressing issues to enhance organizational effectiveness.

To qualify for the GS-14 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level defined as providing leadership and oversight to a team or project on communication strategies; ensuring materials are thorough and consistent with applicable legislation, regulations, and policies; maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders; and addressing issues to enhance organizational effectiveness.

You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:

• Oral Communication* (assessed at the GS-13 only)
• Written Communication* (assessed at the GS-13 only)
• Interpersonal Skills* (assessed at the GS-13 and GS-14)
• Manages and Organizes Information* (assessed at the GS-14 only)
• Planning and Evaluating* (assessed at GS-14 only)
• Communications and Media
• Coaching and Developing Others

*You will be evaluated on these critical competencies

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

*If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.

Additional information

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP

NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must have a score of 87 or highersee the How You Will Be Evaluated section).

If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.

This position is not in the bargaining unit.

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.

Benefits will not change for current permanent EPA employees.

If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement. EPA policy only allows telework to be approved situationally. Situational telework is for work or assignments of specific limited duration on an occasional, emergency, or ad hoc basis.

NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position, subject to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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.