SummaryThis position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), Chief of Staff (COS), with one vacancy in Silver Spring, MD. This position is also announced under vacancy number NESDIS-2022-0046, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverviewAccepting applicationsOpen & closing dates07/20/2022 to 08/04/2022Salary$106,823 - $164,102 per yearPay scale & gradeZA 4HelpLocation1 vacancy in the following location:Silver Spring, MD1 vacancyTelework eligibleYes-as determined by the agency policy.Travel RequiredOccasional travel -Up to 10% of domestic travel may be required for this position.Relocation expenses reimbursedYes-RELOCATION MAY BE AUTHORIZED.Appointment typePermanent -Work scheduleFull-time -ServiceCompetitivePromotion potential4Job family (Series)1001 General Arts And InformationSupervisory statusNoDrug testNoPosition sensitivity and riskNoncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate RiskTrust determination processSuitability/FitnessAnnouncement numberNESDIS-2022-0047Control number666001400HelpThis job is open toIndividuals with disabilitiesFederal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.Land & base managementCertain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.Military spousesPeace Corps & AmeriCorps VistaSpecial authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.VeteransClarification from the agencyVEOA, 30% Disabled. Current or former employees at a land management agency who were initially hired under competitive procedures in a time-limited appointment. Schedule A.VideosHelpDutiesAs a Communications Specialist you will perform the following duties: Serves as a Communications Specialist, leading communication strategy development and coordinate execution of communications strategies for NESDIS. Leads drafting and implementation of NESDIS communication and outreach policies to ensure consistency of messaging and outreach products. Coordinates communication rollout efforts for NESDIS by leading development of plans, messaging, and engagement activities with NESDIS, other NOAA line offices, other federal agencies, and external stakeholders. Develops and constructs audience-appropriate content to disseminate information and promote understanding and support for NESDIS goals and objectives for a range of communication mediums. HelpRequirementsConditions of EmploymentMust be a US Citizen or National to apply.Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.Must be suitable for Federal employment.Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).Time-in-grade/band must be met by closing date of announcement.Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. NOAA received notice of reintegration to occur on April 25, 2022.As employees are permitted to return to the office, you will need to follow management's guidelines on the expectation of reporting to the duty station listed on this announcement. You may be eligible to request to telework depending upon the terms of the agency's telework policy. This position requires a Moderate Risk Security Clearance. This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). This system replaced the Federal GS pay plan and structure. Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZA-4 is equivalent to the GS-13/14. * A one year probationary period may be required.* Payment of relocation expenses may be authorized.* This position is not in the bargaining unit. NOTES: This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Communications Specialist, ZA-1001-4 positions throughout NOAA. The position must be alike (eg: within the same geographic locations, same grade/band and requires the same qualifications and specialized experience as indicated in this vacancy announcement). Applicants must meet ALL application requirements, to include a complete online resume, by 11:59 pm EASTERN TIME (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.QualificationsQualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards.This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policyEDUCATION:There is no positive education requirement for this position.SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service.Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.This experience need not have been in the federal government.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (eg, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations eg, 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. To qualify at the ZA-4 or GS-13 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Leading, coordinating, or managing strategic communication activities and programs relating to communication and marketing Developing and executing communication strategies for an organization; and Constructing audience-appropriate content across a range of communication mediums. EducationSubstitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.Additional informationFor the purpose of filling positions in multiple MD locations in the future, the certificate(s) for this position may also be used to fill positions in College Park, MD, Suitland, MD, Greenbelt, MD or Silver Spring, MD. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100.Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: -data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:A copy of your specific RIF notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice). A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade level, and duty location; A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc; A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.Non-Competitive Reinstatement to a Higher Grade/Band than Previously Held MUST submit the following documents: 1.SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action: you must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career/career-conditional status, title, series, and highest grade level held on a permanent basis for your previous position. (do not submit an Award SF-50) AND, the SF-50 that verifies your separation date; AND. 2.Performance Appraisal - most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan that does not include this information. NOAA participates in e-Verify.E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.Read moreHelpA career with the US 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.NOAA offers a comprehensive benefits package.Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at: Benefits * Payment of relocation incentives may be authorized for current Federal employees only. * Payment of recruitment incentive may be authorized.Review our benefitsEligibility 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.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions).However, your resume or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered.The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response: Ability to prioritize communications efforts, develop communication campaigns and materials, and utilize appropriate communication technologies and mechanisms to deliver products. Ability to establish and maintain relationships and communications with a variety of audiences. Ability to represent the organization through a variety of communications and outreach efforts. Ability to translate technical material for a variety of audiences. Ability to manage and disseminate information through websites, social media, publications, and personal presentations. Ability to maintain content for a website and ensure information/activities are properly represented. Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3), during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review. You may preview questions for this vacancy.HelpA career with the US 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.NOAA offers a comprehensive benefits package.Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at: Benefits * Payment of relocation incentives may be authorized for current Federal employees only. * Payment of recruitment incentive may be authorized.Review our benefitsEligibility 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.As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies. A complete application package includes a resume, required documents and completion of the vacancy announcement questionnaire. Please see this guidance: What to include in your resume At a minimum, your resume mustindicate your citizenship; if you are registered for Selective Service (if you are a male born after 12/31/59); job title(s) (include job series and grade, if federal); duties description; education; starting and ending dates (month and year); and hours worked per week. We recommend using the inbuilt USAJobs Resume Builder to ensure you do not miss any information.Your resume should describe your specialized experience and support your answers to the vacancy announcement questionnaire. SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action: If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career/career-conditional status, title, series and grade (do not submit an Award SF-50). Also provide the SF-50 that reflects the highest grade level held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. Veteran's documentation: If you are requesting consideration under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) or Veterans Readjustment Act (VRA) you must submit a copy of your Member 4 DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service or other valid proof of eligibility (ie, statement of service that shows service dates AND character of service) and/or any other required supporting documents (VA Letter).#VeteransEmploymentAct1998. Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the announcement closes. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures. To gain access to your DD-214 online please visit -service-records Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation if applicable (see other information). Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (severely disabled, eligible veterans, certain military spouses, etc.) Education.If this position requires proof of higher education, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in US colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in lost consideration. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3), during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. Performance Appraisal - Submit the most recent performance appraisal (dated within the last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor. Do not submit a performance plan that does not include this information. Awards - Copies of any award received within the last 3 years. Applicants may submit these documents during the application process. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the US Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees fromschools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the US Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.