Duties

This position serves as the Public Affairs Specialist for the National Park Service (NPS) at Zion National Park, Division of Interpretation & Visitor Services, and will serve on the Park Executive Team (PET) leading and advising on a wide range of public affairs issues.

Media Relations:

• Serves as the park's Public Affairs Specialist. Advises the park subject matter experts, Park Executive Team (PET), and Superintendent on all aspects of media relations. Has lead responsibility in developing and maintaining positive professional relationships with the local, national, and international media (print, television, radio, and digital).
• Develops, produces, and distributes news releases in a variety of formats on issues and activities.
• Reaches out to media representatives to assure coverage of Park stories; this includes providing informational tours and briefings, targeting specific reporters for stories, working with state agencies and partner organizations.
• Serves as the park's Freedom of Information Acti (FOIA) officer, coordinating park responses for FOIA requests. Leads or assists Cedar Breaks and Pipe Spring National Monuments with FOIA requests.

• Supports the Park Executive Team (PET) to increase awareness and support for park management among leaders in the State and members of communities in the area by serving as a park representative within organizations. This includes but is not limited to assisting with the planning and delivery of public meetings on issues of concern to the park.
• Develops and implements communications strategies for outreach during incidents, special events, etc. and is recognized as a national communications resource to turn to for incident/event communication expertise.

• Supports the Department of the Interior (DOI) and NPS by preparing briefing statements on Park issues for internal NPS officials and external legislative offices. Provides issue briefings and printed materials on Park issues for the staff of elected officials and visiting dignitaries and provides for informational exchange and dialog. Provides technical assistance and expertise to other parks with similar programs and requests.

• Has lead responsibility for developing methods to improve the flow of information from the PET to employees at all levels throughout the park, and laterally between park offices and programs. Works collaboratively with subject matter experts and oversees the development and the dissemination of information to park and partner staff.

• The incumbent develops and sets annual and long-range workplans and assures implementation of established goals and objectives.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• DIRECT DEPOSIT: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• DRIVER'S LICENSE: You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
• UNIFORM: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• WORK SCHEDULE: You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• TRAVEL: You may be required to travel overnight away from home, occasionally, depending on events or incidents that may occur in or near the park requiring public affairs support. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  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.

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  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.

• Required Documents

  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.

  THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIREDand must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/30/2024:

  • Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.

  • Complete All Required Assessments (all questions in the questionnaire).

  • Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
    • Veterans Preference Documentation:
      • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
      • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
      • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.

  • Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 80 on the rating criteria for this position.

  Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
  Do not upload Adobe "Portfolio" documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

• How to Apply

  To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/30/2024. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.
  WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

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  Agency contact information

  Meredith Hanson

  Email

  meredith_hanson@nps.gov

  Address

  Zion National Park
  State Route 9
  Springdale, UT 84767
  US

  Next steps

  Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents