Clarification from the agency

US Citizens and Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required.

• Creates print and multimedia presentations as requested to meet the needs of NBAF. This involves using creative processes and tools to generate graphics and displays, some of which may be scientific in nature and fit requirements of the project.
• Participates in transforming spoken or written descriptions of items, processes, issues, or events into visual representations without the benefit of existing pictures, models, or diagrams.
• Selects and utilizes custom equipment and techniques for public relations, scientific, technical, biomedical and event photography.
• Works with scientific staff to assure images correctly show research results as desired by the researcher and are acceptable quality for publications and presentations.
• Uses appropriate and approved IT systems to maintain searchable databases of sensitive and non-sensitive images.
• As required, works with visual planners, editors, writers, and printing specialists within ARS and APHIS; and outside contacts including printers and graphic art contractors.
• Produces creative graphic design work in conjunction with the Communications Office for intended audiences through illustrations, websites, posters for meetings, figures for publications and signage for general use.
• Works in coordination with the supervisor in developing original designs, concepts, or visual styles following USDA-approved branding guidelines for outreach activities, social media, publications, exhibits, or presentation materials.
• Uses photography and video capture; imagery, graphic and video editing software; publication design and layout; and design for digital and social media.
• Uses Adobe Creative Suite and its programs, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Works with appropriate USDA, ARS, and APHIS personnel to produce visual images that meet or exceed requirements in order to comply with all Department, ARS, APHIS, and NBAF policies.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance 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.
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Drivers License Required
• Drug test required
• Vaccine Required
• SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities
• National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) clearance is required
• Immunizations may be required

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: One (1) year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 creating flyers, presentations, or promotional materials using design editing software; developing original designs for outreach activities or social media; and assuring images are acceptable quality for publications.
OR
Education: successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Related degrees include graphic design, communications, visual communications, or marketing.
OR
Combination of education and experience as described above.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy. This means you will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

• Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications. Resume cannot exceed 2 pages.
• If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
• If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FedsHireVets.
• Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), current performance appraisal with rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.

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