Visual Information Specialist

Summary

This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) located in Manhattan, KS.

In this position, part of NBAF's Office of Communications, you will provide support in all visual information needs, including print and digital design, social media, photography and videography.

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Duties

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• 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.

Requirements

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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
• 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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Additional information

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.

This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.

National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is a state-of-the-art biocontainment facility for the diagnosis and study of foreign animal, emerging, and zoonotic (transmitted from animals to human) diseases that threaten the U.S. food supply, agricultural economy, and public health. The Office of Communications at NBAF provides current information services, media and legislative relations, publication of technical research, website activities and outreach activities related to science programs carried out by ARS and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

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.

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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.

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.