Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

This GS-1035-12 Public Affairs Specialist position will work for the Division of Interpretation & Visitor Services at Zion National Park, in Springdale, Utah. This is a permanent, full-time position.

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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.

Community Outreach and Engagement:

• 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.

Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations:

• 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.

Internal Communications:

• 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.

Supervisory:

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

Physical Demands: This work is usually performed at a desk; however, there are frequent visits to outdoor sites for events or media interviews, which may expose the employee to inclement weather or require movement over rough or uneven terrain. Long or unpredictable hours and stressful situations are common.

Working Conditions: The work environment involves everyday risks typical of office settings and travel in vehicles such as planes, trains, buses, or automobiles and requires normal safety precautions. The regular work area is adequately lighted, heated/cooled, and ventilated. However, the incumbent will be required to work outside in all weather conditions to address emerging issues, breaking news, and to support special events. In addition, the incumbent may be called to work unscheduled hours at all times of the day or night and may be expected to support events that occur on
holidays and weekends.

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