VISUAL INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Description:

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The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Visual Information Specialist with responsibility for the original design and production of a variety of images for complex printed or web-based material, television, audiovisual production, exhibits, and briefings to maintain mutual communication with internal and external publics.

Requirements:

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, as Administrative and Management Positions, for GS 1084 Visual Information Series.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of specialized subject matter or program areas sufficient to develop original designs, concepts, or visual styles for publications, exhibits, or presentation materials that present to the public the ideas or image desired by the organization, that evoke certain responses from the viewers, or that reduce the cost of production, installation, or maintenance of the visual product; Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques associated with the development and production of original graphics, photography, and visual information programs; knowledge of the materials used in the design, production, and reproduction of visual products to plan the technical details of, or produce, aesthetically composed visual products; Knowledge of computer graphic imaging and digital photography; Knowledge of state-of-the-art industry standard computer software to include a variety of peripheral devices; Knowledge of the technical characteristics of reproduction processes to judge the reproduction quality of illustrations, maintain familiarity with the mechanics of cropping and scaling photos and illustrations, and maintain familiarity with the process of how art and copy are prepared for print; Knowledge of the kinds of material and equipment used and an understanding of their capabilities and limitations to judge the information value of the materials in relation to such factors as durability, ease of fabrication, and cost; Knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices of a public affairs program and written and oral communication principles, techniques, and analytical methods to perform a wide range of public affairs assignments to develop intercommunication between the agency and a variety of audiences; Knowledge and skill in working with a variety of art media such as commercial or graphic art techniques, building materials, or a variety of mechanical assemblies; Knowledge and skill to transform complex spoken or written descriptions of items, processes, issues, or events into visual representations without benefit of existing pictures, models, or diagrams.


OR
EDUCATION: I have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if (related) with a major study in commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, college or university. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your official transcript with your application.

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1.Knowledge of a wide range of visual information, illustration, design, layout principles, and concepts for the conception, planning, and execution of a variety of complex projects.
2. Knowledge of graphic arts and media, perspective, layout, balance and contrast, color science, mixing and application, standard drawing practices and instruments.
3. Knowledge of the operations, products, services, needs, and goals of programs and other organizations serviced, and related customers, functions, resources, and users.
4. Skill in methods and procedures for operating a variety of computer systems and visual information equipment in the production and reproduction of artwork, photos, and typography.
5. Skill in concepts, principles, and practices of a public affairs program and written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques to conduct and coordinate public affairs activities to develop intercommunication between the agency and a variety of audiences.
6. Ability to present subject matter information in a visual form to convey an intended message or to achieve a desired effect upon specific publics or stakeholders and to communicate ideas concerning visual information with tact and diplomacy. Ability to comprehend Public Affairs concepts, principles, policies, and practices, and written and oral communication and visual information principles, methods, and techniques.


PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.