Summary The primary purpose of the position is to serve as the facility visual information point-of-contact responsible for production and management of visual communication support of SFVAHCS public affairs and communication campaigns, including photography; digital visual communication via the Internet (website), social media, Intranet, and digital signage; printed materials and signage, and graphic design. Responsibilities Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Designs and displays creative visual products for publications, exhibits and/or presentations utilizing print and digital media platforms. The incumbent utilizes visual materials and software applications to communicate information through print and/or multimedia computer applications to internal and external audiences under the guidance of the Chief of Public Affairs. Designs visual products such as photographs, illustrations, diagrams, graphs, slides, and charts used in books, magazines, pamphlets, exhibits, live or video-recorded speeches and lectures. The work requires knowledge of the principles of visual design and computer software applications used to design visual materials and develop programs used to disseminate information. This requires the incumbent to apply a thorough knowledge of the specialized subject matter area. Provides clients, external vendors or contractors, managers, and other employees with technical assistance on design issues. This includes providing guidance on such matters as the principles of visual design, or the methods to present subject matter information in a visual form that conveys the intended message to, or has the desired effect on, the audience. Advises on the technical advantages and disadvantages of various formats, styles, media, and methods of reproduction, suggesting those that will best meet the information objectives of each project. Coordinates logistics, controls expenses, develops contract specifications, and arranges procurements through competitive contract and acquisition channels. The productions managed have extensive planning/scheduling complications, e.g., productions that involve numerous support personnel, specialized equipment, and props. Receives guidance directly from Chief of Public Affairs regarding production, and communication priorities in order to best expedite necessary logistical, contracting, and fiscal support. The incumbent uses a wide range of photographic production equipment, both digital and traditional, to provide high-quality photo support to Public Affairs and other SFVAHCS services. Must possess knowledge of the most recent advancements in the field of photography and of the range of new equipment, experimental materials, techniques, and processes. In cooperation with audio-visual information personnel, manages the production process, and/or directs and edits the production of videotaped and live television programs; live and prerecorded radio broadcasts; motion picture films, or other similar productions. The incumbent is responsible for some of the administrative and logistical details of a production, including planning and organizing the work of writers, editors, actors, narrators, musicians, set designers, and/or audio and lighting technicians The incumbent contributes to the artistic and creative aspects of the production and/or oversees post-production processes associated with pre-recorded productions. Follows trends in popular culture and public attitudes on given topics to grow target audiences and elicit the desired response through emotional impact, sense of urgency, or persuasive power. Participates in the planning and evaluation of the operational feasibility of network control systems technology. Consults with technology and equipment manufacturers in developing broadcast feed delivery systems specifically designed to meet the agency's public affairs requirements, including digital signage and livestream platforms necessary to conducting digital communication events (e.g., virtual Veteran town halls). Provides staff with operational and performance requirements for use in the design and development of network control systems. As an authoritative technical source, provides technical guidance, interprets policies and guidelines in the planning and coordination of projects or studies of system operating characteristics. In support of Chief of Public Affairs and other Medical Center personnel, writes, edits, and proofreads technical materials, such as reports of research findings; scientific or technical articles, news releases, and periodicals; regulations in technical areas; technical manuals, specifications, brochures and pamphlets; or speeches or scripts on scientific or technical subjects. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Available. Reg Teleworks 1-2 Days/PP Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Visual Information Specialist/PD# 662-03070-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/25/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.Candidates must meet the following Individual Occupational Requirement: Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications of the 1084 Visual Information Specialist Series.Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study --commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment. Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis. OR Specialized Experience: Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other art work, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means. In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirement candidates must also meet the following specialized experience and/or education: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:GS-11: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Interpreting administrative policies, including developing, defining, and implementing local policies and requirements to ensure they meet specified requirements, Providing and reviewing various administrative functions to meet goals and objectives, Advanced knowledge of budget management, reports, and analysis through various computer-based applications, Coordinating personnel actions and records, Proficient in creating, reviewing, and editing memos, letters, and other correspondences. (Must reflect in resume) OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 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. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond masters degree. (To compute, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12, then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond one year by 18, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.) (Note: you must attach a copy of your transcripts.) GS-12: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. You Must have one year of specialized experience that equipped me with particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. [To be creditable, the specialized experience must have been at the GS-11 grade level or higher, or an equivalent level of responsibility. Examples of creditable specialized experience includes: Knowledge of hospital operations, policies and procedures as well as VA regulations, policies, and program guidelines to identify projects the improving quality outcomes and maximize return on investment of utilized resources. (This experience must be well documented in your resume or application package.). You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Communication Critical Thinking Customer Service Interpersonal Skills Technical Competence 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator. The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.