Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-12, Reassignment (29295)

San Juan, Puerto RicoSouth Atlantic Division (SAD) – Caribbean District29295
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Announcement Type

TARP - Internal Opportunity (Non-Comp/VIOP)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) – Caribbean District

Locations (City, State)

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Position Overview/Duties

This is an internal announcement for a Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-12, in the South Atlantic Division, Caribbean District, Public Affairs Office.

Position Title: Public Affairs Specialist

Who May Apply: This position is only open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES. You must be a GS-12 to qualify.

Open Period: 5-16 December 2025

Duty Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico.

  • Interested candidates should provide their resume in TMP, and be prepared to provide current SF-50t.
  • Current permanent USACE GS-12 will be considered for reassignment.

Position Overview:

The Public Affairs Deputy serves as the senior Public Affairs Specialist for the Caribbean District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), reporting to the Chief of the Corporate Communications Office (CCO). The Deputy provides bilingual (English and Spanish) expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication planning, ensuring compliance with AR 360-1, strengthening public trust, and advancing USACE's missions. While not a supervisory role, the Deputy acts on behalf of the CCO Chief during absences, representing the office in executive forums and decision-making processes.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Chain of Command & Coordination

  • Reports to the CCO Chief, ensuring operational oversight and leadership continuity.
  • Acts on behalf of the CCO Chief during absences, representing the office in forums and decision-making.
  • Coordinates communication strategies with District leadership and Project Managers.

Strategic Engagement & Stakeholder Relations

  • Plans and executes media, elected official, and stakeholder engagements.
  • Establishes and maintains media relationships; serves as spokesperson.
  • Responds to media inquiries and facilitates access to District projects.
  • Advises leadership on public sentiment and reputational risks.

Communication & Outreach Products

  • Develops, reviews, edits, and translates public affairs products in English and Spanish.
  • Oversees multimedia content production (video, graphics, social media).
  • Ensures quality control and adherence to AR 360-1.
  • Directs After-Action Reports (AARs) and integrates lessons learned.

Public Affairs Planning

  • Conducts research and analysis of the information environment.
  • Develops strategies based on trends, gaps, and audience needs.
  • Prepares crisis communication plans and supports disaster response.

Public Affairs Training

  • Trains spokespersons and conducts advanced media training.
  • Educates senior leaders on public affairs’ role in mission execution.

Program Education & Public Interface

  • Provides briefings to sponsors, partners, and elected officials.
  • Responds to public inquiries with accurate information.

Congressional & Executive Coordination

  • Manages Congressional inquiries with the Executive Office.
  • Supports senior leader visits and prepares leadership for engagements with elected officials.

Communications Advice & Counsel

  • Advises District planners, project managers, and staff.
  • Develops communication strategies and presents briefings.

Administrative

  • Inputs data into USACE Financial Management System (CEFMS).
  • Completes required training and prepares reports on program outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
  • Expertise in media relations, crisis communication, and public affairs.
  • Proficiency in AP Style and technical writing.
  • Skill in visual communication and multimedia production.
  • Knowledge of social media platforms.
  • Ability to analyze and adapt communication strategies.

Reference Materials & Governing Documents:

The Public Affairs Deputy must maintain knowledge of the following to ensure compliance and strategic alignment:

Public Affairs & Communication

  • AR 360-1 – The Army Public Affairs Program
  • DoDI 5410.19, Vol. 1 – Community Outreach Activities
  • DoDI 5040.02 – Visual Information (VI)
  • DoDI 5040.07 – Visual Information Productions

Congressional & Legislative Affairs

  • AR 1-20 – Legislative Liaison
  • DoDD 5142.01 – Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs Records, Information & Knowledge Management
  • AR 25-1 – Army Information Technology
  • AR 25-50 – Preparing and Managing Correspondence

Other Conditions and Requirements

This job opportunity is open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES ONLY

This opportunity is being announced through the USACE Voluntary Internal Opportunities Program (VIOP). Current, permanent USACE employees with noncompetitive eligibility to be placed in this position are eligible to apply. This Program may only be utilized for non-competitive placements; to include voluntary reassignments, promotions not-to-exceed 120 days, voluntary changes to lower grade, details, and deployment opportunities. Employees interested in permanent or temporary promotions of longer than 120 days must apply through USAJOBS, or other approved merit procedures or hiring authorities. Temporary or term employees and Department of Army Fellows assigned to USACE will not be considered for positions or assignments through VIOP.

Other Requirements:

  • Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
  • All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
  • This position requires the incumbent to be bilingual in English and Spanish.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
  • PCS may be authorized.
  • Relocation incentive may be authorized. Before the payment of a Relocation Incentive, an employee must provide residence documentation and maintain a residence in the new geographic location for the duration of the service agreement.
  • This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or its possessions to operate vehicles.
  • This position may be eligible for situational telework.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications

Candidates will be evaluated IAW OPM Requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.