TITLE 32 PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST GS-1035-13 Job in Charleston, WV

Vacancy No. WV-12864545-AR-26-001 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $106,437.00 to $138,370.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/13/2026 Close Date 2/13/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Charleston, WV


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. Since the earliest American colonial days, citizens have joined together for collective defense. We have a proud tradition of coming to the aid of our friends and neighbors in times of serious emergencies. Join our National Guard team and serve your nation, your states and your community!

This job is open to

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency

Open to Areas 1, 2, 3, & 4. DEFINITION FOR AREAS OF CONSIDERATION IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Duties

Position Description #NGD1169000

This position is located in the Joint Force Headquarters - State, Personal Staff, Public Affairs Office. As the state's Public Affairs Officer (PAO), the incumbent is responsible for all Army and Air National Guard public, community and media relations within the state and for providing supervision and direction to the staff of the Joint Force Headquarters - State (JFHQ-State), Public Affairs Office, as well as field and unit public affairs specialists and Mobile Public Affairs Detachments (MPADs) personnel covering the region. Performs other duties as assigned.

Description of Duties:

1. Serves as the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Officer, directly reporting to the Adjutant General (TAG). Responsible for planning, budgeting, designing, and executing public affairs communications strategies to inform and educate the public, both general and specialized, about the Army and Air National Guard programs, activities, and services and the vital role they play as components of the U.S. armed forces as well as being an invaluable asset for homeland defense and homeland security.

2. Serves as the official spokesperson for the Adjutant General on controversial and complex issues before the representatives of the print and broadcast media and national organizations (i.e., Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Army (DA), Department of Air Force DAF), etc - and national organizations, such as Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, NGAUS, etc.), the general public and special interest groups.

3. Accurately and promptly responds, in written and oral form, to information requests from the public and queries from the news media. These queries may include erroneous, speculative and/or negative comments or items of a sensitive nature; and those which may be subject to misunderstanding if not properly explained, or which may draw adverse public opinion or attention. The JFHQ-State PAO plans, develops, and conducts press conferences and public meetings with full participation of National Guard subject matter experts to promote and enhance understanding and acceptance of the National Guard's mission and facilitate the communication of complex information on new programs or special areas of emphasis.

4. The JFHQ-State PAO interacts and coordinates with multiple state and federal homeland defense and homeland security agencies, to include the state's emergency response departments and various federal agencies (i.e., Department of Energy (DOE), FEMA, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), DHS). The PAO's contacts are also with nationally or internationally known groups or individuals from these other agencies and often the contact is not routinely or easily established.

5. Provides expertise, assistance and consultation to the TAG and state National Guard field offices in initiating and maintaining effective working relationships with the general public, specialized groups, the news media and community and governmental entities using National Guard capabilities and services in support of state or federal homeland defense missions. The JFHQ-State PAO represents the Adjutant General at meetings with senior level officials of state, NGB, DOD, DA, DAF, State Department , international government agencies and media outlets.

6. While the J-6 is responsible for infrastructure (servers, hardware, software, etc), the JFHQ-State PAO is responsible for the content of any and all publicly accessible NG websites emanating in the state, or units usually assigned in the state. The PAO provides security review and approves any graphics, photos, and text before it can be posted to any NG website (DoD Directive 5230.9 Section 4.2).

7. Provides professional, seasoned analysis and advice to the Adjutant General, the TAG's staff and senior state National Guard leadership. Evaluates public affairs programs at the JFHQ-State level and in the field and recommends modifications when appropriate. Analyzes and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the JFHQ-State's overall public communications (media relations/community relations/internal information) programs at field and HQ level, making changes and adjustments as required to improve performance and effectiveness in meeting objectives.

8. Supervises and/or oversees a subordinate work force of state and federal military and civilian personnel in the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Office and/or the field or unit PAOs. Plans, schedules and assigns work; develops performance plans and evaluates work performance; identifies training needs; and counsels staff as appropriate. Responsible for quality and quantity of work produced; provides advice and guidance to subordinates on the application of new or changed policy and/or procedures; determines and recommends revision in staffing levels to meet changes in assigned functions and workloads.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in military assignment in WV's National Guard, and is required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered, or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory security clearance, AND, as a minimum, a completed National Agency Check (NAC) prior to assignment.
  • The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.
  • Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory security clearance, AND, as a minimum, a completed National Agency Check (NAC) prior to assignment.
  • The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968.
  • An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  • Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
  • The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment.
  • You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.

Qualifications

MINIMUM MILITARY GRADE: O3 MAXIMUM MILITARY GRADE: O5

Your rank MUST be included somewhere within your resume.

You must fully substantiate in your own words that you meet the requirements listed below. When explaining minimum requirements and specialized experience you must give examples. Do not copy from the vacancy announcement or the position description. Explain it in your own words and give examples to be considered for this vacancy.

All personnel applying for this position who do not meet the minimum military grade requirement MUST provide the proper signed memorandum from your respective Military Personnel Office (MILPO for ARNG, FSS for ANG) to prove eligibility to obtain the required grade upon accepting the position. All personnel who exceed the maximum military rank must provide a memorandum explaining if selected for this position, you will accept an administrative reduction in rank. The memorandum must be submitted WITH your application to be considered for this position.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Experience, education or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or using analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience in compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Experience using computers and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level. Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed. Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel.

Education

There are no educational requirements for this position.

Additional information

Permanent Change of Station: PCS funds may be available for this position.

Incentives: Relocation and Recruitment Incentives may be authorized for this position.

All WVNG positions are pending availability of resources and funds.

Areas of Consideration:

Area 1: Current On-board Title 5 Employees and Title 32 Technicians (Tenure: 1- Permanent, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite) and Permanent AGR's in the West Virginia National Guard.

Area 2: WVNG Army M-Day and Air Force DSG (Drill-Status Guardsmen,) Temporary Title 32 Technicians and Title 5 Employees, Temporary AGR (OTOT), and national guardsmen serving on Full-time National Guard Duty - Operational Support Orders (ADOS).

Area 3: Current On-board Federal Employees (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite) from another Federal Agency nationwide.

Area 4: Federal re-employable eligible employees, National Guardsmen outside of the WVNG, and U.S Citizens willing to join the West Virginia National Guard as a condition of employment.

Area 5: All U.S. Citizens.

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.

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.

Review our 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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your documents will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found eligible, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

If you do not submit these forms, you will be deemed ineligible, and your name will not be referred to the selecting official.

  1. Resume.
  2. SF-50 or AGR Orders
  3. Proof of current military service
Your responses to the Qualifications Questionnaire; this questionnaire is filled out via the USA Jobs Announcement through www.usajobs.gov. ALL applications and supporting documents MUST be submitted through www.usajobs.gov electronically and must be submitted prior to midnight of the closing date. Mailed, e-mailed, hand-delivered, and faxed applications will NOT be accepted or considered. Missing required documents will prevent you from being found eligible for this position and will prevent you from being referred to the selecting official.

DO NOT SUBMIT MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of this announcement. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12864545

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Bryan Preece
Phone
304 341-6123
Email
bryan.w.preece.mil@mail.mil
Address
WV JFHQ
1703 Coonskin Drive
Charleston, WV 25311
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

In the event you receive a non-eligible notification, and you believe this decision was made in error; you have 5 working days from the day it was received in your inbox to send an appeal to the servicing Human Resources Office. The appeal will be sent via email to ng.wv.wvarng.list.hrostaffing@army.mil and must include the following information: Announcement number, Announcement title, reason of non-eligibility that you received from USA Jobs, and your justification as to why this decision was erroneous. New documentation cannot be accepted after the closing date of this announcement and will not be used in an appeal request. The appeal process is APPLICANT driven. HRO will not accept appeals from selecting officials on the applicant's behalf and will not communicate with the selecting official regarding the appeal processes status.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.