Writer (Reporter/Photographer) NF-04 Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. O1NAFHT-24-12441869 Department Defense Media Activity
Salary $55,000.00 to $65,000.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/11/2024 Close Date 7/2/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

The successful candidate will serve as a Pentagon reporter for Stars and Stripes, the editorially independent newspaper for the U.S. military community based in Washington, D.C. The job involves reporting on a broad range of topics affecting the lives of U.S. military service members, including but not limited to policies within the Defense Department, congressional legislation related to the Pentagon, health care, quality-of-life issues and deployments.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Nationals who have resided in the U.S. or U.S. Territory for three (3) or more continuous years immediately preceding the start of Federal affiliation.

Duties

  • Reports and writes stories that adhere to the highest principles of professional journalistic ethics.
  • Aggressively responds to breaking spot news.
  • Reports feature stories that provide diversity and broad audience appeal.
  • Provides photographs to accompany stories and looks for opportunities to supply standalone feature or news photographs.
  • Regularly produces profile stories and longer pieces on significant newsmakers and leaders within the coverage area.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
  • Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
  • A one year probationary period may be required.
  • Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
  • Subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks in accordance with AR 215-3, para.2 to include a Tier 1 background investigation.
  • Extensive temporary duty travel is required, to include travel to conflict/war zones and other hazardous areas.
  • Valid motor vehicle operator's permit (US and/or local military-issued license in assigned area) required.
  • Regular shift is Monday through Friday, core hours 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and may include weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

At least one year demonstrated experience in reporting and writing for a newspaper, journal, wire service, magazine, or online journalism. Previous work experience covering a variety of topics from hard news to features. Demonstrated strong English language verbal and written skills. Ability to use computers with standard software package is required. Ability to take and transmit publishable photographs with a digital camera.
OR
Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in Journalism or a related field.
Transcripts must be submitted at time of application in order to support positive education requirement.

Highly Preferred: Possess two (2) years experience writing for commercial news organizations.

CANDIDATES WILL BE RANKED AGAINST THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED CRITERIA. ONLY THE MOST HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE INITIALLY REFERRED. IF MANAGEMENT DOES NOT SELECT A HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATE, THEY MAY REQUEST AN ADDITIONAL REFERRAL LIST.

To be evaluated as a highly preferred candidate, your resume MUST clearly reflect ALL knowledge and experience listed under the highly qualified criteria above.

Additional information

Area of Consideration:

  • The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is local (within a 50-mile radius to Washington, DC).
Manual Applications:
  • If you are unable to apply online, you may submit your application package using a manual application method. Please contact the NAF Human Resources Office or representative listed on this job announcement to request a copy of the manual application form. All completed manual application forms (along with resume and other supporting documentation) must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. by 07/02/2024 in order to process your application in a timely manner. Please note that neglecting to respond to the job related questions may result in an ineligible rating.
PCS Costs
  • Payment Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.
Pay-Band (NF or CY) Allowances and Differentials
  • This is a pay-banded position.
  • Sunday premium pay may be authorized by the Garrison Commander. If authorized, only regular (full-time, part-time, limited tenure and seasonal) employees may be paid Sunday premium pay. When authorized, Sunday premium will be paid at the rate of 25% of the basic rate for all hours of non-overtime, when any part of the scheduled tour of duty is performed on Sunday (to a maximum of 8 hours per Sunday). Sunday premium will be paid at the rate of 25% of the basic rate for all hours of non-overtime, when any part of the scheduled tour of duty is performed on Sunday (to a maximum of 8 hours per Sunday).
  • Night differential may be authorized by the Garrison Commander. When authorized, night differential will be paid at the rate of 10% basic rate for hours of non-overtime work performed between 1800-0600.
Incentives and Bonuses
  • Incentives will not be paid.
Non-Foreign Overseas Allowances
  • Non-foreign overseas allowances, cost of living (COLA), and differentials will not be paid, contingent upon eligibility.
Please check out our Applicant Information Kit: Other:
  • Information may be requested regarding the vaccination status of selectees for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols. For more information, visit https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/faq/vaccinations/
  • Additional referrals may be made from this vacancy announcement for up to 90 days after the closing date.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Applicants can claim the following eligibilities:

  • NAF Priority Consideration - Business Based Action
  • NAF Priority Consideration - Current Appropriated Funds Employee CNE (APF)
  • NAF Priority Consideration - Current/Former NAF Employee (CNE/FNE)
  • NAF Priority Consideration - Outside Applicant Veteran (OAV)
  • NAF Priority Consideration - Parent of a Veteran (OAV)
  • NAF Priority Consideration - Spouse/Widow(er) of a Veteran (OAV)

Required Documents

The following documents must be submitted with your application:

  • Resume



The below items are accepted and may be needed to support a qualification and/or a claimed priority/preference:
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Supporting Documentation Relating to Eligibilities
  • PCS Orders
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

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

You may submit your application package using one of the two methods identified below:

  1. Electronically (preferred) at https://www.usajobs.gov/ and search for Vacancy Number (VIN): 12441869. Announcement closes at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date listed on this announcement.
  2. Manually: Please refer to the "Additional Information" section of this announcement for instructions.

Agency contact information

Gail Lovoi
Address
HT-NAF-STSTUS STARS STRIPES
DO NOT MAIL
Arlington, VA 22202
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Your resume will be reviewed to verify that qualification requirements have been met. We appreciate your interest in this position!


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