The Sequoia National Forest is seeking a dynamic, innovative self-starter for the position of Public Affairs Specialist in the Supervisor’s Office. The duty location is Porterville, CA.  The Public Affairs Specialist assists the Public Affairs Officer with the developing and implementing of public affairs communication plans, program strategies and techniques for dealing with addressing critical and complex public issues on the National Forest. Using a variety of communications methods and techniques (i.e., written, oral, visual and personal), the Public Affairs Specialist should utilize the appropriate communication method for interacting with internal and external contacts while incorporating situational analysis, target audience identification, media and message strategies, and evaluation of effectiveness and costs. 
 
The Public Affairs Specialist implements the following communication efforts with the assistance and in coordination with other Forest staff: 

• Develop and execute communications campaigns needed to address relevant public land management topics; 
• Explain Forest Service policies, programs, and activities; 
• Inform varied National Forest users and customers of dynamic forest conditions and public accessibility status; 
• Establish two-way communication with audiences that are considered internal to the agency, stakeholders, cooperators and the general public including the news media and elected officials. 

Contract Timeline:

• 10-month appointment, with possibility for renewable
• Full time (40 hours/week)
• For Immediate hire (flexible start date)

Location:
The Sequoia National Forest covers over 1.1 million acres in three counties of Southern California and offers an abundance of recreation opportunities for people to enjoy. The Forest offers 52 developed campgrounds, hiking on more than 1,147 miles of trails including 47 miles of the PCT, over 314,448 acres of wilderness, 222 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, 2,617 rivers and streams, world-class whitewater rapids, 158 ponds and lakes, boating, fishing, biking, horseback riding and more. For further information on the forest, please see: www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia. 

Compensation and Benefits:

• $23.50/hr
• Provided health insurance, (medical, dental and vision) including access to telehealth & mental health services
• Paid time-off and holidays

Additional benefits:

• Eligibility for pro deals through GBI, such as Outdoor Prolink and Black Diamond
• Training provided; Defensive driver's training (eligible for discounts on your personal vehicle insurance), report writing, and technical skills trainings;
• Opportunity to network with GBI and USFS for career advancement

Job Qualifications:

• General knowledge of natural resource management and conservation and how to this knowledge applies to public affairs; or college degree or coursework in communications, natural resources or related fields.
• Basic knowledge of public outreach and communication tools and techniques to identify audiences and messages.
• Excellent skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to assist with the development and implementation of public affairs campaigns and programs.  
• Ability to perform work within well-established parameters; employee will have some responsibility for initiating, developing, or modifying work methods. 
• Knowledge of the resources and objectives of the public affairs, subject matter, and audiences when developing specific agency program outreach. Interest in the overall mission and goals of the Forest Service.
• Ability to provide quality information and education to increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of natural resources, forest conservation and public land management.  Work will include specific routine duties to support the Forest Service’s Public Affairs program. 
• Interest in the development of outreach messaging regarding natural resource-dependent recreational opportunities that minimize impacts to public land while simultaneously promoting the overall mission of the Forest Service.
• Interest in making contacts with the general public, co-workers, volunteers, support groups, conservation organizations, and other audiences to explain Forest Service policies and regulations to support and assist with partnerships. 

Additional requirements: 

• Demonstrated experience and comfort with public speaking and communicating with diverse audiences;
• Comfortable living onsite in shared housing;
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; and
• Meet eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the USFS GBI Employee Service Agreement; and (3) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the USFS GBI Employee Service Agreement.