Writer (Reporter/Photographer) NF-04

Summary

This position is located at Stars and Stripes Central in Washington, D.C.

This candidate will serve as the veterans beat reporter for Stars and Stripes, the editorially independent newspaper for the U.S. military community based in Washington, D.C.

To better expedite the hiring process, we recommend including full contact information (name, address, phone number, email, etc.) for professional and personal references on your resume.

This job is open to

  • The public

    U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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.

Videos

Duties

  • Reports and writes stories that adhere to the highest principles of professional journalistic ethics.
  • Provides fairness and balance in all articles and photographs.
  • 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.

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.

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.

The job involves reporting on a broad range of topics affecting the lives of U.S. military veterans, including but not limited to policy changes within the Department of Veterans Affairs, health care, educational programs for former service members, homelessness, and efforts to facilitate service members’ transition into the civilian work force.

The successful candidate must display 21st century journalism skills, and be well-versed in social media, writing on daily print deadlines, filing quick stories for the web and shooting photos/videos to engage readers across multiple platforms. Breaking news and generating in-depth stories are also key facets of the job. With a hybrid work schedule, candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

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. HIGHLY QUALIFIED CRITERIA FOR THIS POSITION ARE:

Candidates with two years’ experience writing for commercial news organizations.

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 Worldwide. (Military Spouse Preference (MSP) and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference (ISMP) eligible candidates are included in the area of consideration.)

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 3:30 pm by 07/18/2023 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.

Allowances, Incentives, and PCS Costs:

  • Allowances, differentials, or incentives will not be paid.
  • 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.

Temporary Telework due to COVID-19

  • Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within a designated time frame identified by the organization. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending on the terms of the agency’s telework policy.

Please check out our Applicant Information Kit:

  • It contains additional information applicants may find useful when applying for our jobs. (To view the kit, click or copy and paste this URL: https://publicfileshare.chra.army.mil/Applicants/NAF%20Applicant%20Information%20Kit.pdf ).

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.
  • Pay Setting rules apply for current employees.
  • Benefits

    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.

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)
  • Benefits

    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.

  • Required Documents

    As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

    The following documents must be submitted with your application:

    • Resume

    Optional: Job Application (DA Form 3433) may be accepted in place of a 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
    • DA Form 3434
    • PCS Orders
    • Resume
    • Separation Notice (RIF)
    • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

    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 Identification Number (VIN).12027044. Announcement closes at 11:59PM 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

    Ashley Winder

    Email

    ashley.e.winder.naf@army.mil

    Address

    HT-NAF-STSTUS STARS STRIPES DO NOT MAIL Arlington, VA 22202 US

    Next steps

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

  • Fair and Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request

Required Documents

The following documents must be submitted with your application:

  • Resume

Optional: Job Application (DA Form 3433) may be accepted in place of a 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
  • DA Form 3434
  • PCS Orders
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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 Identification Number (VIN).12027044. Announcement closes at 11:59PM 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

Ashley Winder

Email

ashley.e.winder.naf@army.mil

Address

HT-NAF-STSTUS STARS STRIPES DO NOT MAIL Arlington, VA 22202 US

Next steps

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

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request
Job Category
Writing and Editing
Job Type
Full Time/Permanent
Salary
USD 55,000.00 - 60,000.00 per year
Country
United States
City
Washington
Career Level
unspecified
Company
usagov
JOB SOURCE
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/734049900