Become a Visual Information Specialist at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility

Are you a creative professional with a passion for science and public health? The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is looking for a talented Visual Information Specialist to join the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) located in Manhattan, Kansas. This is an exceptional opportunity to use your design and media skills to advance the mission of one of the nation's most important agricultural research hubs.

Job Responsibilities

As a Visual Information Specialist, your work will be diverse and impactful. Key duties include:

Developing high-quality graphics for print and digital platforms.
Supporting the Communications Office by translating scientific research into visual narratives.
Conducting photography and videography for events, technical, and biomedical purposes.
Maintaining an organized database of research imagery.
Collaborating with writers, editors, and scientific researchers to produce publication-ready figures.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate the following:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
Education: Completion of a graduate degree related to graphic design or visual communications.
Drug Testing: This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP), meaning you must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Security: Ability to pass a background check and suitability investigation.

Qualifications Comparison

Requirement	Education Route	Experience Route
Core Need	Advanced Degree	1 Year Specialized Work
Relevant Fields	Graphic Design/Comm	Design/Outreach/Editing
Proof Required	Transcripts	Detailed Resume

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $61,722 to $80,243 per year. Employees also benefit from the robust federal employment package, which includes comprehensive health insurance, a generous pension plan (FERS), life insurance, and significant leave accrual.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: Keep it to exactly two pages. Highlight your work with Adobe Creative Suite.
Use Clear Documents: Ensure all transcripts and supporting documents are clean, legible, and under 5MB.
Assessments: Take the USA Hire assessments seriously; practice materials are available on their website.

This role is perfect for a creative professional who wants their work to serve a higher purpose. By joining the team in Manhattan, KS, you will support vital research that safeguards the nation's food security. Apply today and start your career in federal service.

Why This Visual Information Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of agricultural science communication at the nation's premier biocontainment research facility.

Visual Information Specialist Job Overview

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Visual Information Specialist to join the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. In this role, you will serve as a key member of the Office of Communications, translating complex scientific data into accessible, high-impact visual narratives. You will manage a diverse portfolio of projects, including digital media, print materials, professional photography, and videography to support the mission of protecting the U.S. agricultural economy.

Requirements for Visual Information Specialist

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959).
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation and fingerprint check.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in visual design and editing.
Completion of a graduate degree (Master's, LL.B., or J.D.) in graphic design, communications, or visual arts.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing.
Must maintain direct deposit for all federal compensation.
Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Visual Information Specialist

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
Demonstrated experience in scientific or technical photography and videography.
Expertise in creating compliant, branded outreach materials for government or large research organizations.
Strong portfolio showcasing a blend of print layout, web graphics, and social media content.
Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating with scientific researchers and subject matter experts.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Health and Life Insurance options
✓Federal Retirement Program
✓Paid Federal Holidays
✓Annual and Sick Leave accrual
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Visual Information Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Visual Information Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing your relevant experience and education.
Gather supporting documents such as transcripts and, if applicable, military service records (DD214).
Click the 'Apply' button on the official vacancy page.
Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaires.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the 'Major Duties' and specialized experience requirements mentioned in the announcement.
Adhere strictly to the two-page limit for your resume; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
Double-check your uploaded documents to ensure they are legible and under 5MB.
Utilize the practice assessments available through the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
Verify your status on the application dashboard periodically to track updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the NBAF?

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility is a state-of-the-art research center focused on diagnosing and studying emerging, zoonotic, and foreign animal diseases to protect the U.S. food supply and public health.

Can I submit my application after the closing date?

No, applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of August 3, 2026, to be considered.

Is a security clearance required for this role?

Yes, this position requires a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) and may involve working in high-containment (BSL-3/4) environments, requiring specific background investigations.

Job from Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service is the internal research arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its primary focus is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect the daily lives of Americans, from the farm to the dinner table. Working at the NBAF puts you at the epicenter of biocontainment research, where you will support the study of diseases that threaten the national economy and public health.