Advance Your Career as a Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator) with the USDA
Are you looking to merge your passion for animal welfare with professional outreach and strategy? The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is currently recruiting a Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator). This role sits at the intersection of regulatory compliance and public education, offering a unique opportunity to shape the communication strategies that protect animal health across the nation.
Job Responsibilities
As an Outreach Coordinator, you will not just be behind a desk; you will be an architect of communication. Your core duties will involve:
- Strategy Development: Designing and executing local and national outreach campaigns to further the mission of the Center for Animal Welfare.
- Content Creation: Developing videos, publications, and digital presentations to explain complex regulatory requirements to stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building lasting relationships with breeders, exhibitors, trade associations, and universities.
- Logistics: Managing high-level events such as symposia to gather diverse groups and foster collaboration.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must meet specific federal qualification standards.
| Qualification Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree or equivalent (or Ph.D. for specific levels) |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level |
| Competency | Must pass the USA Hire assessment |
| Documentation | Must submit a 2-page max resume & transcripts |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package typical of the federal GS-11 grade level. With a salary range of $74,678 to $97,087 annually, selected candidates will also enjoy the stability and benefits inherent in federal employment.
Benefits
Beyond salary, the USDA provides a robust suite of benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous leave policies including annual, sick, and federal holidays.
- A secure pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- Professional growth opportunities with potential for non-competitive promotion.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: With a strict two-page limit, every word counts. Highlight your successes in partnership-building.
- Check Your Dates: Ensure all experience sections include the number of hours worked per week.
- Prepare for Assessments: Don’t ignore the USA Hire invitation. Treat it as seriously as an interview.
Serving as a Program Specialist for APHIS is more than a job—it is a mission. If you are ready to apply your skills in communications and outreach to protect animal welfare, start your application today.
Why This Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator) Job Matters
Advance your career in animal welfare by connecting diverse stakeholders with critical regulatory resources and helping shape national outreach strategies.
Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator) Job Overview
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator) to join the Center for Animal Welfare (CAW). In this role, you will be the bridge between agency programs and the public, facilitating education regarding the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. You will play a vital role in developing outreach materials, managing symposia logistics, and fostering partnerships to ensure animal welfare standards are understood and upheld nationwide.
Requirements for Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must complete the USA Hire competency-based assessment within the required timeframe.
- Must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent).
- Must maintain a professional resume not exceeding two pages.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements if currently a federal employee.
- Must provide official or unofficial college transcripts if using education to qualify.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator)
- Proven track record in networking and partnership development with universities or government organizations.
- Technical proficiency in SharePoint, video editing, or web content design.
- Strong public speaking skills with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
- Advanced education (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Communications, Public Administration, or related fields.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans including TSP
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave
- ✓Career development and potential for non-competitive promotion
- ✓Flexible telework opportunities
💡 How to Apply Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Specialist (Outreach Coordinator) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Draft a resume specifically tailored to demonstrate relevant outreach and coordination experience (limit to 2 pages).
- Submit your application and complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
- Watch for an email invitation to complete the mandatory USA Hire assessment.
- Monitor your status via the online application dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your hours worked per week and specific dates for all listed employment.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice before taking your assessments.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are clearly legible and formatted correctly (e.g., PDF or Word).
- Set up email notifications within your account to stay updated on referral status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
The location is negotiable after selection, and the role is telework eligible, but it is not classified as a fully remote position in the traditional sense.
What is the maximum page length for the resume?
Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in removal from consideration.
What if I need a reasonable accommodation for the assessment?
Requests for reasonable accommodations for the USA Hire assessment must be submitted and adjudicated prior to starting the assessment window.
Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a crucial branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its mission is to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States, facilitate domestic and international trade, and manage the health of agricultural resources. As an emergency response agency, APHIS offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly influence the well-being of the American people and the agricultural sector.