Join the Frontlines of Visual Storytelling: Audiovisual Production Specialist at DTRA

Are you a creative professional with a passion for high-stakes storytelling? The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is currently seeking a talented Audiovisual Production Specialist (GS-12) to join our team at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This role is perfect for a communicator who thrives in fast-paced environments and wants to use their technical skills to support a critical national security mission.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will do much more than just operate a camera. You will act as a producer, director, and editor, managing projects from initial concept through to the final deliverable. Your core duties include:

Project Management: Coordinating production schedules, talent, and budgets.
Creative Production: Writing scripts, designing media treatments, and executing professional video and photo shoots.
Post-Production: Utilizing software like Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve to craft high-quality content.
Field Operations: Traveling to capture global exercises and high-level VIP visits.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet specific professional criteria:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
Technical Proficiency: Ability to operate professional lighting, audio, and camera equipment.
Work Portfolio: You must submit a required audiovisual work sample portfolio.
Compliance: Candidates must pass a drug test and qualify for a Top Secret security clearance.

Comparison Table: Why Join DTRA?

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$102,415 - $133,142
Location	Fort Belvoir, VA
Security Clearance	Top Secret
Work Type	Federal Government

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $102,415 to $133,142 per year, commensurate with federal GS-12 pay scales.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including health and life insurance, a generous retirement plan (FERS), a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions, and excellent paid time off.

Application Tips

Respect the Resume Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less.
Portfolio Perfection: Ensure your work samples clearly demonstrate the required domains.
Early Submission: Don't wait until the final hour; submit your application at least a day before the closing date.

If you are ready to combine your technical expertise with a meaningful mission, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to shape the visual identity of one of the nation’s most important defense agencies.

Why This Audiovisual Production Specialist Job Matters

Elevate your career in visual storytelling with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. We are seeking a creative and technically skilled Audiovisual Production Specialist to capture our mission-critical work on a global stage.

Audiovisual Production Specialist Job Overview

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is looking for a talented Audiovisual Production Specialist (GS-12) to serve as a key storyteller for our organization. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of high-impact visual media—from pre-production planning and scripting to filming, professional-grade editing, and final distribution. This role involves capturing dynamic content, including high-level VIP visits, international field exercises, and internal training materials that communicate our vital mission to diverse audiences.

Requirements for Audiovisual Production Specialist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must undergo and pass a drug screening.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level (or equivalent).
Submission of a professional Audiovisual Work Sample Portfolio by the closing date.
Resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
Must provide transcripts if using education to qualify.

Preferred Qualifications for Audiovisual Production Specialist

Extensive experience in documentary-style storytelling.
Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition).
Experience managing production budgets and diverse project teams.
Proven track record of operating in dynamic, high-pressure field and studio environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous paid leave and federal holidays.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Flexible work arrangements and telework opportunities.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.

💡 How to Apply Audiovisual Production Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Audiovisual Production Specialist Job

Log in to or create your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
Compile your required documents, including SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, and veteran documentation.
Create your Audiovisual Work Sample Portfolio ensuring it meets the required format requirements.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload all documents and submit your application by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Follow the formatting guidelines exactly; resumes over two pages will be disqualified.
Ensure your portfolio highlights at least two distinct domains, such as event coverage and motion graphics.
Double-check that all uploaded files are in permitted formats (e.g., MP4, MOV, JPG, PDF) to avoid technical rejection.
Submit your application early to account for potential technical issues or file processing times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a qualifying work sample portfolio?

The portfolio must demonstrate proficiency in at least two domains: Event Video Coverage, Non-Fiction Documentary Storytelling, Motion Graphics, or Photojournalism.

Can I submit a PDF portfolio?

No. While other PDF documents are accepted for your application, PDF format is explicitly not accepted for portfolio files.

Is telework allowed for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, depending on agency needs and requirements.

Job from Defense Threat Reduction Agency

DTRA serves as the Department of Defense's official combat support agency for countering weapons of mass destruction. Our mission is to deter strategic attacks, prevent the spread of emerging threats, and ensure that the U.S. and its allies remain secure in an increasingly complex world. As part of our creative team, you will bring our mission to life through film, photography, and digital media.