Advance Your Career as a Public Affairs Specialist at Pearl Harbor
Are you a strategic communicator looking to make a significant impact? The U.S. Pacific Fleet is hiring a Public Affairs Specialist to lead community relations efforts at the world's largest fleet command. This role offers the unique chance to work at the intersection of public policy, military operations, and community engagement in beautiful Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Job Responsibilities
As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will wear many hats. Your core duties include:
- Relationship Management: Act as the face of the Shipyard to local government agencies, elected officials, and civic organizations.
- Strategic Communications: Develop and implement plans that promote the Shipyard's mission to external audiences.
- Protocol & Events: Plan and manage official visits, briefings, and high-level tours.
- Content Creation: Write news releases, social media content, and feature articles to keep the public and our internal teams informed.
- Emergency Support: Serve as a key member of the public affairs team during command drills and real-world emergencies.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must demonstrate GS-12 level experience in federal service or the private sector. Candidates must possess:
- At least one year of specialized experience in public affairs or community relations.
- Proficiency in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Comparison: Public Affairs Roles
| Feature | Standard PR Agency | Navy Public Affairs |
|---|---|---|
| Client Base | Commercial Businesses | Military & Government |
| Mission Focus | Profit & Brand Awareness | Operational Readiness & Diplomacy |
| Work Environment | Corporate Office | Naval Base / Shipyard |
| Travel | Occasional | Frequent (Protocol support) |
Benefits
Joining the Department of the Navy comes with a robust benefits package, including:
- Competitive salaries and pay-for-performance incentives.
- Comprehensive health insurance and federal retirement plans.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Potential relocation assistance for highly qualified candidates.
Application Tips
Your resume is the most important document in your application. Ensure it is clear, concise, and no longer than two pages. Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure you include every required piece of information, such as the specific grade level and series of your previous federal roles.
If you are ready to combine your passion for public affairs with a mission that matters, apply for this opportunity at Pearl Harbor today. Your expertise can help bridge the gap between the U.S. Navy and the community, ensuring our mission remains strong.
Why This Public Affairs Specialist (Community Relations) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career in public affairs at the world's largest fleet command—help shape the narrative for the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor.
Public Affairs Specialist (Community Relations) Job Overview
The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard & IMF is seeking a dedicated Public Affairs Specialist to join the Congressional and Public Affairs Office. This pivotal role involves managing community relations, fostering stakeholder partnerships, and executing strategic communication initiatives that support the Navy’s mission in the Indo-Pacific. Based at the historic Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii, you will serve as a key representative of the Shipyard Commander, facilitating vital connections between the military and the surrounding community.
Requirements for Public Affairs Specialist (Community Relations)
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
- Proven experience in planning, coordinating, or executing community relations, public information, or official visit programs.
- Strong background in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, or media relations.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Submission of a resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing relevant experience, job titles, and accomplishments.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Public Affairs Specialist (Community Relations)
- Experience in event management and high-level protocol coordination.
- Ability to support emergency operations and Public Affairs centers during crises.
- Strong proficiency in technical writing for news releases, feature articles, and official correspondence.
- Experience representing leadership to local, civic, and governmental organizations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance plans
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible candidates
- ✓Work-life balance with access to world-class outdoor recreation in Hawaii
💡 How to Apply Public Affairs Specialist (Community Relations) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Public Affairs Specialist (Community Relations) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that specifically addresses the specialized experience requirements (limit to 2 pages).
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Click the Apply Online button to complete the required questionnaire.
- Ensure all documentation is submitted before the closing date of November 4, 2026.
- Monitor your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required fields like employer name, hours per week, and grade level are included.
- Be specific about your accomplishments; quantify your impact in previous public affairs roles.
- Ensure your resume does not exceed the 2-page limit, as longer resumes may be disqualified.
- If applying for promotion, provide SF-50s from over a year ago to clearly demonstrate your time-in-grade eligibility.
- Check for any professional certifications or memberships and include proof of these in your application package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role focuses on community relations and strategic communications, helping to build support for the Shipyard through engagement with elected officials, civic organizations, and the general public.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance.
Can I work remotely?
The position is telework-eligible but is not a fully remote position; onsite presence is required at Pearl Harbor Naval Base.
What is the salary range?
The position pays between $93,445 and $121,482 annually, depending on experience.
Is this a remote position?
While it is telework-eligible, the nature of the work requires physical presence at the Shipyard for events and operational support.
Job from U.S. Pacific Fleet
The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard & IMF is a critical component of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Our mission is to keep ships and submarines mission-ready, serving as the cornerstone of maritime defense in the Indo-Pacific. We value military and civilian collaboration and provide a professional environment where purpose and patriotism unite.