Visual Information Specialist

About the role

This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) located in Manhattan, KS.

Responsibilities

• Create print and multimedia presentations as requested to meet the needs of NBAF.
• Use creative processes and tools to generate graphics and displays, some of which may be scientific in nature and fit requirements of the project.
• Transform spoken or written descriptions into visual representations without the benefit of existing pictures, models, or diagrams.
• Select and utilize custom equipment and techniques for public relations, scientific, technical, biomedical, and event photography.
• Work with scientific staff to ensure images correctly show research results as desired by the researcher and are acceptable quality for publications and presentations.
• Maintain searchable databases of sensitive and non-sensitive images using appropriate and approved IT systems.
• Collaborate with visual planners, editors, writers, and printing specialists within ARS and APHIS; and outside contacts including printers and graphic art contractors.
• Produce creative graphic design work in conjunction with the Communications Office for intended audiences through illustrations, websites, posters for meetings, figures for publications, and signage for general use.
• Develop original designs, concepts, or visual styles following USDA-approved branding guidelines for outreach activities, social media, publications, exhibits, or presentation materials.
• Use photography and video capture; imagery, graphic and video editing software; publication design and layout; and design for digital and social media.
• Use Adobe Creative Suite and its programs, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Work with appropriate USDA, ARS, and APHIS personnel to produce visual images that meet or exceed requirements in order to comply with all Department, ARS, APHIS, and NBAF policies.

Requirements

• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit.
• E-Verify employment verification check.
• Probationary period of 1 year.
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Drivers License Required.
• Drug test required.
• Vaccine Required.
• National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is a state-of-the-art biocontainment facility for the diagnosis and study of foreign animal, emerging, and zoonotic diseases.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 creating flyers, presentations, or promotional materials using design editing software; developing original designs for outreach activities or social media; and assuring images are acceptable quality for publications.
• Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related.
• Combination of education and experience as described above.