Cindy Wertz Public Affairs Specialist

Wyoming State Office (307) 775-6014

Please have interested students send me a cover letter and resume at Cindy_Wertz@blm.gov.

Public Affairs Specialist

INTRODUCTION

This position is assigned to the External Affairs staff of the Wyoming State Office, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Bureau of Land Management.  Incumbent serves as an entry level member of the Wyoming State Office External Affair’s staff, assisting with Public Affairs activities.  Incumbent is responsible for assisting with Bureau programs being carried out by the Wyoming State Office. 

MAJOR DUTIES

Incumbent assists with Wyoming State Office Public Affairs responsibilities throughout all program areas.

Writes news releases on routine events of non-Controversial subjects.  Takes basic photographs for occasional use by the media.  Prepares background information for Wyoming State Office use in briefing the media on BLM activities.

Arranges Wyoming State Office tours for media and interest groups and assists with briefing materials.  Arranges meeting for Wyoming State Office Advisory Groups and handles administrative details.  Arranges public meetings and hearings and publicizes them in association with public participation in resource management.

Responds to requests for information concerning Agency programs, services and responsibilities.

Assists the Wyoming State Office in briefing Congressional staff members on Wyoming State Office activities.

Assists Wyoming State Office specialists in developing interpretive materials and exhibits relating to multiple use management and special emphasis programs.

Assists with Wyoming State Office public service and education programs involving local schools, special community events and volunteer projects.

Assists Field Public Affairs Specialists as needed.

• Knowledge required by the position

Basic knowledge of written and oral communication principles, methods and techniques for writing news releases and dealing with people.

Basic photographic and visual aid development skills for media, interpretive and exhibit assistance.

Knowledge and skill sufficient for arranging tours and briefing visitors on basic agency activities.

Knowledge and skill for arranging and participating in meetings with specialized groups to listen to and understand feedback on agency programs.

Knowledge and skill sufficient for responding timely and appropriately to requests for information.

• Supervisory Controls

The supervisor makes specific assignments with instructions for routine and one-of-a-kind tasks.

The incumbent works as instructed and consults with the supervisor and Wyoming State Office Specialists on all matters not covered in instructions.

The supervisor closely controls all work by checking progress and reviewing completed assignments.

• Guidelines

The incumbent receives specific and detailed guidelines form the supervisor and Wyoming State Office specialists regarding individual projects.  Little interpretation is required in using the guidelines.  When instructions or examples do not apply, the incumbent refers the problem to the supervisor.

• Complexity

Work consists of specific tasks requiring the use of basic communication and analytical methods in all activities.

Decisions regarding the needs to be done involve choosing from among a few easily distinguishable situations.

Actions to be taken involve clear-cut factual situations guided by clear instructions, however, a few precedent situations may apply.

• Scope and Effect

The work consists of specific, limited operations involving the application of a few basic procedures and techniques.

The work facilitates the efforts of the supervisor and Wyoming State Office specialists and also orients the incumbent to the work and activity of the Public Affairs function.

• Personal Contacts

Personal contacts are with other employees, the media, advisory group members, interest group members, schools, community organizations and other sin a structured situation.  There the purpose and roles in the contact are clear and communications are of a routine nature.

• Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to give, obtain, or clarify factual routine information.

• Physical Demands

The position may require physical exertion, especially when the employee is working in the Field.  While in the Field, the employee must be able to read maps; operate sedans and pickups, including 4-wheel drive vehicles; travel in rough and remote terrain; withstand occasional exposure to high winds and cold temperatures.

• Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office setting.  However, trips are made to various locations in the Wyoming State Office.  Trips are also made to meeting rooms, schools, universities, the Field Offices, and other locations.