Picture of a Visual Specialist

Visual Information

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GS-1084

Position Overview

Visual Information Specialists help connect with the public by creating innovative multi-media projects.  Pamphlets, posters, infographics, newsletters, park exhibits, studies, videos, podcasts, mobile apps and web pages are just some of the engaging and informative products they craft. 

This position is represented at the following bureaus

Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
National Park Service
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Office of the Secretary
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey

Candidate Description

The ideal candidate is creative and detail oriented with superb communication skills.  This person is comfortable collaborating with others and excited to find new ways to leverage cutting-edge technology and communication strategies.

Work Environment

Most work is performed in office settings but site visits to DOI locations may be necessary to meet people, gather information or install exhibits.

Minimum Education Requirements

Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Administrative and Management Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.

Career Level Requirements

Responsibilities by Level

  • Entry:

    • Researching and consolidating information for use in visual information products
    • Responding to requests for images
    • Selecting common visual materials and creating drafts for routine projects
    • Assisting in the development and installation of exhibits

  • Mid:

    • Planning the visual aspects of print projects such as posters and pamphlets
    • Drafting Scope of Work statements for exhibit plans
    • Preparing and maintaining interpretive media for devices such as touch screen kiosks and cell phones
    • Designing visual communication aspects of speeches or training material

  • Journey:

    • Overseeing and collaborating with contractors on media projects
    • Collaborating with others to identify communication objectives
    • Managing the production of videos and podcasts
    • Leading teams developing and implementing design concepts for critical, complex projects
    • Collaborating with Government Publishing Office-approved printing companies

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Strengths by Level

Entry 5-7
Mid 9-11
Journey 12-14
  • Attention to Detail
    Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Compliance
    Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Creative Thinking
    Uses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Customer Service
    Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Decision Making
    Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Flexibility
    Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Information Management
    Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Interpersonal Skills
    Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Oral Communication
    Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Organizational Awareness
    Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Problem Solving
    Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Reasoning
    Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Self-Management
    Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Teamwork
    Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Technical Competence
    Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14
  • Writing
    Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-14

Common Pathways

Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...

General Arts And Information

6.3%
Career Information Coming Soon
0326 - Office Automation Clerical And Assist 6.3%
1083 - Technical Writing And Editing 6.3%
1071 - Audiovisual Production 3.1%
1087 - Editorial Assistance 3.1%
1101 - General Business and Industry 3.1%
1020 - Illustrating 3.1%
0301 - Miscellaneous Administration and Program 3.1%
0303 - Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 3.1%
0023 - Outdoor Recreation Planning 3.1%
1082 - Writing And Editing 3.1%

Where We Are

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