PRINTING SERVICES SPECIALIST

Summary As a Printing Services Specialist, you will manage and process printing, graphic design, and publication assignments for FSIS nationwide. You will develop print specifications, coordinate procurements with the GPO and commercial printers, and recommend cost-effective production methods. Additionally, you will provide technical guidance on print media, layout, and distribution while serving as a primary agency liaison to ensure high-quality communication products. Duties

• Procure printing services for various program and administrative forms, manuals, publications, pamphlets, brochures, posters, and magnets.
• Establish technical specifications and prepare requisitions for printing and distribution services from GPO, OO, or commercial sources.
• Coordinate directly with technical program areas, GPO, USDA Office of Communications, and the Office of Operations on the printing and distribution of FSIS materials.
• Select print media and recommend the most economical production methods to ensure high quality at the most reasonable cost.
• Manage distribution data by obtaining inventory lists and communicating with warehouse vendors to monitor forms and envelope inventories.
• Estimate project costs, negotiate and assess pricing, deadlines, and adjustments with printers to comply with strict fiscal limits.
• Offer technical expertise across all agency levels on paper stock, ink selection, binding, artwork, photography, and regulatory procedures.
• Exercise final authority to formally accept or reject delivered printed products based on strict adherence to written specifications.
• Prepare complex and non-complex specifications involving multi-color processes, specialty paper cuts, sizing, unique layouts, and custom bindings.
• Act as an agency liaison to translate clients’ needs to print sources and manage customer approvals for laser and digital color proofs.
• Evaluate visual assets and images for sharpness, ensuring adherence to USDA or GPO standards and layout configurations. Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Qualification: To qualify for the GS-11 level, your resume must demonstrate at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience: Assisting with the planning, scheduling, and coordination of agency print and distribution objectives, including analyzing technical specifications (e.g., typography, layout, paper stock) to propose alternate product solutions. Developing project cost estimates, assessing alternative production methods, and coordinating with agency leadership and commercial printing vendors to meet deadlines within budget constraints. Utilizing automated database systems to track workflows, monitor distribution operations, and ensure final design products comply with color accuracy benchmarks and Section 508 accessibility requirements. Reviewing products for accuracy and conformance to requirements specifications. To qualify for the GS-12 level, your resume must demonstrate at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience: Independently identifying program needs, establishing guidelines, and formulating comprehensive scheduling and production strategies for high-priority print and distribution programs. Formulating complex project cost estimates, negotiating delivery requirements with senior stakeholders, and applying technical acumen to resolve vendor or production challenges. Managing automated tracking systems to oversee massive print or distribution volumes while executing visual communication methodologies to guarantee strict compliance with federal laws, color fidelity benchmarks, and Section 508 standards. Conducting quality assurance inspections to ensure finished product is acceptable before releasing it for use. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of all relevant college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.