SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST (FIRE EMERGENCY)

Full Job Description

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT
OPEN COMPETITIVE - EMERGENCY

The Internal Services Department is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Senior Public Information Specialist vacancy related to this unprecedented natural disaster.

Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment.

Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Senior Public Information Specialist.

Requirements

Serves as a key resource to executive management, advising on media relations, strategic communications, procedures, and processes.

Provides technical guidance or supervises a team of lower-level public information staff.

Establishes the objectives of the department’s public information program and develops strategies and tactics to accomplish these objectives.

Organizes and may assign work, sets priorities, and follows-up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work.

Participates in or may supervise the development and execution of communication strategies, tactics and deliverables, through various communication channels such as web and social media content, email newsletters, print collateral such as brochures, annual reports and other content.

Oversees the coordination and execution of videography, photography and graphic design services, as needed.

Researches and oversees research of departmental projects for proactive media outreach (story pitches).

Develops procedures, standards, and guidelines for collection, review, and presentation of information to be communicated to the public through the various media channels and platforms.

Coordinates releases and distribution to the media; organizes and arranges public information campaigns and press conferences.

Identifies, develops, and maintains key communication channels, adapting and improving them in line with external trends and business needs.

Handles intake and response to media requests for information under the California Public Records Act, in coordination with departmental management, County Counsel and the department’s Public Records Act coordinator.

Attends and participates in meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations related to the field of public information and media relations.

Serves as liaison between the department and media representatives and develops effective relationships with media outlets.

Monitors and tracks issues affecting the department, monitors media channels and informs management accordingly.

Works with department representatives to develop communications such as an annual report, annual budget, mission and vision, and other critical documents.

Serves as an information conduit to Board staff and Board Deputies and alerts them of inquiries regarding high-profile or controversial issues affecting the department and provides opportunities to generate accurate media coverage to highlight departmental activities to the public.

Responds to newsworthy events and media inquiries, which may include emergencies as a result of an epidemic or following the occurrence of natural or other disaster by providing contacts and immediate responsiveness to inquiries including receiving and assessing information, tailoring releases to the audience, cooperating with the Board Office, Chief Executive Office, communications media, and advising appropriate personnel.

Develops and maintains internal communication projects.

Assesses effectiveness of digital content using online metrics.

Maintains departmental website’s public information content.

May manage a photo archive of key word-searchable photos.

May staff public information booth and make presentations to community groups.

May develop and manage annual operating budget and provides fiscal direction to the unit(s) supervised.

May respond to emergencies, newsworthy events, and media inquiries.

May drive to different sites, as necessary.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university with a major in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Public Relations, English or a closely-related field -AND- Four years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County’s class of Public Information Specialist** initiating, planning, developing, maintaining, evaluating, implementing, and coordinating a public information program or professional experience as a journalist within a media organization.

One additional year of the required experience will be accepted for each year of college.

You MUST meet the above requirement(s) in order to be appointed to fill any vacancies related to this recruitment.

You must POSSESS and CLEARLY express detailed years of experience performing relevant duties related to the requirements above and within your online job application and supplemental questionnaire.

Physical Class

Physical Class II - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

• Expertise preparing and providing information (i.e., media advisory, press release) for dissemination to the media.
• Experience performing public information work for a government or large agency.
• Experience using various social media platforms to communicate internally and externally, managing, and creating content for an organization's website.
• Experience providing technical guidance and supervision over other public information staff.
• Experience working with the community, media and press to communicate an organization’s message to the public in support of its goals and purpose.
• Experience managing and creating organizational publications utilizing software such as Canva, GovDelivery, MS power point, and Vizio.
• Knowledge of and experience with current media landscape.
• Experience with governmental public relations and crisis communication.
• Experience in Public Relations and Outreach Campaigns.

*Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies that are accepted by the Department of Human Resources.

Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references.

Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc.

(AICE).

In order to receive credit for any type of college or university degree, such as a Bachelor's Degree or higher, you must attach a legible copy of the official diploma, official transcripts, or official letter from the accredited institution, which shows the date the degree was awarded, with the Registrar's signature and school seal, to the application at the time of filing, or email to HVasquez@isd.lacounty.gov within five (5) days from application submission.

We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.

Additional Information

EXAM CONTENT