Public Relations Officer Job at State of Montana in Helena

Public Relations Officer

The Montana Department of Livestock is searching for a creative, and professional individual with a passion for the Livestock industry to join the Livestock Central Services Team as a Public Relations Officer.

The Department of Livestock is responsible for the control and eradication of animal diseases, the prevention of the transmission of animal disease to humans and for the protection of the livestock industry from theft and predatory animals.

The Centralized Services Division provides a wide range of services and support for the five divisions in the department. Responsibilities include budgeting, accounting, payroll, HR-personnel, purchasing, property inventory, information technology, legal and general services and other operational support that assists in meeting the Departments mission.

The Public Relations Officer with the Department of Livestock has a primary responsibility to promote and create a favorable public image for the Department and all of its programs by developing informational and promotional materials and releasing it to the appropriate audience through various communication methods. The Public Relations Officer contributes to and supports our internal and external communications strategy, writes, and disseminates publicity material, responds to inquiries from the public and media, manages the agency's social media communications, and coordinates promotional events. This position is responsible for special projects as directed by the Director's Office and serves as a liaison between the Director's Office and external/internal entities.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

• Develop, edit, and promote informational materials about agency activities or programs.
• Release informational materials through various communications methods, such as press releases, websites, and social media.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with people outside the agency or program.
• Represent the agency or program to internal and external stakeholders, such as other agencies, media, public, or interest groups.
• Respond to requests for information.
• Update agency or program websites.
• Work to ensure effective and consistent messaging in all areas of communication.
• Write and/or deliver talking points, speeches, or press releases to further public-relations objectives.
• Influence a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Develop a comprehensive strategic communication plan for the agency's overall public information and outreach efforts.
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and policies for public-relations operations.
• Prepare factual, compelling presentations to support the interests, goals, and strategic plans of the department.
• Prepare testimony and other information for presentation to legislative committees, boards, or other public councils.

Additional Duties:

• Special projects as requested by other Divisions of the Department.
• Communications Liaison with Governor's Office
• All other additional duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of Montana Livestock, Agriculture and other related programs.
• Knowledge and experience in effective public relations, social media, and various forms of communications.
• Communicate effectively and diplomatically to various audiences with skills writing, editing, and public speaking; understanding of mass media and relationships between citizens and public agencies.
• Proficient knowledge of social media, newspaper, radio, and television production procedures and evolving methods of communication.
• Proficient in MS Office products, graphic design and publications programs, operation of standard equipment for photography, recording, audio editing and videotaping.
• Ability to quickly learn Agency programs, systems and functions.
• Skills in effective public speaking, tact, and respect for other points of view, along with the ability to persuade others of Agency's reasons for actions and decisions, and the ability to display poise and professionalism in confrontational situations.
• Knowledge of standard office procedures along with maintaining electronic and physical files.
• Ability to Identify operational and customer needs;
• Resolve problems using critical thinking skills;
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service;
• Prioritize workload and work on multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining flexible;
• Effectively work both in a team environment and independently to achieve objectives and timelines;
• Adapt to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
• Takes accountability for completing work in an ethical and efficient manner.

Physical and Environmental Demands: The individual in this position will be performing job duties in a typical office environment. Expected to work odd hours and adapt quickly to changing circumstances in order to gather information for the Agency and the public. More than 8 hours in a workday may be required on occasion. May carry camera, tripod, camcorder, recording equipment, or other items as needed. May work with equipment requiring repetitive motions. Frequent interactions with the public and other department staff is common. This position must be flexible to work on other projects as requested and changing priorities. Minimal travel may be required on occasion, such as to public meetings or newsworthy events of the Agency. Options to telework may be approved on a case-by-case basis, however full-time telework is not an option.

Our Work Matters! We are proud of the work we do, to find out more about the Department of Livestock visit our website at Liv.mt.gov.

Your Total Rewards Package as a State of Montana Employee:

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, and EAP.
• Retirement: Choice between two retirement plans with a strong employer contribution (8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary).
• Work/Life Balance: A combination of 38 paid days off a year (vacation, sick leave, and holidays). Partial telework or hybrid schedules may be available.
• Career Growth: Significant opportunities for career progression, training, and professional development.
• Financial Benefits: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and potential longevity raises with continuous service.
• On-Site Benefits: Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.

Why Montana? Work Hard. Play Harder: Montana consistently ranks as a premier place to live, offering a perfect blend of a friendly, vibrant small-town atmosphere and unparalleled access to the Rocky Mountains and world-class outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, fishing, and more). If you seek a professional challenge alongside an exceptional quality of life, this is your chance to join the team in the heart of Montana, in Helena.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): Bachelor's degree with a major in public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism. Two years of directly related experience. Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.

Salary: $36.55 Hourly. Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved). Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan.

Number of Openings: 1. Employee Status: Regular. Schedule: Full-Time. Job Type: Standard. Shift: Day Job. Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time.

Primary Location: Helena. Agency: Department of Livestock. Union: 000 - None.

Posting Date: Mar 9, 2026, 9:33:42 PM. Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Ongoing. Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume.

Contact Name: Human Resources | Contact Email: Michael.Spatz2@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-5684. The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.