Conservation Media Relations Specialist

Summary/Objective
Collaborate with the media and the public to promote the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Essential Job Duties

Facilitate media coverage of MDC activities through news releases, interviews and other contacts with media outlets.

Prepare articles and news releases and ensure delivery through the proper channels.

Answer media/reporter inquiries about conservation issues or programs, supply information, and connect reporters or producers with MDC staff for interviews or information.

Respond to queries from general public received via e-mail, phone call and walk-in visitation.

Coordinate ad purchases (radio and television) by negotiating contracts, assisting with design and/or production, placing ads with media outlets, and making sure invoices are paid.

Monitor spending in compliance with budget.

Coach field staff in media interaction, interviewing and effective writing.

Ancillary Job Duties

Serve on internal and external committees, special events, trade shows, etc.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, or related

Two years of combined experience in news media, public relations and/or forestry/fish/wildlife management.

Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

Experience working with the media preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner, and computer.

Forestry/Fish/Wildlife experience, preferred.

Comfort communicating with members of the media.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with citizens, city and county officials, university faculty and administrators, civic groups, Department staff and members of other news media.

Ability to provide quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.

Ability to work varying shifts and hours, as needed.

Ability to travel and stay overnight.

Work Environment

Regularly work in a standard office environment.

Occasionally work in outdoor weather environments (cold/hot/humid/wet).

Physical Abilities

Remain in a stationary position up to 70% of the time.

Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.

Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.

Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.

Three-dimensional vision- ability to judge distance and space relationships.

Regularly lift up to 10 pounds, correctly lift up to 25 pounds.

Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

Exemption Status/Special Notes
This position has been determined to Exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department’s Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy. Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed. MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment. The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment. Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment. All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.

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