Public Information Specialist

Job Overview

Office of Emergency Services (OES) seeks a Public Information Officer to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive public information, media relations, and communication program for a large county department. The role requires maintaining public relations, coordinating with management, preparing media releases, and ensuring effective communication during emergencies.
Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and implement the department’s public information program
Coordinate closely with management to disseminate information and increase public awareness of departmental services
Research, analyze, and develop policies and procedures related to the department’s public information program
Develop and maintain communication outlets (radio, television, social media, press releases)
Plan, write, and coordinate speeches, press conferences, media‑enhanced presentations, and public relations activities
Coordinate media appearances for personnel and prepare materials for them
Evaluate the effectiveness of public information activities and stay abreast of related issues
Make presentations before various groups to promote knowledge and understanding of department services
Design and prepare pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, and bulletins; prepare press releases, fact sheets, and articles
Maintain media logs, press files, and publication archives
Collaborate with staff to review legislation and assist in drafting legislation related to departmental objectives
Minimum Qualifications

Education: bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field
Experience: at least two years in professional public relations, media relations, journalism, or community relations with responsibility for writing and placing news releases or feature articles; includes a minimum of one year providing information to the public as a public‑relations spokesperson
Substitution#1: Additional‑qualifying experience may substitute for required education on a year‑for‑year basis up to two years
Substitution#2: A master’s degree may substitute for one year of the required experience
License: possession of a valid California driver’s license
Knowledge & Abilities

Principles of effective public information program planning, coordination, and implementation
Mass communication techniques, marketing, media relations, outreach, public speaking, writing, editing, and audiovisual production
Computer operations and web‑based communications tools
Effective oral and written communication; ability to build working relationships
Confidentiality, time‑management, and independent decision‑making skills
Physical & Mental Requirements

Frequent data entry, repetitive motion, and prolonged sitting; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, and climbing stairs
Lifting up to 5 pounds frequently, 5–30 pounds occasionally
Good overall vision and reading/close‑up work skills; color perception and eye/hand coordination
Normal hearing and speaking ability; public speaking
Decision‑making, concentration, and public contact skills; may require work weekends, nights, holidays, and occasional travel
Exposure to varied weather conditions
Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with employee contribution and optional family coverage
Life insurance with increasing coverage based on service years
Flexible benefits and dependent‑care plans
Retirement plans under the County Retirement Law and deferred compensation options
Vacation and holiday accruals per county policy
Sick leave, bereavement leave, and paid training opportunities
Job‑sharing options and educational reimbursement
Equal Opportunity

San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. For more information, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Division at sjgov.org.

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