Responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering public education programs and communication initiatives to promote awareness of Las Cruces Fire Department services and engagement with the community. 

Work is performed in a standard office environment; requires some travel to attend meetings and events.

Light physical demands; mostly desk work, some lifting and carrying of files and reports. Frequent to constant use of a personal computer.  

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues.   Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.  Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. 

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.

Full-time, regular, non-exempt position

This position is graded RN13. 

• Creates, develops, and delivers public education programs focused on fire department services and community engagement to strengthen program knowledge and preparedness in the community.
• Coordinates and participates in community events, open houses, and public outreach activities to share fire safety information and enhance public awareness of the Las Cruces Fire Department and it’s programs and services.
• Develops educational resources for internal staff and external audiences. 
• Implement and oversee training sessions for staff on outreach activities and communication techniques; develops internal guidelines for engaging with public and media outlets, collaborates with City communications team to ensure consistent messaging.
• Use photo and video equipment and editing software to create engaging content that communicates the department's mission effectively; manages and develops content for social media and updates various social media platforms; coordinates the development and distribution of information utilizing a variety of media and responds to inquiries to ensure effective, consistent, accurate, and timely communication.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of public education programs through surveys and community feedback; tracks and report on metrics such as internal training sessions, community interactions, and survey results measuring public understanding of fire safety.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED AND one (1) year of experience in education is required. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communication, Education, or related field is desired.  A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver’s license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.   

Knowledge of:  principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to:  perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives. 

Skills in:   reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working  independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.