The County of Riverside’s Animal Services Department has an opportunity for a Public Information Specialist who will be assigned to the Animal Control Services division in Jurupa Valley.
Under direction of the Public Information Officer, The Public Information Specialist will be responsible for developing and delivering clear, compelling communication that supports the department’s mission and enhances public awareness of Animal Services programs. The Public Information Specialist will create strategic content for County platforms, lead storytelling efforts, and produce press releases, weekly media updates, and crisis communication materials related to incidents such as floods, fires, and animal abuse cases. This position will also support internal and external communication needs, including videography, media coordination, and collaboration with city partners and district offices.
This position follows a 5/40 schedule, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed. It also requires driving throughout Riverside County to support department operations.
Additionally, the Public Information Specialist will assist in media strategy development, support website updates and redesign efforts, and help highlight departmental achievements. The Public Information specialist will work closely with the Public Information Officer, contribute to social media planning and execution, and ensure consistent and accurate communication across all channels.
Portfolio Encouragement: We encourage applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing samples of their storytelling, video production, photography, graphic design, and professional written communication work. The portfolio may include links to digital content, social media campaigns, videos, or other relevant materials that demonstrate creativity, technical skills, and communication effectiveness.
Competitive candidates will have professional experience in press release development, crisis communication, social media management, videography, website content development, storytelling, and cross-agency collaboration. Passion for animal welfare, proficiency in professional media writing, strong writing skills, and a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment are essential. Municipal shelter or Animal Services experience, as well as prior work with media outlets or public sector communication, are highly desirable.
Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.
• Establishes and maintains regular contacts with the press, community groups, and government officials to meet the organization's public information, awareness, and education needs.
• Develops and determines effectiveness of distribution and outreach media plan; makes recommendations for modifications as required.
• Writes feature articles and press releases on organization's activities, services, programs, and functions; prepares pamphlets and brochures.
• Coordinates release distribution to the media; organizes and arranges public information campaigns and press conferences.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements specialized public information and education programs pursuant to government regulations; determines program goals.
• Locates and utilizes existing resources available for special public information programs; writes Requests for Proposals to secure funding for specialized public information and education programs.
• Assists in preparing the program's budget; monitors program expenditures; initiates and answers correspondence related to public inquiries and citizens' problems and complaints.
• Performs public speaking activities; writes scripts, slide shows, and other presentations; coordinates activities with audio visual specialists, graphic artists, or other related staff.
• Provides writing support to the organization; coordinates and edits the organization's newsletter; may monitor the work of consultants; may supervise volunteer staff.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in journalism, Communications, English, Public Relations, Public/Business Administration, or a closely related field. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of education.)
Experience: Two years of full-time experience developing and writing printed materials and/or press releases for use in print and electronic media; or in public or community relations which included the dissemination of information to internal and/or external audiences through various communications media.
Knowledge of: Methods of planning, coordinating, and implementing an effective public information program; methods and techniques used in planning press conferences; techniques in developing and producing audio-visual presentations; styles and techniques in speech writing.
Ability to: Complete assignments within strict time constraints; evaluate and apply government regulations to program planning; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, public, and representatives from outside agencies; coordinate public information and education programs with other jurisdictions; coordinate the activities of audio-visual specialists, graphic artists, or other specialists in preparing public information medium; recognize problems and develop effective solutions; act independently in converting complex technical information into a meaningful and applicable format for the targeted audience.
Other Requirements
License: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License is required for traveling throughout Riverside County.
This recruitment is open to all applicants.
If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Alex Jones at
aljones@rivco.org
