This is an internal Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) recruitment. Only applications from current qualified non-probationary OCFA Fire Captains will be accepted.
Your application MUST include all current, relevant OCFA work experience to be considered for this position. Failure to include your OCFA work experience along with any other related qualifying experience in the work history section of your application will result in disqualification from the selection process.
The Corporate Communications Section is recruiting to both create a candidate pool for OCFA's Public Information Officer (PIO) and hire back-up/on-call Public Information Officers. PIOs will work a standard 48/96 shift schedule.Again, this recruitment is being used to create a candidate pool for shift PIO and hire back-up/on-call Public Information Officers.
The selected individual, as a member of the Public Information Section, will represent OCFA as the agency spokesperson during emergency incidents, community events, and in daily interaction with media outlets, and news agencies. The PIO responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conveying information to the public, as OCFA's spokesperson, through various channels, including media outlets, news agencies, social media platforms, and at community events
- Writing incident updates, board narratives, news releases, media advisories, and social media posts
- Maintaining a good working relationship with representatives of media outlets and news agencies proactively and reactively
- Taking a lead role in organizing and implementing certain press events
- Managing various requests from the public, elected officials, and stakeholders
- Working closely with the Community Education and Multi-media Sections to ensure that public outreach efforts are maximized through media outlets and news agencies
- Current rank of Fire Captain (non-probationary) with the OCFA
- Ability to work under the pressure of deadlines and to multitask with creativity and competence.
- Completion of L-952 within the first year as PIO
- Ability to work with social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo, Nextdoor, and the OCFA web site
- Ability and willingness to work nights and weekends
- Good to excellent presentation, writing skills, and video editing
LICENSES:
- Possession of a valid Class C Driver License at time of appointment
The shift PIO assignment requires a two-year minimum commitment and works a standard 48/96 schedule. PIOs are eligible to receive Staff Assignment Pay (SAP) and Staff Incentive Pay (SIP). Please refer to the –IAFF – Local 3631 MOU, page 105 & 156 for additional information. PIO Captains have the use of an Authority vehicle while on duty.
The selected individual(s) will report to the Assistant Chief of Corporate Communications/Chief of Staff as their immediate supervisor during shifts as PIO. Those selected will be required to attend periodic team meetings and training opportunities. The PIO sleeps at Station 27 or other designated station as approved by the Assistant Chief of Corporate Communications/Chief of Staff. All qualified Fire Captains are encouraged to explore this exciting opportunity. If you are interested in being considered, please submit a memo of interest and complete an online application outlining your education, experience, and relevant background.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:
To apply for PIO, go to www.ocfa.org. Interested personnel are to submit the following:
- Online application
- Cover memo of interest
- Inclusion of related certificates of training or related professional qualifications are also encouraged
IMPORTANT DATES:
Please note, all dates subject to change based on organizational needs.
- Monday, April 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) - Last day to submit online application, and memo of interest
- Week of April 27, 2026 - Panel interviews, on-camera test, writing/social media exercise
- May 1, 2026 - Notification of selected candidates
- May 21, 2026 - Mandatory one-day onboarding class for selected applicants
- Week of May 25, 2026 – Ride-a-longs for selected full-time PIO candidate
- May 29, 2026 - Start date for selected full-time candidate
QUESTIONS:
All questions regarding this position should be directed to Assistant Chief of Corporate Communications/Chief of Staff Matt Olson, at mattolson@ocfa.org or via telephone at (714) 573-6028.
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH NEOGOV:
Please contact the assigned recruiter Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at bradstephens@ocfa.org or (714) 573-6816.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION:
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations for the purposes of employment testing should contact Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at bradstephens@ocfa.org or (714) 573-6816 at least 72 hours prior to any portion of the examination process.
WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
If an applicant chooses to withdraw from this recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at bradstephens@ocfa.org requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.
NOTE:
The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.
EQUPAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
