Public Information Officer (Specialist)

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services • Full-time • Sacramento, CA, US • $6.03k - $7.78k / month • 1d ago

Job Description And Duties

This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who previously applied do not need to re-apply. Your application package is on file.**

Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career?

Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Information Officer II, this position performs complex media relations and public information tasks and duties, coordinates outreach and education campaigns, and acts in a lead capacity over other information officers during emergency operations.

Essential Fuctions Include:

Answers inquiries from the public, media, government officials, businesses, and others.
Represents the agency in television, radio, and print media interviews.
Develops briefing materials, talking points, speeches and speaking remarks for agency officials representing Cal OES before the news media and other groups.
Serves as lead and/or Deputy Lead State Information Officer during emergency response and recovery efforts in Sacramento or in the field for extended periods of time.
Plans, coordinates and delivers educational events, press conferences, media availability that often require collaborating with representatives from all levels of government, various agencies and departments and public/private sector.
Monitors broadcast and print media, maintains files of news clips and other emergency background information, conducts research, and performs other duties as needed.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

In Office: This position supports and manages the day-to-day business operations for Cal OES which is handled in an office location. This is not considered a hybrid telework position

DMV Pull Program: Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid Driver’s License (DL). You must answer the questions addressing your DL on your application. Ensure you provide your DL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Department Information

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.

Crisis Communication and Public Affairs takes the lead on Cal OES’ public information campaigns and media relations. The department oversees communication strategy and tactics, consistently delivering messages that motivate people to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. We respond to media inquiries, create social media videos and posts, write talking points, scripts, and other written materials. Members of the unit staff speakers at community meetings, assist with event preparation and related public activities.

In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.

More information may be found here: Policy & Administration | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Working at Cal OES is unlike most government agencies. It will benefit any candidate to have a passion for helping people who are often enduring the most tragic times of their lives. That takes physical and emotional fortitude, resilience, and a positive attitude. If you believe you have these traits, then you may be a good fit for Cal OES.

Working collaboratively under pressure while maintaining a professional and positive attitude.
Working independently and as a member of a team.
The ability to work under very demanding circumstances, at times for twelve hours or more per day, and days beyond a five-day work week.
Working on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing them.
A familiarity with current and emerging social media platforms and understanding how to maximize their impact with Cal OES messaging.
Broadcast or print journalism, or communications and a solid news judgement.
An operating knowledge of Microsoft 365 products, SharePoint and Adobe Creative Cloud software, Canva, and with Apple/Mac OS environment.
Confidence with presenting information on camera.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

Free Parking
On-site Gym and Locker room
Electric Carport
Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
401(k) and 457(b) Plans
Flexible Schedules
Generous paid time off
Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
Investment in careers development
Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station