Emergency Services Public Information Officer - R20801

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Sarasota County is seeking an Emergency Services Public Information Officer to serve as the lead communications representative for Emergency Services. In this role, you will develop and deliver timely, accurate, and effective public information strategies that support Fire Rescue, EMS, Emergency Management, Special Operations, and disaster response efforts, while ensuring alignment with the County’s overall communications approach.

This position plays a critical role in emergency communications, media relations, crisis messaging, and community outreach
, helping keep the public informed during both routine operations and high‑impact events. If you are a skilled communicator who thrives in fast‑paced environments and wants to make a meaningful impact by supporting public safety and your community, we encourage you to apply today
.

In this role, you will be responsible for…

• Serve as a key communications liaison between Emergency Services, the media, and the public, delivering timely, accurate information during day‑to‑day operations and emergency incidents.
• Act as the designated or alternate Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, disasters, EOC activations, and major public safety events, including on‑scene response when needed.
• Write and distribute press releases, media statements, emergency alerts, and public safety messaging, while coordinating interviews, press conferences, and media briefings.
• Partner with Incident Command, Emergency Management, law enforcement, and other agencies to ensure clear, consistent messaging during fast‑moving situations.
• Promote department programs, services, and success stories while monitoring media coverage to support accurate and effective public communication.

• Create engaging multimedia communications content across websites, social media, video, photography, digital messaging, and marketing materials.
• Develop clear, accurate content related to Emergency Services operations, including fire rescue, EMS, emergency management, and public safety initiatives.
• Support real‑time incident communications during emergencies in coordination with County Communications and Emergency Management teams.
• Ensure messaging aligns with County branding, communication standards, and strategic priorities.
• Develop after‑action stories, incident recaps, and public‑facing content that highlights Emergency Services programs and impact.

• Lead and support public education and awareness campaigns focused on emergency preparedness, fire prevention, hurricane readiness, CPR/AED awareness, and other life safety topics.
• Advise leadership on communications strategies, messaging, and public engagement efforts that support County priorities and Emergency Services initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and partner agencies, representing the County at meetings, events, and outreach activities.
• Coordinate outreach and communications initiatives that strengthen community awareness and trust in Emergency Services programs, projects, and operations.
• Participate in emergency planning, drills, and exercises, helping prepare for effective public communication during incidents.

Work Hours: Full‑time, 40 hours per week.

Typical Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This position will require after‑hours availability for on‑call, media relations, emergency communications, public information needs, and/or time‑sensitive issues affecting County operations or public safety.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, or Mass Communications is required with 5+…