Public.Information.Officer

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or journalism, and three years of related experience working with the media, including writing press releases, organizing press conferences, and managing media relationships; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.

A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7;
Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and/or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.

Public Information Officer training, including Public Information Officer Awareness and Public Information Basics;
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or other recognized public relations/public communications credential; relevant emergency management or crisis communications training; and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification must be completed within 12 months of hire in this classification.

This is highly responsible professional work providing information on behalf of the Alachua County Fire Rescue Department.

An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for developing and implementing effective communication strategies to inform and engage the media, the public, partner agencies, and County staff regarding Fire Rescue operations, emergency incidents, preparedness initiatives, life safety programs, and emergency management activities. The employee serves as an official spokesperson for Fire Rescue and plays a critical role in emergency communications, crisis messaging, public education, and maintaining public trust and confidence during both emergency and non-emergency operations.

Work is performed under the general direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County’s core values.

Serves as the primary or secondary spokesperson for Alachua County Fire Rescue during emergency and non-emergency incidents, public events, and community outreach activities.

Develops and implements strategic communication plans related to Fire Rescue operations, emergency preparedness, community risk reduction, disaster response, and recovery operations.

Responds to emergency incidents, disaster scenes, and Emergency Operations Center activations to coordinate media relations and disseminate accurate and timely public information.

Serves as a liaison with local, regional, state, and federal agencies regarding emergency public information and joint information operations.

Writes and edits press releases, emergency alerts, public safety announcements, website content, speeches, talking points, social media messaging, and other communication materials.

Coordinates media inquiries, interviews, press conferences, and public information briefings involving Fire Rescue personnel and County leadership.

Monitors media coverage, social media platforms, and public sentiment regarding Fire Rescue operations and provides recommendations to leadership regarding communication strategies and emerging issues.

Assists in developing crisis communication strategies to address emergencies, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, severe weather events, mass casualty incidents, and other critical situations.

Develops and delivers public education campaigns related to fire prevention, emergency preparedness, severe weather safety, CPR/public safety initiatives, and community risk reduction programs.

Coordinates community outreach programs, special events, public relations activities, and engagement initiatives designed to strengthen community partnerships and public awareness.

Prepares Fire Rescue leadership and subject…