Public Information Specialist

Job Overview

Office of Emergency Services (OES) seeks a Public Information Officer to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive public information, media relations, and communication program for a large county department. The role requires maintaining public relations, coordinating with management, preparing media releases, and ensuring effective communication during emergencies.

• Plan, develop, and implement the department’s public information program
• Coordinate closely with management to disseminate information and increase public awareness of departmental services
• Research, analyze, and develop policies and procedures related to the department’s public information program
• Develop and maintain communication outlets (radio, television, social media, press releases)
• Plan, write, and coordinate speeches, press conferences, media‑enhanced presentations, and public relations activities
• Coordinate media appearances for personnel and prepare materials for them
• Evaluate the effectiveness of public information activities and stay abreast of related issues
• Make presentations before various groups to promote knowledge and understanding of department services
• Design and prepare pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, and bulletins; prepare press releases, fact sheets, and articles
• Maintain media logs, press files, and publication archives
• Collaborate with staff to review legislation and assist in drafting legislation related to departmental objectives

• Education:
  
  bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field
• Experience:
  
  at least two years in professional public relations, media relations, journalism, or community relations with responsibility for writing and placing news releases or feature articles; includes a minimum of one year providing information to the public as a public‑relations spokesperson
• Substitution#1:
  Additional‑qualifying experience may substitute for required education on a year‑for‑year basis up to two years
• Substitution#2: A master’s degree may substitute for one year of the required experience
• License: possession of a valid California driver’s license

• Principles of effective public information program planning, coordination, and implementation
• Mass communication techniques, marketing, media relations, outreach, public speaking, writing, editing, and audiovisual production
• Computer operations and web‑based communications tools
• Effective oral and written communication; ability to build working relationships
• Confidentiality, time‑management, and independent decision‑making skills

• Frequent data entry, repetitive motion, and prolonged sitting; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, and climbing stairs
• Lifting up to 5 pounds frequently, 5–30 pounds occasionally
• Good overall vision and reading/close‑up work skills; color perception and eye/hand coordination
• Normal hearing and speaking ability; public speaking
• Decision‑making, concentration, and public contact skills; may require work weekends, nights, holidays, and occasional travel
• Exposure to varied weather conditions

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with employee contribution and optional family coverage
• Life insurance with increasing coverage based on service years
• Flexible benefits and dependent‑care plans
• Retirement plans under the County Retirement Law and deferred compensation options
• Vacation and holiday accruals per county policy
• Sick leave, bereavement leave, and paid training opportunities
• Job‑sharing options and educational reimbursement

San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

For more information, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Division .