Placer Employment Opportunities

Public Information Specialist

Recruitment #2015-11737-01

Introduction

This opportunity is with the Money for Property Owners Water and Energy Retrofitting (mPOWER) financing program operated by the Office of the Treasurer Tax Collector.  mPOWER is a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program providing financing to promote more efficient use of water and energy, enable property owners to reduce energy costs, and strengthen our local economy. mPOWER provides fixed-rate, no money down financing to residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and multifamily property owners who want to install energy efficiency and water conservation retrofits and renewable energy systems.

POSITION INFORMATION

This position will be responsible for marketing mPOWER locally, regionally as well as nationally. Job responsibilities would include social media outreach, print media outreach, formulate, direct and coordinate marketing activities and policies to promote mPOWER services.  In addition, this position is responsible for public outreach and education of mPOWER and PACE programs.

 

DEFINITION

To perform a wide variety of public information and communication projects in support of a County department’s public information program, including assisting in planning, organizing and/or implementing a comprehensive public information, media relations and communication program; write press releases and public information materials; and provide staff assistance to supervisory or management personnel.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a full journey-level classification and employees are expected to perform with a large degree of independence.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  The Public Information Specialist is distinguished from other classifications that provide public information on a county-wide basis, for the Board of Supervisors and perform functions encompassing multi-jurisdictional and multi-functional impacts.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory or management personnel.  Functional or technical supervision may also be received from higher level management.
 
May exercise technical or functional supervision over outside consultants, contract employees, and/or technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Plan, implement and participate in public information and public affairs programs in accordance with the department’s goals and objectives; coordinates the dissemination of information to the general public, communications media, public and private sector officials, industry and businesses.
  • Manage public outreach efforts; plan, arrange and coordinate briefings, press conferences, workshops, information sessions, conferences and public hearings.
  • Represent the department before the news media, public and private sector officials and administrative and legislative bodies on a variety of issues; speak at workshops, panel discussions, educational groups, and other events. 
  • Develop, recommend and implement guidelines, and procedures regarding, brochures, articles, fact sheets, photographs, video, web pages, graphics, advertisements, newsletters, news releases and other materials; ensure materials are maintained, up-to-date, and enhance the department’s image. 
  • Prepare correspondence in response to inquiries, general complaints, and suggestions relative to the department’s regulatory programs and activities; consult with appropriate staff members to secure pertinent technical facts and information. 
  • Research, write, and edit press releases, newsletter articles, brochures, fliers, and other materials in support of the department’s public information effort. 
  • Plan, organize, staff and manage logistical details of special events, community outreach activities, employee activities and significant projects. 
  • Take photographs; attend events; research, write copy and provide logistical support for the department’s newsletter. 
  • Provide logistical support to and/or prepare special projects, including brochures, display boards, magazine photos, and other media projects. 
  • Attend occasional night or weekend meetings; provide public information in time of emergency; remain on-call, as needed; travel to any Placer County location for occasional work-related duties. 
  • Build positive working relationships with the public and other county employees, using principles of good customer service. 
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training

Experience:
Two years of experience performing progressively responsible media, communications, or public information work which included responsibility for developing and implementing one or more public sector media or public information programs.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in English, journalism, marketing, communication, public relations, or a related field.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of communications and journalism.
  • Principles of good customer service.
  • Techniques used in preparing and delivering effective oral and written presentations.
  • Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  • Computer software programs such as word processing, graphical design or layout programs, and/or internet web page maintenance or design.
  • Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws.
  • Principles and practices used within a public information function.

Ability to:

  • Operate office machines, such as facsimiles and copiers.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel or twist to observe emergency conditions and/or provide on-site public information; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and use a keyboard to communicate through written means.
  • Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
  • Perform independent research or an interview, then analyze and explain detailed information in a meaningful way.
  • Handle multiple project assignments, analyze and establish priorities, and maintain the flexibility to change priorities often as required.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Work odd or unusual hours during emergency or disaster situations requiring Public information services.
  • Interpret and apply County and Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations; interpret complex information about a variety of county programs and issues.
  • Perform independent research or an interview, then analyze and explain detailed information in a meaningful way.
  • Effectively use photography, videography and other audio-visual tools.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

 

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

 

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES


Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit



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