Department Public Information Officer I - Animal Services - County of Riverside
Riverside, CA 92501
About the Job
The County of Riverside is recruiting for a Department Public Information Officer position for Department of Animal Services.
Department of Animal Services - Jurupa Valley, CA
The County of Riverside's Department of Animal Services seeks an effective and highly qualified Public Information Officer I (PIO I) to oversee the department's communications strategy.
This position will be characterized by the overall responsibility to direct the development and implementation of the most effective and appropriate methods for communicating information to the public as well as stakeholders. This will be done through the use of videos, e-mail, social media, brochures, news releases, presentations, graphic displays, photos, fact sheets, directories, and other mediums. The PIO I will also work closely with executive management and the marketing team to ensure the department is presenting a cohesive public image as well as with the County Field Services Division to identify and attend outreach events. The incumbent will collaborate with other county departments such as the Emergency Management Department, District Offices, Executive Office, Parks and Open Space District, CalFire, Library, Sheriff's Department, Department of Public Health, Department of Public and Social Services, and others for public relations opportunities. Other duties will include preparing press releases, speeches, articles, and other materials that support the department's strategic priorities; attending the community meetings the Riverside County PIO roundtables on as needed basis; managing support staff; community engagement with local organizations, maintaining updated media lists and contacts (including assignment editors at organizations such as LA TV News and other local stations); monitoring County news stories and recognizing local issues consistently; and developing strategies and procedures for working effectively and building relationships with the media.
The incumbent will have the ability to recognize and capture Department of Animal Services press releases and story opportunities through compelling videos and photos and be capable of crafting stories to illustrate the mission, vision, and goals of the department. They will also be able track and maintain social media analytics to better understand which stories most resonate with the public. The PIO I is expected to be a strong leader and will mentor and coach staff in various areas of the communications field, including teaching others effective ways to capture video and photographic images.
The department desires candidates with excellent written and verbal communication skills and who are proactive in their work. Competitive candidates will possess:
- Bilingual skills in Spanish and English.
- Prior supervisory experience.
- Great public speaking and interpersonal skills.
- A strong understanding of the media, especially social media.
- Video editing experience.
Those who have or are willing to obtain additional training and/or certification as a Public Information Officer from organizations such as FEMA or the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) are encouraged to apply!
Please note that candidates may be required to provide writing samples (i.e. press release) as a part of the interview process.
This class has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions provided under Article 6, Section 601E (8) of the County Management Resolution and serves at the pleasure of the Agency/Department Head.
This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311 of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.
Meet the Team!
With a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity, the Department of Animal Services (DAS) includes several divisions: Field Services, Veterinary Services, Shelter Services and Customer Care.
These operational groups together service up to 15 different contracted cities and the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. The dedicated members of DAS strive to meet the highest standards. Animal Shelters provide a safe haven for animals, and function as the center of the community's animal care and control programs. Animals sheltered at the facilities include dogs, cats, horses, livestock, rabbits, and "pocket pets" including guinea pigs, hamsters, and reptiles. In addition to caring for the animals, DAS shelters provide educational programs, spay and neuter, adoption, licensing, and euthanasia services.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Manage the department's public information program, which serves as the primary point of contact for media requests for information.
• Plan, direct and oversee the activities of the public relations staff engaged in the production, development, publication, and broadcast of information of department policies, services and activities to the public and the community.
• Oversee, design and coordinate the preparation of effective and timely news releases, newsletters and other informational and promotional material concerning departmental activities related to interaction with the media.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the department's internet presence to effectively communicate services, image and identity.
• Serve as the liaison between departmental executive management and the Board of Supervisors, various public and private agencies, community organizations and customers, the Executive Office, and various County departments for the investigation and response to public relations and media related issues, inquiries and complaints of a sensitive or controversial nature having potential for media coverage and community concern.
• Serve as part of the department's executive management team to set strategic direction for public affairs and relations initiatives; formulate, develop and implement public relations, media communications and community outreach strategies, initiatives, objectives, and policies; maintain a proactive relationship with the Board of Supervisors, public and private entities, and communications media; provide a positive department image through the internet to enhance the department's service image.
• Conduct administrative studies of the effectiveness of departmental public affairs and relations initiatives and recommend new and revised policies, procedures and systems designed to improve effectiveness of services and reduce administrative costs in the areas of community coordination, customer relations and marketing strategies.
• Facilitate and ensure the timely, coordinated response on all assignments initiated by the Department Head, including outside requests for information, requests from the Board of Supervisors, communications media, other County departments, and administrative communication with other government agencies.
• Develop and maintain liaisons with representatives from other governmental jurisdictions, community entities, stakeholders, and public agencies to promote positive communications and public image.
• Direct the preparation of written responses to inquiries, complaints and suggestions relative to sensitive or controversial departmental programs incorporating the official management position and factual information obtained from knowledgeable administrative and technical personnel.
• Formulate policies and procedures related to the department's public information programs; plan and administer communication activities by developing and maintaining a proactive communications program with the public, communications media and through the internet to enhance the department's service image.
• Schedule press conferences, news releases and public service announcements.
• Direct the development and implementation of the most effective and appropriate methods for communicating information to the public and stakeholders, by the use of videos, e-mail, the internet, brochures, news releases, presentations, graphic displays, photos, fact sheets, directories, or other mediums.
• Write speeches and make presentations to the media, community groups and other agency representatives on information regarding Departmental issues, programs and activities.
• Consult with executive management, division managers, County departments, and public and community entities regarding immediate and long-range publicity and public information plans and public service programs; advise executive management in the formulation of immediate and long-range policies and programs.
• Analyze the extent of public understanding of the public education and community outreach programs administered by the department, and determine the need for further public information, community outreach and educational activities.
• Direct and oversee activities of outside consultants in the development and production of community liaison work and special media projects.
• Negotiate partnerships and contractual agreements with private/public entities to implement community and outreach projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, public/business administration, or a closely related field.
***Please Note: If qualifying using educational units, proof is required by the closing deadline. Applications without proof of degree/educational units completed will not be considered. Please see "Supplemental Information" below for guidelines.***
Experience:Four years of professional experience in communications, marketing, journalism, media, government or public relations composing news articles and providing information to the public.
Other Requirements:
License: Possession of a valid Driver's License is required.
Knowledge of: Methods of planning, coordinating and implementing an effective public information program; methods and techniques used in planning press conferences; techniques in developing and producing audio-visual presentations; styles and techniques in speech writing.
Ability to: Complete assignments within strict time constraints; evaluate and apply government regulations to program planning; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, public and representatives from outside agencies; coordinate public information and education programs with other jurisdictions; coordinate the activities of audio-visual specialists, graphic artists or other specialists in preparing public information medium; recognize problems and develop effective solutions; act independently in converting complex technical information into a meaningful and applicable format for the targeted audience.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Education/Required Documents Guidelines: Upload a copy of any official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account. If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).
What's Next?To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit an application that reflects the years and months of employment and positions held as well as relevant work experience and skills.
Applications will be reviewed in the order received. For earliest consideration, apply now.
This recruitment is open to all applicants. Applicants who are current County of Riverside employees and/or current employees of the Department of Animal Services may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of applications received.
Qualified applicants may be considered for future vacancies throughout the County. Applications received prior to the closing date will be considered based on the information submitted so be sure to include all relevant work experience details in your application. Changes or alterations cannot be accepted. No late applications will be permitted.
Applicants who fail to provide information demonstrating they possess the position requirements may not be considered further in the application process. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Based on the number of applications received, this posting may close without notice
Reasonable Accommodation
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: http://dao.rc-hr.com/ .
GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com . A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE: A Flexible Benefit Credit is provided on a monthly basis as governed by the Management Resolution or applicable bargaining unit. Vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP) at no cost to employee or eligible dependents.
Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here.
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
- Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
- Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013.Effective July 1, 2023, the employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.
A new member is defined as any of the following:
CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".
Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note:
This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.
If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.
401(a) MONEY PURCHASE PLAN: County contribution of $50 per pay period towards choice between two 401(a) plan providers.
ANNUAL LEAVE (Bi-Weekly Accrual):
0 < 36 months = 8.92 Hours
36 to <108>108 or more months = 12.00 Hours
Maximum Annual Leave accumulation is 1,800 hours. Employee may receive pay in lieu of up to 80 hours per calendar year. Agency/Department Head may approve an additional 80 hours.
-Annual Leave for Unrepresented Management Attorneys:
Maximum Annual Leave accumulation is 2,000 hours. Refer to Article 22 of the Management Resolution for a list of job classifications included.
HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 days can be taken through use of accrued leave balances).
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY (LTD): Benefit pays 66.67% of earnings to a maximum of $10,000 per month; 30-day waiting period; pays to age 65. Benefit can be coordinated with other available leave balances to provide up to 100% of pay.
POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the Management Resolution or applicable bargaining unit.
OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, Management Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information..