This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.
The Butte County Administration Department is seeking a Public Information Officer (PIO), to serve as a backup during periods of absence and functions as a PIO during emergency activations. The position is scheduled for approximately 10 hours per week, much of which could be done remotely, assisting with public communications, media inquiries, and outreach activities as needed. Additionally, the incumbent will respond during county emergencies to support timely and effective public information efforts at the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
This is an Extra Help Position. Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Non-Permanent position. The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.12c of the Butte County Personnel Rules.
Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.
FLSA: Exempt
DEFINITION
Under general direction, performs varied professional, technical, and confidential work required to administer public information functions within a County department; provides consulting services to department management and staff on various public information issues; coordinates work with County Communications and Public Information Officer; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Some positions exercise direct supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative support staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This classification is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing public information functions in assigned department. Incumbents exercise independent judgment and have accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff, organizing and overseeing day-to-day human resources functions, and providing professional level support to management and staff in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
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Plans, develops, and directs a comprehensive communication strategy for internal and external communications for assigned department, in cooperation with formal or informal work teams, including developing procedures and action plans for public information, marketing, and communications programs and materials.
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Ensures compliance with countywide policies, guidelines, and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information, internally and externally.
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Provides technical guidance and consultation to management and staff on departmental communications projects and programs; provides training on media-related processes and procedures.
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Advises department heads, management, and staff on media relations; provides guidance on preparing, presenting, and distributing informational materials and communications; prepares materials and scripts for use.
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Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the news media, community groups, elected officials, and other governmental agencies to meet departmental communication and outreach needs; provides information on department services, events, and newsworthy incidents.
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Oversees and implements the department’s social media program; maintains department social media platforms and presence; creates digital content by applying graphic design principles and using video editing applications.
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Provides creative direction for visual communications including design, layout, and content.
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Serves as public information officer for the department during disasters and emergencies.
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Creates and updates content and information on the department’s websites.
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Researches, compiles, and summarizes data from various sources; writes and edits presentations, speeches, scripts, news releases, public relations articles, factsheets, brochures, bulletins, graphic materials, reports, and educational materials.
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Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, electronic and physical files, and records; verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information; ensures compliance with established records retention schedules including archiving, scanning, and destructing files.
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Receives, processes, and responds to public records requests, complaints, and other requests for information; researches and organizes information; coordinates resolution to problems and issues.
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Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of public information.
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Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
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Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of strategic communication, public information, media relations, and graphic design.
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Principles, techniques, and practices of journalism including expository writing and editing.
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Methods to prepare, design, layout, produce, and disseminate educational, informational, and promotional materials.
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Best practices for social media and digital content.
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Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to public information programs.
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Practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing effective reports and related materials.
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Methods and techniques of preparing reports and general business correspondence.
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Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
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The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability To:
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Plan, develop, and implement department public information programs.
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Assist in developing and implementing department guidelines and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information.
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Write and edit presentations, speeches, scripts, news releases, public relations articles, factsheets, brochures, bulletins, graphic materials, and educational materials.
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Oversee and implement department social media program.
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Provide creative direction for visual communications including design, layout, and content.
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Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
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Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
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Organize and maintain accurate recordkeeping systems.
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Effectively represent the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
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Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
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Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
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Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
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Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
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Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, journalism, marketing, communications, public relations, political science, or a related field; and
Three (3) years of experience in public communications, public relations, marketing, or program management.
Certifications and Licenses:
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Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
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Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
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Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
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Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
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Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED
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Equipment utilized includes personal computer and standard office equipment.
Disaster Service Worker
All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
