Department Public Information Officer

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Ensures compliance with countywide policies, guidelines, and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information, internally and externally.
• Provides technical guidance and consultation to management and staff on departmental communications projects and programs; provides training on media-related processes and procedures.
• 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.
• Serves as public information officer for the department during disasters and emergencies.
• Creates and updates content and information on the department’s websites.
• 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.
• 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.
• Receives, processes, and responds to public records requests, complaints, and other requests for information; researches and organizes information; coordinates resolution to problems and issues.
• 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of strategic communication, public information, media relations, and graphic design.Principles, techniques, and practices of journalism including expository writing and editing.Methods to prepare, design, layout, produce, and disseminate educational, informational, and promotional materials.Best practices for social media and digital content.Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to public information programs. Practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing effective reports and related materials. Methods and techniques of preparing reports and general business correspondence. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.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 Plan, develop, and implement department public information programs.Assist in developing and implementing department guidelines and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information. Write and edit presentations, speeches, scripts, news releases, public relations articles, factsheets, brochures, bulletins, graphic materials, and educational materials.Oversee and implement department social media program.Provide creative direction for visual communications including design, layout, and content.Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Organize and maintain accurate recordkeeping systems. Effectively represent the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Three (3) years of experience in public communications, public relations, marketing, or program management.

Skills

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of strategic communication, public information, media relations, and graphic design.Principles, techniques, and practices of journalism including expository writing and editing.Methods to prepare, design, layout, produce, and disseminate educational, informational, and promotional materials.Best practices for social media and digital content.Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to public information programs. Practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing effective reports and related materials. Methods and techniques of preparing reports and general business correspondence. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.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 Plan, develop, and implement department public information programs.Assist in developing and implementing department guidelines and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information. Write and edit presentations, speeches, scripts, news releases, public relations articles, factsheets, brochures, bulletins, graphic materials, and educational materials.Oversee and implement department social media program.Provide creative direction for visual communications including design, layout, and content.Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Organize and maintain accurate recordkeeping systems. Effectively represent the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Benefits

Salary Step Increases The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained. Longevity Pay: 2.5% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 2.5% at 20 years, for a total 7.5% after 20 years of service. Cell Phone Allowance County issued cell phone or $70/month allowance with appointing authority approval. Uniform Allowance $14.00-$21.00/mo. For eligible classifications only. Varies by classification. Public Safety Dispatcher Pay Employees that possess an Intermediate POST Dispatcher Certificate will receive an additional 3.5% of base pay, 4.5% for Advanced POST Dispatcher Certificate, and 2.5% for Supervisory POST Dispatcher Certificate. Boot All