PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

About the role

The position involves developing publications and digital media content, coordinating public information programs, and representing the department with external stakeholders. The role also entails supervising assigned employees.

Responsibilities

• Develops publications by researching and synthesizing information; prepares and edits documents.
• Develops digital media content by researching and reviewing new and emerging media.
• Captures and maintains contact lists for various media outlets.
• Coordinates public information-related special projects, research, events, and programs.
• Maintains regular contact with media representatives and outlets by receiving and responding to public information inquiries, general complaints, and recommendations from media and the public relative to departmental programs and activities.
• Represents the department by establishing and maintaining relationships with communication staff at other public and private agencies, community partners and groups, departmental managers, and media outlets.
• Performs specialized work by completing the tasks that cannot be delegated to subordinate staff members in accordance with departmental policy and/or practices.
• Supervises assigned employees by providing guidance and direction.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Public Relations, English, or a closely related field.
• Option I: Three years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County's class of Public Information Associate assisting in the development, maintenance, evaluation, implementation, and coordination of a public information program.
• Option II: Three years of professional experience as a journalist within a media organization.
• One additional year of the required experience will be accepted for each year of college.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Physical Class

This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Special Requirement Information

To receive credit for your education, include a legible copy of all relevant official documents, including your diploma, transcript, or letter/certificate from an accredited institution or email it to PWExams@pw.lacounty.gov within five (5) days from the end of the filing period. The document should show the date the degree was conferred and be in English. If not in English, then translation is required. International degrees must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards if not listed in the International Handbook of Universities or World Higher Education Database. Documents marked as unofficial will not be accepted. For more information on our standards for educational documents, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/070812_PPG123.pdf. Examples of closely related degrees include: Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Marketing, Media Studies, and Multimedia.

Additional Information

For more information about the outstanding benefits offered by Los Angeles County, please visit us here: https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/.