OPS-Public Information Specialist II- 77909030

Requisition No: 827298 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS-Public Information Specialist II- 77909030

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77909030 

Salary:  $21.63 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/26/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Mission Statement:  Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Title: OPS – Public Information Specialist II

Broadband/Class Code: 27-3031-02

Position Number: 77909030

Rate of pay: $21.63 an hour

City: Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, Statewide; Potential for remote work

Supervisor: Public Information Director, Habitat and Species Conservation (HSC)

Travel Requirement: 0-25% travel

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check

A resume and a cover letter describing the applicant’s experience with communications and media relations, particularly as it relates to the duties described below, must also be submitted with the application. Applicants must also submit no more than three professional writing samples.

Position overview and description of duties:

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices.  This exciting opportunity is in the Division of Habitat and Species Directors Office.

This is a public-facing position requiring expertise in the principles and techniques of public relations, public information, media relations, journalism, news reporting, editing, advertising and/or marketing.

In this role, the FWC is seeking a highly organized individual to join a small team responsible for promoting the work of Division of Habitat and Species Conservation staff, as well as that of the wider FWC, to the public. One of this role’s primary duties will be coordinating accurate and timely responses to HSC-related inquiries made by the media, stakeholders and the public.

Work at FWC is cross-functional, meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.

Duties will include but not be limited to:

• Coordinate accurate and timely responses to inquiries directed to HSC Communications, assisting news media, stakeholders and the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with news media and partner agencies and organizations.
• Conduct and/or coordinate interviews with news media and prepare and train non-communications staff for media interviews.
• Assess scientific information and quickly write clear and concise news releases, talking points, media statements and media and web articles.
• Write, edit and update website content in visually appealing format.
• Assist agency scientific and creative staff with producing outreach materials including brochures, infographics, flyers, videos and other tools.
• Ensure creative marketing and media materials undergo regular review and adhere to agency guidelines.
• Manage external communications projects and act as a liaison between staff and outside vendors.
• Monitor news for current and emerging items related to the FWC/HSC and communicate key news/issues to staff as appropriate.
• Maintain an inventory of communications and outreach support materials making sure all resources are accurate and current while coordinating new material development as needed.
• Write content and contribute to agency social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and Instagram.
• Occasional travel for meetings, media events or other occasions requiring HSC Communications coverage.
• Maintain Divisional media awareness with daily news clip distribution to relevant staff.
• Plan and produce approximately six annual editions of “Habitat for Life,” the recurring HSC internal newsletter.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of general office procedures and practices and ability to implement them.
• Knowledge of and interest in Florida’s fish, wildlife and habitats.
• Knowledge of news media and marketing industry.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, critical thinking and ability to multitask.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Skilled at verbal and written communications.
• Ability to listen effectively, understand and evaluate data.
• Ability to plan and organize work assignments and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to quickly and effectively prioritize and process information and requests from external and internal sources.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to positively communicate and build relationships with a variety of professionals including staff biologists and leadership, media reporters, partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work independently.
• Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines.  The Commission expects employees to function across FWC’s organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes within three (3) days of hire.

Residency requirement: None

Level of Education-

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience in news reporting, editing, public relations, public information, advertising, marketing, mass communications or journalism.

Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education. Salary commensurate with experience.

OPS Employment – This is a full-time OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. OPS employees are paid for the number of hours they work. OPS employees do not receive paid leave, or paid holidays. OPS staff have the potential for health insurance benefits and participation in the Deferred Compensation investment retirement program.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

•    State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory

•    Workers’ Compensation - mandatory

•    Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory

•    Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.)

•    Deferred Compensation - voluntary

•    Employee Assistance Program – voluntary  

•    Learn more at https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

•    Any form of paid leave

•    Paid holidays

•    Participation in the Florida Retirement System

•    Reinstatement rights or retention rights

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.