Initial Posting Date:
03/15/2021
Application Deadline:
03/29/2021
Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Salary Range:
$4,871 – $7,477
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Public Affairs Specialist 2 (Public Information Officer)
Job Description:
Make a Difference in Oregon’s Natural Resources!
Help the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fulfill its mission: To protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.
Do you have a public relations background and an interest in fish and wildlife? Help lead the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s efforts to promote fishing, hunting and conservation efforts around the state! This position serves as a public information officer for statewide issues and will also be the primary support for the Northwest side of the state. Initial interviews are anticipated to be held via phone, video or virtual interview due to the current situation related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
If you enjoy the outdoors, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is the place for you. It is less than an hour from glaciated mountain peaks to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the massive Columbia River Gorge to the north. You can fish 365 days a year, and there is hunting for big game, waterfowl and game birds. The Oregon coast attracts thousands of people who clam, crab and fish in the ocean for halibut, salmon and tuna. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! If culture is what you seek, the Willamette Valley is the most populated area in Oregon and contains its three largest cities: Salem, Portland and Eugene, which are home to many museums and theaters. The Valley is also known for its vineyards, breweries and fantastic casual dining experiences. To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about
What you will do:
• Serve as a communications officer providing a full range of communication, public information, media relations and outreach support for statewide programs, issues and initiatives. Interview staff and research issues to develop, edit and distribute news releases, brochures, fact sheets and articles on emerging issues, recreational opportunities, and fish and wildlife management activities. Respond to media questions and develop positive working relationships with reporters to promote ODFW activities, programs and initiatives. Provide on-camera interviews, promote and place stories in local, regional and national information outlets. Develop copy for posting to the Web and using social media on emerging issues, recreational opportunities, and fish and wildlife management activities. Research and produce promotional materials about the state’s fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities to promote outdoor recreation and tourism, and to encourage the public to participate in fish and wildlife management activities. Assist with planning, staffing and facilitating public meetings to gain input on agency programs, policies and issues. Deliver education programs, provide tours, host special events, and perform other education, training and teaching as required to promote an understanding of, and support for fish and wildlife management and other agency initiatives.
• Serve as primary communications officer for the North and South Willamette Watershed and North Coast on issues and initiatives. Provide a full range of communication, public information, media relations and outreach support for programs and initiatives. Coordinate with regional/watershed management and programs to identify communication objectives that support management goals. Coordinate with management to develop communication plans and strategies to meet identified objectives. Interview region staff and research issues to develop, edit and distribute news releases, brochures, fact sheets and articles on emerging issues, recreational opportunities, and fish and wildlife management activities. Provide ongoing training, advice and counsel to region staff on dealing with the media and public. Advise region management on effective strategies to manage and coordinate public information efforts. Provide outreach and communications support for agency Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) activities.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
Working Conditions
• Work is primarily conducted in an office environment.
• Frequent travel is required including weekend and overnight work. Irregular hours within a 40- hour work week including evening and weekend work are required to ensure timeliness of information dissemination when needed for emerging issues and events. Occasional overtime work may be required.
• Lifting or moving boxes of materials up to 50 pounds is required to support special events. Occasional physical exertion related to outdoor field activities is required.
• Requires a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day. This includes working at all hours and workdays in excess of eight hours.
Criminal Records/DMV Check
Applicants are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current certified driving record for review to be considered for the position. Be prepared to obtain as soon as possible. You are expected to provide the out-of-state certified driving record before an offer can be made unless extenuating circumstances exist. Adverse background information may disqualify you from further consideration.
NOTE: Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW participates in E-Verify. ODFW is not able to support VISA sponsorships.
We are seeking applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have the following skills and experience:
Minimum Qualifications:
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Business or Public Administration, Marketing, Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree and two years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs OR
• Five years experience developing and managing a variety of communication projects, marketing and/or public information campaigns; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.
Requested Skills:
• Ability to prioritize work and switch between multiple projects and tasks.
• Good organizational skills.
• Interested in working with people individually and in large and small groups.
• Outstanding ability to communicate with internal customers and external stakeholders representing a wide variety of interests.
• Talent at making scientific terms and concepts relevant and understandable to the general public.
• A passion for informing others about fish, wildlife and their habitats.
• Knowledge of social media, web and traditional media.
• Basic knowledge of hunting and fishing regulations and wildlife management issues.
Additional Information:
Your answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the “Job History” section in your application or you may not be considered for this position. Resumes will not replace the completed “Job History” section in your online application. You may be disqualified if your experience listed in the “Job History” section does not include information used to: 1) meet the minimum qualifications of the job and 2) back up your answers to the supplemental questions. If any of the positions listed in your application are part time or seasonal, be sure to include the dates you worked (month and year) and the average amount of hours worked per week in the duties section. Only those individuals who most closely match the requested skills will be invited to an interview.
Note: You will be required to provide a copy of your official or unofficial transcripts (online transcripts are acceptable) during the selection process that show your name, the name/address of the institution, coursework with passing grades, and degree conferred (including date), if you are using education to qualify. Transcripts and cover letters can be attached to your application in the Resume/CV/Cover Letter attachments field when you apply. Cover letters may not be reviewed unless it is stated as a requirement in the job posting.
For helpful tips on filling out your job history, responding to the supplemental questions, and submitting your application, click here
The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503-947-6051.
This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified people to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur.
The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement. Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice.
Veterans – If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications, veterans’ preference points will be added to your score. For more information on veterans’ preference points visit www.oregonjobs.org and select Veterans resources under Resources. Please do not attach veteran documentation to your initial application, after you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time.
Find information on State of Oregon benefits
Get There is Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner that will get you to and from work! Enter the location where you want to go and the site will provide carpool, vanpool, walking, biking and transit options.
More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts and at myodfw.com and http://www.dfw.state.or.us/
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer