PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II - 77071722 1

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

2d • $55,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the primary media point of contact for the Division of Marine Fisheries Management within the Office of Communications. Responsible for and coordinates media activities relating to State and Federal marine fisheries management issues in close coordination with the Office of the Executive Director. 

The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent FWC point-of-view.

Requirements

• Four years of professional experience directly related to duties and responsibilities of this position.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in communications, marketing, social sciences or a closely related field, or in a natural resources related field, may substitute for the required experience. Experience in biology or marine biology a plus.
• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.
• Working hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Some travel (about 20%) is required and may include weeknights, weekends and holidays
• Responses to qualifying questions should be able to be verified by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft computer software, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of media writing and the processes for preparing and distributing press information.
• Skills in communicating complex or technical information to the media and the public clearly and understandably.
• Ability to compile and analyze information for use in public information materials.
• Ability to work with a broad range of agency staff and communicate Division activities and issues to agency staff, other agencies, and the public.
• Knowledge of the state and federal legislative process.
• Knowledge of all social media platforms.
• Skilled in regular use of social media.
• Ability to professionally communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences in clear, concise language.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and complete work assignments.
• Ability to use good judgment in decision-making and planning skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel and work overtime hours, including some weekends, weeknights, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• A mixture of experience in the field of communications and natural resources management.
• A degree or experience in biological sciences

Responsibilities

• Prepares, edits and coordinates press releases.
• Attends all commission meetings and prepares press releases and/or other information on other outreach platforms relating to actions of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission dealing with marine fisheries regulations.
• Provides written and verbal information in response to media calls or information requests.
• Works closely with Division and other agency staff to plan, develop and implement media and other public information initiatives about proposed agency actions or issues. Provides the appropriate mix of technical and scientific information in a format suitable for informing the public and garnering support for agency actions and fishery management programs.
• Responsible for regularly reviewing and ensuring quality and accuracy of Division public information that is disseminated through publications, emails, letters, and websites.  Incumbent is expected to initiate and implement changes, modifications or other improvements to public information sources as described, in consultation with Division and other agency staff.
• Responsible for regularly reviewing and ensuring quality and accuracy of Division documents and materials prepared for state and federal legislative, planning, budgetary or other issues pertaining to or affecting the Division.
• Represents the Division Director or Office of Communications as requested at meetings of Commission staff, other federal and state agencies, civic groups and organizations, trade shows, etc. to receive input from these groups and to inform them of division activities.
• Responsible for social media planning and creating social media campaigns, creating and maintaining content through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned, including providing support to the Division Section leaders, Deputy, and Division Director as well as the Director and Press Secretary of the Office of Communications on special assignments.

Benefits

• Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
• No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
• Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year
• 4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly
• Retirement Plan Options
• State University and College Tuition Waiver Program
• On the Job Trainings
• Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.
• Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level