PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II (PENDING RECLASSIFICATION) - 37010333

Requisition No: 856446 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II (PENDING RECLASSIFICATION) - 37010333

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010333 

Salary:  60,000-65,000 annually, commensurate with experience 

Posting Closing Date: 07/20/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II

**PENDING RECLASSIFICATION**

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Fort Myers, FL
Open Vacancy

 

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection protects, conserves and manages the state’s natural resources and enforces its environmental laws. Each position works together as a whole to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy.

 

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position. This is a highly responsible and independent professional position that serves as the district’s ombudsman and liaison for the media, elected officials, regulated community, and general public.

 

Ombudsman and Public Services

Serves as liaison to the Department’s Office of Ombudsman and Public Services. Responds to stakeholder concerns, investigates issues, acts as a mediator, coordinates conflict resolutions and responses to inquiries. Facilitates open communication with the public, regulated community, advocacy groups, and other governmental agencies.  Assists the public with district issues, fosters effective and open communication, promotes responsiveness, and provides information to the public. Assures full and expeditious compliance with the state’s open government and public records laws for Florida’s Office of Open Government.  Coordinates, reviews, tracks, and responds to the district’s public records requests. Develops and implements ongoing training on topics such as Florida’s Sunshine and Public Records Laws, as well as effective public relations training.

 

Press and Media Relations

Serves as liaison to the Department’s Press Office. Serves as the district’s primary point of contact for the local news media. Promotes the Department’s message through proactive outreach and prompt response to media inquiries.  Develops and maintains positive working relationships with news media.  Communicates concisely and effectively through the news media to Florida citizens, policy makers, businesses, and other parties regarding the district’s role in protecting, preserving and enhancing the State’s environment and natural resources.  Reports news media contacts to the Press Office.

 

Legislative Affairs

Serves as the liaison to the Department’s Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs, and local legislative offices. Communicates and promptly responds to inquiries from legislators, their staff, and constituents regarding the district’s programs. Assists legislative offices with constituent inquiries.  Reports legislative contacts to the Legislative and Governmental Affairs office.

 

Regulatory Outreach

Manages and promotes the district’s outreach events. Formulates, develops, and maintains the district outreach and environmental education activities. Periodically updates the district’s programs, materials, and presentations. Coordinates district special events, meetings, open houses, public meetings and workshops. Sets up and organizes displays at district outreach events. Reaches out to the community to further the Department’s and Governor’s initiatives. Consults with leadership to formulate, develop and maintain district outreach data.

 

District Communication

Directs all district correspondence control items and tracks to closure to ensure timely response. Coordinates with appropriate district staff to obtain any necessary background information. Independently prepares correspondence drafts, reviews district drafts, and makes e