DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Manage and reduce fire risk to protect Arizona's people, communities, and wildland areas to champion the health of Arizona's natural resources. The Department of Forestry and Fire Management provides services through strategic implementation of cooperative natural resources and fire assistance programs, development and support of statewide fire policies, and coordination of resources across all-lands and jurisdictions.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 3

Job Location:

Address:  1110 W. Washington, Suite 500
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 Annually 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: December 3, 2024.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Public Affairs Officer, this position serves as Public Information Officer for the Forestry division. This position coordinates and implements forestry-related content, including but not limited to, media releases, internal and external publications, agendas, fact sheets, talking points, brochures and other public-facing documentation. The position includes media relations, supports marketing and social media, web content and other public relations and communications efforts to support and promote the forestry division. In addition, the Forestry PIO will create content in support of the Forestry division, to include audio/visual releases and video projects highlighting project work. This role performs complex and sensitive work as a media liaison and information provider and will prepare subject matter experts for live or recorded media interviews.

It may be required to work outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays. Travel may be required to attend meetings, events, and project work.

Job Duties:

• Assist with and provide external communications of the Forestry Division's project work, strategies and messages which in turn support internal agency metrics and objectives. Create, review, and fact check public information communications including media releases, talking points, fact sheets, media statements and/or responses, video scripts, videos, social media and website content.
• Audio/visual work to create and implement video projects highlighting and capturing statewide fuels mitigation work along with other promotions of the subdivisions within the Forestry Division which include forest health, urban and community forestry, invasive plants and pests, and forestry grants.
• Create social media content to support the agency's Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube pages. In addition, produce website content to engage the public with fresh and newsworthy information.
• Create and execute media campaigns focused on forest health initiatives, including fuels reduction work, invasive plants and pests, and urban and community forestry. Proactively engage and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders for content development. Work collaboratively with the Forestry Division and agency Public Affairs Officer to execute activities and administer campaigns.
• Track internal analytics for agency metrics, Governor's office successes, social media analytics and other performance metrics.
• Media monitoring, including traditional media engagement and social media analytics. Preparation of reports, if necessary and as needed.
• Drive on State business.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures used in public affairs, media relations and communications
• Professional applications of research and writing skills, media tactics which includes interview preparation, Q/A, and interview techniques
• Google Suites, Microsoft applications, Adobe Suites, Video editing software
Social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, along with management tools that include performance metrics, including Meltwater
• Understanding and proficiency of Associated Press (AP) style and usage
• Structure of the English language; the meaning and spelling of words, grammar
• Planning and development of promotion and branding of agency related products and/or services
• Media relations
• Communication and dissemination techniques and methods
• Computer skills such as applications for desktop publishing, graphic design, video and audio production
• Video and photography capabilities
• Agency programs and policies
• Forestry related matters at the local, state, and national levels
• Basic knowledge of political and legislative processes

Skills in