DEP - OPS RECEPTIONIST - 37915016

Requisition No: 863989 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: DEP - OPS RECEPTIONIST - 37915016

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37915016 

Salary:  $15.00 to $18.00 

Posting Closing Date: 11/10/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

“Press Assistant”
OPS Receptionist
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Tallahassee, FL.

 

 

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Press Assistant provides front-line support to the Florida Department of Protection’s (DEP) Office of Communications by serving as the initial point of contact for media inquiries and managing core press office functions. This position is responsible for ensuring timely handling of requests, assisting with the preparation of press responses and formatting official communications for distribution. This role offers professional growth opportunities, serving as a training ground for advancement into Communications Liaison or Public Information Officer positions. This position reports to the Press Secretary within the Office of Communications. Responsibilities include:

• Answer and manage the Press Office mainline, responding promptly and professionally to incoming media calls.
• Monitor and manage the DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov inbox, acknowledge receipt of inquiries in a timely manner and assign requests to the appropriate Public Information Officer and/or Communications Liaison.
• Assist in drafting and preparing press responses under the direction of senior communications staff.
• Format and prepare press releases, media advisories and other communications deliverables for distribution through GovDelivery.
• Maintain accurate records of media inquiries and responses, ensuring follow-up within established timelines.
• Support proactive media outreach efforts and assist with communications projects as assigned.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Press Office, including maintaining media contact lists and archiving materials.
• Supports general office operations within the Office of Communications as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft professional, clear, concise and accurate correspondence.
• Familiarity with the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and ability to apply AP style in press materials and official communications.
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Adobe, etc.) and ability to learn new platforms such as GovDelivery and Salesforce.
• Ability to manage multiple email inboxes, prioritize incoming requests and respond in a timely manner.
• Ability to research and analyze issues and provide accurate information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, members of the media and the public.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen.
• At least one year of verifiable related experience in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing or a related field. Post-secondary degrees may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.

 

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or a related field.
• Experience in media