Emergency Communications & Public Information Lead

Alachua County Sheriff's Office; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Health Insurance

Florida Retirement System

Holidays

Vacation Leave

Job summary

The Alachua County Fire Rescue Department seeks a highly skilled Public Information Officer to craft and coordinate communications that keep the media, public, and partner agencies informed during emergencies and standard operations.

The role focuses on serving as spokesperson, developing strategic plans, and ensuring timely information across news outlets, social media, and the County website. Collaboration with County leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or journalism.
• Three years of related experience working with the media, including writing press releases, organizing press conferences, and managing media relationships.
• Public Information Officer training, APR or other recognized PR credential, emergency management or crisis communications training; FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification must be completed within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary or secondary spokesperson for Fire Rescue during emergency and non-emergency incidents and events.
• Develop and implement strategic communication plans related to Fire Rescue operations, preparedness, and public risk reduction.
• Coordinate media inquiries, interviews, press conferences, and public information briefings with Fire Rescue personnel and County leadership.
• Write and edit press releases, emergency alerts, public safety announcements, speeches, talking points, and social media messaging.
• Maintain proficiency in NIMS, ICS, JIC and emergency communications best practices.

Skills

Media relations

Press releases

Press conferences

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or journalism

Job description

The Alachua County Fire Rescue Department seeks a highly skilled Public Information Officer to craft and coordinate communications that keep the media, public, and partner agencies informed during emergencies and standard operations.

The role focuses on serving as spokesperson, developing strategic plans, and ensuring timely information across news outlets, social media, and the County website. Collaboration with County leadership is essential.