Extra Help Media Specialist

Tulare County, CA; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Tulare County is seeking a candidate to support the Probation Department and County-wide communications by handling media relations, public information, and press materials.

The role includes preparing press releases, coordinating PR activities, and acting as a spokesperson as needed, with focus on clear public communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations or related field.
• Two years of experience in journalism, mass media communication or public relations.
• Knowledge of journalistic styles and public information principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex issues.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing media strategies to disseminate information.
• Coordinate public relations activities across departments.
• Prepare press releases and feature articles.
• Help develop materials for presentations and publications.
• Serve as department spokesperson when required.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with policies.

Skills

Media relations

Press releases

Public speaking

Spokesperson capability

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, public relations or related field

Job description

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies for those County departments that have this position, which are the Sheriff’s Department, Probation Department, and District Attorney. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months.

Current vacancy is with the Tulare County Probation Department located in Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Applications will be reviewed by Tulare County Human Resources & Development. As extra help positions become available, County departments with the job openings select the most qualified and appropriate applicant for the position available. The number of hours and duration of employment varies by each assignment. Extra help employees may work in a variety of County departments in locations throughout the geographic county area.

Extra help employees may not work more than 1,559 hours in any fiscal year from July to June. An extra help employee who mistakenly works in excess of 1,559 hours in a fiscal year does not become a probationary or regular employee. Applications will be active for six months. There are no benefits associated with extra help positions. See regular job specification for complete job duties and requirements.

There are no benefits associated with extra help positions.

• May serve as Department or Agency spokesperson in media requests for information when required.
• Assist in the planning, development, coordination and implementation of media strategies to disseminate department or agency information.
• Assist in coordinating public relations activities.
• Assist with the development of materials to be presented in press announcements including preparing press releases and feature articles.
• Help to develop and coordinate the illustration and printing of publications.

Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations or a related field.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in journalism, mass media communication or public relations.

Knowledge of:

• Various journalistic styles.
• Current principles, techniques and objectives of public information and public relations programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to employ a variety of writing techniques that inform the public on complex issues.
• Current office practices and procedures including business correspondence, filing, and standard office equipment operations.

See the full list in link

Skill/Ability to:

• Work in a multi-task environment.
• Represent the department or agency to the media in a professional manner.
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Establish goals and objectives.

See the full list in link

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• Copy writing, journalism or desktop publishing experience.

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER