INFORMATION OFFICER II

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Telework option

Job summary

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) seeks an Information Officer II for the Human-Wildlife Conflict program in downtown Sacramento. You will lead statewide communications, act as a key media contact, and shape public information strategies addressing incidents with public safety and wildlife interactions.

The role includes developing campaigns to promote safe coexistence, coordinating experts for interviews, and supporting leadership with strategic communications guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide communications and public information efforts for the Human-Wildlife Conflict program.
• Serve as Department spokesperson and primary media contact on assigned HWC issues.
• Develop and implement proactive and responsive communications plans for complex wildlife issues.
• Write talking points, news releases, media advisories, and briefing materials for interviews.
• Coordinate subject-matter experts for interviews and provide communications counsel to leadership.

Job description

Job Posting

Information Officer II, Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC)

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-534744 -

$7,498.00 - $9,317.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/19/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

Are you passionate about telling stories that inform, educate and inspire? Join a dynamic communications team helping Californians connect with and care for the state's fish, wildlife and natural resources. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Office of Communication, Education, and Outreach (OCEO) is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Information Officer II in downtown Sacramento.

Under the administrative direction of the Deputy Director of Public Affairs and in close strategic collaboration with the Wildlife Branch, Law Enforcement Division, regional staff, and OCEO staff, the Information Officer II for Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) leads statewide communications and public information efforts supporting CDFW’s human-wildlife conflict program.

Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of statewide communications and public affairs strategies for CDFW’s HWC Program. Develop proactive and responsive communications plans for complex, sensitive and high-profile wildlife issues, including incidents involving public safety, wildlife interactions, depredation, emerging wildlife concerns and other issues with significant public or media interest. Serve as a Department spokesperson and primary media contact on assigned HWC issues. Respond to media inquiries; develop talking points, key messages, news releases, media advisories, frequently asked questions and briefing materials; prepare and coordinate subject‑matter experts for interviews; and provide communications counsel to Department leadership and program staff.

Develop and implement statewide public information campaigns designed to prevent and reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote safe coexistence with wildlife. Develop communication strategies addressing wildlife attractants, safe wildlife interactions, nonlethal deterrence, incident reporting and other actions that support responsible coexistence. Research, write, edit and co‑ordinate HWC content for CDFW websites, social media, publications, presentations, videos, graphics, fact sheets and other public‑facing platforms.

Develop and coordinate communications approaches for communities and stakeholders affected by human‑wildlife conflict. Work with regional staff, local governments, Tribes, law enforcement agencies, agricultural interests, schools, community organizations, nongovernmental organizations and other partners to identify communication needs and support consistent, locally relevant information. Plan and support public meetings, community forums, presentations and other engagement opportunities related to HWC.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in‑person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N‑22‑25. Additional in‑office days may be required based on operational needs.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

• Work with staff statewide and external partners to complete work assignments.
• Travel required up to 30% of the time (may include flying, driving a state vehicle or personal vehicle, hiking, riding horseback, operating or riding in an ATV/UTV, motorized or non‑motorized aquatic vessels). May include overnight stays.
• Occasional weekends and non‑traditional work hours may be required.
• Ability to use a computer most of the day.
• Involves working in an open office environment and desk most of the day but may involve moving to other locations and meeting in person in various environments.
• Attend meetings both virtually and in‑person.
• Ability to work outside in diverse weather conditions, in water and on uneven terrain occasionally.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION OFFICER II

Classification

INFORMATION OFFICER II $7,498.00 - $9,317.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Number of Positions

1

Work Location

Hybrid

Job Type

12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California’s diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.

California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Special Personal Characteristics: Appreciation of news value; ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt or recommend for adoption by top management an effective course of action; ability to gain the confidence and respect of persons contacted in the work; ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relations with the news media and other public groups; demonstrated ability to have sound judgement under stress; application of the need to inform and educate the public on various phases of an agency's program.

Interpersonal Skills: Exercises adaptability and leadership; demonstrates fair‑minded and ethical decision‑making; works cooperatively with all parties within and outside the Department.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Civil Rights Office
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-008-5595-905 and RPA Number E-COMM 26-007 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov. If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.