What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sheriff Public Information Specialist position at Humboldt County?
DEFINITION
When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, you aren’t just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing, and we want YOU to join! We are looking for people who like to stay busy, can multitask and have excellent communication skills while still being able to understand and maintain confidentiality standards. The Public Information Specialist for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) acts as the primary communication link between the Sheriff's Office and the public.
What You'll Do:
- Manages media relations by writing press releases, coordinating interviews, and organizing press conferences.
- Handles crisis communication during emergencies, ensuring the public receives timely and accurate updates.
- Coordinator of public information request (Freedom of Information Act).
- Oversees the office’s social media accounts, create digital content, and engage with the community online.
- Develops public outreach campaigns and educational materials on safety and law enforcement topics, maintaining internal communications, and keeping the Sheriff's Office website current.
- Produces graphics, videos, and other multimedia content to support communication efforts.
Where You'll Do It:
The Public Information Specialist works directly for the Humboldt County Sheriff. The specialist reports to the administration bureau on the ground floor of the Sheriff’s Office.
A typical schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. The position is subject to afterhours call and emergency call back.
Supplemental Information:
PLEASE NOTE: The successful candidate for this position will be required to undergo a detailed background investigation.
Under general supervision, provides support to senior management staff in the Sheriff's Office in public information/relations activities; responds to public records requests; coordinates public information activities; makes recommendations and assists in the development and implementation of public information policy, practice and procedure; develops and implements public relations materials using the full spectrum of traditional media and modern social media venues; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Sheriff's Public Information Specialist is a specialized professional classification, serving within the Sheriff's Office. Under general direction, and exercising independent judgment, the incumbent in this position will have responsibility for researching and preparing official responses for public record act requests, establishing and coordinating relations between the Sheriff's Office and news media, and designing, developing and preparing public information materials using both traditional media and the full spectrum of modern social media. Additionally, the Sheriff's Public Information Specialist will serve as the Sheriff's community liaison and primary point of contact during a critical incident or declared disaster.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Develops and implements the Sheriff's Office public relations operations using the full spectrum of both traditional media and modern social media.
- Receives requests for information under the Public Records Act; works with County Counsel, as necessary, to determine suitability of records as subject for disclosure.
- Coordinates with appropriate divisions and obtains, organizes and reviews requested information; determines time frames for response.
- Drafts and prepares official response to public records requests for management signature.
- Establishes and develops positive working relationships with news media, civic organizations and other community groups.
- Receives inquiries from media representatives regarding Sheriff's business and activities; performs necessary research and formulates responses; provides draft responses for management review as necessary.
- Gathers and prepares information regarding Sheriff's business and activities for news release to media; contacts appropriate media representatives and arranges for news release.
- Composes text for brochures, publications, social media and other written or visual media materials; designs and coordinates production of such materials and distributes accordingly.
- Participates in disaster preparedness activities, meetings, and drills.
- Develops and prepares standard information releases for use in emergencies or disasters; maintains related systems, logs and files.
- Responds/reports to Emergency Operations Center in the event of emergencies or disasters and assists Public Information Specialist in acquiring, organizing and delivering risk communications and information.
- Assists Sheriff's Office management staff in preparing public presentations.
- Recommends policies and procedures pertaining to assigned responsibilities.
- Prepares correspondence, reports and other documents; maintains records.
- May represent the Sheriff's Office before civic and community groups in disseminating public information; may arrange and conduct tours.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Applicable laws and regulations related to freedom of information and public records requests.
- Basic organization and functions of the Sheriff's Office.
- Principles, practices and methods of public and media relations and marketing strategies and techniques, including traditional media and modern social media outlets.
- Graphic design methods and use of current design and publication software.
- Principles and practices of project management.
- Journalistic research and writing methods.
- Risk communications.
- Current business software applications and web-based communications.
Skill in:
- Planning and managing media relations and outreach and public information programs and projects.
- Designing, preparing and distributing brochures, publications and/or other written or visual media material.
- Developing and recommending creative ideas to enhance public outreach and delivery of information.
- Speaking and writing effectively, including making group presentations.
- Using modern business and social media related venues and applications.
- Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with media representatives and others contacted in the course of work.
Other Requirements:
Possession of a valid California driver's license is required.
Must be willing to work after hours and weekends and holidays during a critical event or declared disaster.
Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in Journalism, Public or Media Relations, or a closely related field, and one year of professional level experience in journalism or public relations, which included the development of publications and/or news releases and working with media representatives. A criminal justice background is strongly desired.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
- You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
- No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
- Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
