Location: Eureka,CA, USA
SHERIFF'S PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST
Sheriff's Department
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 multi task and have excellent communication skills while still being able to understand and maintain confidentiality standards.
What You'll Do:
* 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.
* Manages press releases, social media updates, press conferences, and communications support staff during emergency events; assists in developing plans and procedures for future emergency communications.
* A self-motivated, team focused professional who coordinates the marketing and public communications activities for the Sheriff's Office.
* Performs graphic art tasks for publications and campaigns, including determining graphic content and images, designing and creating artwork, and preparing layout designs; presents to department staff for review; and revises, edits, and finalizes projects.
* Maintains and expands Sheriff's website design, aligning design and content with Sheriff's Mission, Vision, Values, and Principles.
Where You'll Do It:
The work schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm with a 1 hour lunch, subject to callouts afterhours, nights, and weekends.
This position is located in the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.
Supplemental Information:
The successful candidate for this position will be required to undergo a detailed background investigation.
This position is a full-time, grant funded position in the Sheriff's Office. This position is currently funded until July 31, 2025, under the Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities (NCCSC) grant, specifically identified to combat human trafficking and organized crime. It is anticipated that annual renewal grant funding will be awarded through July 31, 2027.
DEFINITION
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.
* 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.
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.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
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by Human Resources staff and may also be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
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. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. 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 most 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.
CalPERS RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.
* Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
* Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
* Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62
If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you'd be in Tier III.
* 2% means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your maximum annual pay rate for every year that you work for us (or other CalPERS employers) if you work the required minimum number of years (that's called vesting) and retire after the age following the @.
* If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.
EMPLOYEE PERKS
For more information about County benefits, visit our benefits webpage:
For more details about employee perks, see our Employee Perks flyer:
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, feel free to contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-###-#### or ...@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.
POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. 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. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) ###-#### well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.
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.