DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address:  1110 W. Washington, Suite 500
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 Annually 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: December 3, 2024.

Under the direction of the Public Affairs Officer, this position serves as Public Information Officer for the Forestry division. This position coordinates and implements forestry-related content, including but not limited to, media releases, internal and external publications, agendas, fact sheets, talking points, brochures and other public-facing documentation. The position includes media relations, supports marketing and social media, web content and other public relations and communications efforts to support and promote the forestry division. In addition, the Forestry PIO will create content in support of the Forestry division, to include audio/visual releases and video projects highlighting project work. This role performs complex and sensitive work as a media liaison and information provider and will prepare subject matter experts for live or recorded media interviews.

It may be required to work outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays. Travel may be required to attend meetings, events, and project work.

• Assist with and provide external communications of the Forestry Division's project work, strategies and messages which in turn support internal agency metrics and objectives. Create, review, and fact check public information communications including media releases, talking points, fact sheets, media statements and/or responses, video scripts, videos, social media and website content.
• Audio/visual work to create and implement video projects highlighting and capturing statewide fuels mitigation work along with other promotions of the subdivisions within the Forestry Division which include forest health, urban and community forestry, invasive plants and pests, and forestry grants.
• Create social media content to support the agency's Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube pages. In addition, produce website content to engage the public with fresh and newsworthy information.
• Create and execute media campaigns focused on forest health initiatives, including fuels reduction work, invasive plants and pests, and urban and community forestry. Proactively engage and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders for content development. Work collaboratively with the Forestry Division and agency Public Affairs Officer to execute activities and administer campaigns.
• Track internal analytics for agency metrics, Governor's office successes, social media analytics and other performance metrics.
• Media monitoring, including traditional media engagement and social media analytics. Preparation of reports, if necessary and as needed.
• Drive on State business.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures used in public affairs, media relations and communications
• Professional applications of research and writing skills, media tactics which includes interview preparation, Q/A, and interview techniques
• Google Suites, Microsoft applications, Adobe Suites, Video editing software
Social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, along with management tools that include performance metrics, including Meltwater
• Understanding and proficiency of Associated Press (AP) style and usage
• Structure of the English language; the meaning and spelling of words, grammar
• Planning and development of promotion and branding of agency related products and/or services
• Media relations
• Communication and dissemination techniques and methods
• Computer skills such as applications for desktop publishing, graphic design, video and audio production
• Video and photography capabilities
• Agency programs and policies
• Forestry related matters at the local, state, and national levels
• Basic knowledge of political and legislative processes

Skills in:

• Organization and prioritization to meet daily tasks and project deadlines
• Editing, reviewing, and fact checking materials for accuracy prior to internal or external release
• Creative writing and ability to write according to Associated Press style guidelines
• Clear communication
• Writing well-written, engaging copy, understandable to all audiences
• Active listening
• Relationship building including with media partners, agency cooperators, and cooperators at the local, state and federal levels
• Computer use
• Maintaining confidential information
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Complex problem solving skills and critical thinking - using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions
• Prioritize multiple tasks and projects and meet internal and external deadlines

Ability to:

• Identify continuous improvement opportunities
• Gather and verify news information through multiple channels and sources, including interview, observation, and research
• Understand agency policies and procedures
• Exercise professional verbal, written, and electronic communication
• Produce high quality video projects to spotlight important work and projects
• Present to large and small groups
• Maintain important working relationships with the media, the public, and external stakeholders and exercise sound judgment with these interactions
• Respond in a timely manner to the public, coworkers, internal and external partners, including the Governor's Office staff
• Modify technical and scientific verbiage into understandable language as part of internal and external communications, i.e., media releases, website content, social media content etc.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with changing goals and priorities to meet agency metrics and other support analytics
• Produce ideas and content for media and social media campaigns along with implementation of those ideas
• Work outside of normal business hours
• Drive on State business

Bachelor's degree with major course work in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, or a closely related field; and minimum of five years recent professional work experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, media coverage or related area. A background in forestry is preferred, but not required.

A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.

Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

The current contribution rate is 12.29%

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Morgan Lee at mlee@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 771-1457. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.