DEPT OF EMERGENCY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS

Work Location: Papago Park Military Reservation (PPMR), Phoenix, AZ

Salary: UP TO $24.7000 per hour (DOE) 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: June 19, 2026

The Public Information Officer - Reservist is a part-time, as-needed employee.
Depending on the nature, size, and scope of the disaster, a Reservist can work 40+ hours a week for several weeks, or as little as a few hours each quarter. The Reservist supports in emergency and steady state operations of all public information functions including; development of public information content (videos, social media, news releases, fact sheets, etc), monitoring social and traditional media, media relations, call center operations, and supporting outreach events. Actively participates in promoting a continuous improvement workplace culture, through the use of teamwork, root cause problem solving, standard operating procedures, and review of performance metrics.
Personally, prepares for any time (24/7) response and no-notice recall to the State or Alternate Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and/or Joint Field Office (JFO) during disaster or exercise activations. Trains for specific SEOC positions and performs duties as assigned through internal agency policy.

Responsibilities include:
• Create, review and edit public information content, including news releases, scripts, articles, brochures, videos, website content, talking points. presentations, plans and procedures, and other forms written, verbal and electronic communication.
• Maintain PIO situational awareness by monitoring traditional and social media, and preparing media monitoring reports.
• Support emergency public information roles in the state emergency operations center, joint information center, joint information system and the state emergency call center.

Knowledge of:
• The principles, practices and procedures used in public affairs/relations and communications.
• Desktop publishing and video, photo and audio production hardware, software and formats.
• Social media platforms and principles.
• Microsoft Office products, Google and other relevant technologies.

Skilled in:
• Prioritize multiple tasks/projects to meet deadlines
• Review (e.g., fact check) materials for accuracy and adherence to Department policies and procedures.
• Write in a variety of styles and according to Associated Press style guidelines.
• Operate standard office equipment (e.g., computer, copier, scanner, etc.).
• Communicate complex concepts in clear, expressive language understandable to the public and media.

Ability to:
• Gather and verify news information through interview, observation and research.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, media and stakeholders.
• Interpret policies and procedures; complete assignment on deadline.
• Produce professional-quality verbal, written and electronic communication.
• Exercise sound judgment in interacting/interviewing with the public, media and stakeholders.
• Summarize and communicate complex information.
• Respond to citizen and media requests in a courteous and effective manner.
• Organize, prioritize and perform multiple task.
• Work evenings, weekends, rotating "on-call" shifts, and overtime.

Desired qualifications include any combination of experience, education, and training that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities as described. A bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or a related field, or at least 4 years of professional experience in which the knowledge, skills, and abilities pertinent to this job were learned and/or applied. Completion of FEMA Professional Development Series, Basic Academy, PIO Credentialed through the Arizona Qualification System, certified as an Associate Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers, Certified as an Associate Emergency Manager through the Arizona Emergency Managers Association

• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state issued driver's license. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete the required driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).
• Individuals are required to pass a criminal background investigation.
• In state and out of state travel is required.
• Completion of FEMA Independent Study courses: ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700, ICS 800, and IS 230.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

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

This position is not eligible for State benefits.

Eligible DEMA employees participate in excellent retirement programs provided by the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and for fire personnel the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact hr@azdema.gov.
DEMA is a smoke-free work environment.
ADA/EEO Employer
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Employer