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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (OEM)

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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (OEM)

Salary

$3,266.26 - $3,805.64 Biweekly

Location

5320 North Shepherd

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

36918

Department

Houston Public Works

Opening Date

09/10/2025

Closing Date

9/23/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: All Persons Interested

Section: Office of Emergency Management

Reporting Location: 5320 North Shepherd, Houston, Tx

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday/7:00am-4:00pm, Weekends As Needed*

*Subject to change

ABOUT US

The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management is committed to safeguarding the Houston community against all hazards and threats through coordinated planning and response with a trusted, compassionate, and diverse team focused on people, professionalism, preparedness, and partnerships.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Public Information Officer, under the direction of the Deputy Director, will facilitate the efficient operations of the Office of Emergency Management.

The PIO engages with internal and external stakeholders during the prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and/or mitigation of intentional and unintentional crisis, disasters, other humanitarian emergencies, or hazards, natural and man-made/technological (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, high explosives) events. This position implements the Office of Emergency Management’s communication and media program through online and traditional media outlets to promote safety programs and services by working to create a trusted source of information and public awareness and public education of the emergency management program throughout the City of Houston.

The Public Information Officer will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

+ Implements all aspects related to crisis communications, internal communications, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, and brand management

+ Handles highly confidential information

+ Negotiates solutions for problems of high complexity as needed

+ Participates in special projects as assigned by the Deputy Director or designee and acts as liaison with external organizations and other department offices.

+ Conducts outreach events, including presentations

+ Responsible to maintain Houstonoem.org website, social media accounts, media inquiries, interviews, press conferences, and other media related items for Houston Office of Emergency Management.

+ Conducts on camera media interviews and coordinates media relations.

+ Leads Citywide Joint Information Center (JIC) during citywide events

+ Familiar with National Incident Management System, Incident Command System.

This is a TIER1 responsibility position with respect to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Most specifically, this means may be responsible for working and being available to work during a natural disaster or significant event.

This position also requires passing a criminal background check and obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.

CORE VALUES

Respect - we listen and care

+ Lead a team of diverse skill sets with a focus on team building communication and alignment of goals to achieve organizational efficiencies.

+ Meet with team members and stakeholders to understand issues and explain the scope of work, policies, programs, objectives, and/or initiatives.

Ownership- we find solutions, instead of excuses .

+ Lead the team by providing general oversight and strategic planning initiatives to improve efficiencies, reporting, quality, and regulatory compliance.

+ Assess current practices and management processes to implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, and procedures.

+ Oversee emergency management for the team including ensuring staff is properly trained, and standard operating procedures are updated, distributed, and followed.

Communication- we are reliable and clear

+ Monitor operational effectiveness through reports on status, adequate resources, feedback, and analytics.

+ Establish and coordinate a variety of special projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental operations, processes, and procedures.

+ Work to ensure the department director's expectations are met and exceeded.

Integrity- we are truthful and keep our word

+ Foster a team culture that promotes ethical practices, customer focus, and service and encourages individual integrity.

Teamwork- we work together

+ Develop an annual operating plan that supports the long-term strategy.

+ Oversee long-range planning for improvement projects, maintenance projects, technology, and service initiatives.

+ Motivate and lead a high-performance management team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Varies depending on responsibility area; but may include:

+ The ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements within fairly fine tolerance and/or calibration demands; or the ability to make closely coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within moderate tolerance demands.

+ Lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds), periods of walking with production equipment on rough surfaces. Display construction may involve heavy lifting up to 80-90 pounds. Bending and climbing on ladders.

+ There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.

This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Five years of progressive professional experience in media, public relations or a closely related field are required.

PREFERENCES

The successful candidate will possess the following skills:

+ NIMS ICS Advanced Public Information Officer

+ Bilingual skills.

+ Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak confidently in public and on camera.

+ Communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

+ Proficiency in PowerPoint, social media tools, Mass email distribution (example: MailChimp), graphic design (example: Canva), media monitoring services (example: TV eyes), website editing (example: WordPress); third party publishing (example: Social News desk, HootSutie).

+ Website Management (Canva).

+ Creating Marketing and/or educational videos for social media.

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None

However, the department may administer a skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: Yes

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 26

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6015.

If you need special services or accommodations 832-393-6015 (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

+ Medical

+ Dental

+ Vision

+ Wellness

+ Supplemental Insurance

+ Life insurance

+ Long-term disability

+ Retirement pension

+ 457 deferred compensation plan

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ 10 days of vacation each year

+ 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday

+ Compensable Sick Leave

+ Personal Leave

+ Flexible schedules

+ Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions

+ Professional development opportunities

+ Transportation/parking plan

+ Section 125 pretax deductions

+ Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

+ Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves

+ Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

What best describes your highest level of education?

+ Less than High School diploma/GED

+ High school diploma/GED

+ Associate's degree

+ Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field.

+ Master's degree or higher in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field.

02

What is your degree concentration?

+ Business Administration

+ Communications

+ Journalism

+ Public Administration

+ English

+ Other closely related field

+ I do not have a degree

03

How many years of progressive professional experience in media, public relations, or a field closely related to the activities of this job do you possess?

+ Less than 5 years of experience

+ 5 - 6 years of experience

+ 7 - 8 years of experience

+ 9 - 10 years of experience

+ 11 years or more of experience

+ No experience

04

I have experience and/or knowledge in the following areas. (Please check all that apply).

+ Crisis Communications Management

+ Communications Strategy Development and Implementation

+ Brand Management

+ Social Media Oversight

+ On camera interviews

+ None of the above

05

Are you willing to work during emergency situations?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Please explain your experience with communication management.

07

Are you Bilingual?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Do you have your NIMS ICS Advanced PIO certification?

+ Yes

+ No

09

Have you served and worked in a NIMS ICS Joint Information Center for a large-scale event or natural disaster?

+ Yes

+ No

10

Have you organized and coordinated a press conference for a large-scale event or natural disaster?

+ Yes

+ No

11

Have you conducted on camera media interviews during a large-scale event or natural disaster?

+ Yes

+ No

12

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

+ Yes

+ No

13

Have you completely and truthfully answered question #9 on the application regarding employment gaps? (failing to clarify employment gaps may result in the disqualification or delay of your application.)

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question