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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (TranStar)

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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (TranStar)

Salary

$3,266.26 - $3,805.64 Biweekly

Location

6922 Old Katy Road

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

36917

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: Houston TranStar

Reporting Location: 6922 Katy Road, Houston, Tx

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

*Subject to change

ABOUT US

The City of Houston, Houston Public Works, and the Houston TranStar Consortium are dedicated to protecting Houstonians, residents and travelers of southeast Texas by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from all types of incidents and emergencies. Houston TranStar is the region’s Traffic Management Center and Emergency Operations Center. Our work in transportation management and emergency management takes place alongside partner agency personnel from Harris County, the Metropolitan Transit Authority for Harris County, and the Texas Department of Transportation. We are a trusted, professional, and diverse team focused on people, preparedness, and public service. We are committed to safeguarding the Houston community against all hazards through coordinated planning and response.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Public Information Officer, under the direction of the Assistant Director and Senior Staff Analyst, will function as the agency Public Information Officer to support efficient operations of Houston TranStar.

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

+ Providing professional communications, public outreach, administrative, and management services to, and for, Houston TranStar stakeholders.

+ Supporting the online presence of Houston TranStar via social media platforms on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other outlets. Some graphic design experience desired.

+ Assists in managing the continued development and evolution of TranStar’s outreach initiative called “It’s Only a White Line,” a driver safety effort built to reduce the number of secondary crashes on roadways and prevent freeway pedestrian fatalities.

+ Writes, reviews and edits scripts and documents for Public Service Announcements and print materials.

+ Participates in emergency activations, crisis management planning and assists with developing crisis communication plan and written materials.

+ Develops and maintains positive relations with media outlets, and a wide range of civic and community organizations; and serve as the main point of contact.

+ Drafts media releases and advisory bulletins and is available for media inquiries 24/7.

+ Fluent English speaker required. Ability to speak and write in Spanish strongly preferred.

+ Runs press conferences, media availabilities, and other news-related activity/events for the TranStar partnership on location and in first floor Lobby space.

+ Attends safety fairs or other community events to ensure a strong public presence for the TranStar brand and Consortium. Will give regular presentations and will provide regular building tours to groups large and small.

+ Develops and maintains records and statistics related to communication campaigns and citizen engagement; maintain and archive press releases, photographs, videos, and other pertinent information.

+ Will communicate and interact with TranStar’s governing bodies; executive leadership from the City of Houston, Harris County, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

+ Develops articles, newsletter content and outreach materials proactively and during emergencies to provide public safety information.

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

Ownership- we find solutions, instead of excuses

Communication- we are reliable and clear

Integrity- we are truthful and keep our word

Teamwork- we work together

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

Preference will be given for the following:

+ Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Liberal Arts or a related field.

+ Knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) and functions of the Emergency Operations Center preferred.

The successful candidate will possess the following skills:

+ 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: No

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

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

Do you have experience developing press releases and public outreach material?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Please explain your experience with public outreach.

08

Are you Bilingual?

+ Yes

+ No

09

If so, what language(s) do you speak?

10

Do you have experience managing agency social media platforms?

+ Yes

+ No

11

Do you have experience conducting on-camera media interviews or running press conferences?

+ Yes

+ No

12

Do you have experience using programs such as Canva and basic photography?

+ Yes

+ No

13

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

14

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