Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Under direction of the External Affairs Branch Chief, this Public Information Officer ensures that the District and Department are accurately and favorably represented to the news and general public. Implements statewide Department and District media policy. Advises the District Director on media relations and assists and prepares the District Director for press conferences and other media events and public presentations. Plans, writes, edits and otherwise prepares District press releases and other informational material. Serves as District spokesperson to the media to public groups, media, and individuals inquiring about the District's activities. Arranges participation of other District and Department officials as speakers before public groups, or on radio or television newscasts or other programs. Collects, evaluates and distributes information from District sources to public and stakeholders.

PARF# 05-6-007 / JC- 501890

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Information Officer I (Specialist) exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.

Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our  Caltrans Career Compass tool! The  Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Position located 50 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. May be required to work nights and weekends.

The employee will normally work in a climate-controlled office under artificial light with a computer terminal and multiple phone lines. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee may be exposed to a variety of hazardous and/or unpleasant field conditions including working next to high speed traffic; during darkness; during wet, rainy, cold or hot weather; or any other type of weather conditions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to travel throughout the counties of District 5 boundaries, which may require overnight stays and weekend assignments. Must possess a valid driver's license and required driver's certification when operating a State owned vehicle.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Special Requirements

• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required.

The SOQ  serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.

1. Provide an example of your experience in delivering equitable public engagement and how you collaborated with others to promote and perform outreach on an initiative or program.

1. Describe your familiarity with local and regional highway networks, and the varying needs of both urban and rural communities in regards to outreach.

1. Please describe your experience in public speaking, promoting social media best practices, and written communications.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: or  . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

Benefits

to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

Important Application Instructions:

The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-501890), PARF# 05-6-007 and title of the position (Information Officer I (Specialist)) must be included on the STD. 678 form.

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts.  Confidential information that should be  excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.  The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  • Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Work at office, Remote work, Night shift, Weekend work,

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