Salary: $59,215.00 - $132,441.00 Annually
Location : CITY OF LOS ANGELES, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 1785 O 2024/04/26 R
Department: CITY OF LOS ANGELES
Opening Date: 04/26/2024
Closing Date: 5/9/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
DUTIES
ANNUAL SALARY
$59,215 to $86,568; $67,525 to $98,699
The salary in the Department of Water and Power is $85,315 to $106,007; $93,166 to $115,758; $95,544 to $117,450; $103,460 to $128,537; and $106,592 to $132,441.
NOTES:

1. Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
2. Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions.
3. For information regarding reciprocity between the City of Los Angeles departments and LADWP, go to http://per.lacity.org/Reciprocity_CityDepts_and_DWP.pdf.

Public Relations Specialists utilize various techniques in the preparation and dissemination of material regarding City activities for informational or educational purposes using outreach efforts such as social media, digital content or digital marketing; may coordinate public relations events or programs; and may assist with the distribution of information in the event of emergency situations.
REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university including completion of 24 semester or 36 quarter units in public relations, journalism, or communications.
Each year of full-time paid professional experience in the fields of journalism, public relations, or media relations may be substituted for 12 semester or 18 quarter units of the required coursework.
PROCESS NOTES

1. Applicants who are currently enrolled in their final semester or quarter before graduation from an accredited college or university may apply. However, they cannot be appointed until graduation and completion of all coursework, including the 24 semester units or 36 quarter units described in the Requirement section.
2. Applicants must list their school name and location, type of degree earned, and major in the Education section of the application; and applicants that have completed courses in public relations, journalism, or communications as stated in the requirement, must list the course titles with the number of semester or quarter units, school attended and completion dates in the Supplemental Questions Section of the application. Applicants who fail to provide this information on their application will not be considered further in this examination and their applications will not be processed.
3. Please note that qualifying education must be from a college or university accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at
4. Applicants wishing to substitute qualifying work experience gained outside of the City of Los Angeles for the required coursework in public relations, journalism, or communications, the term "professional experience" applies to positions that require possession of a degree from an accredited four-year college or university in order to obtain that position. Therefore, to be considered "professional", non-City qualifying experience must be gained in positions after obtaining a four-year degree.
5. Some positions may require a valid California driver's license. Candidates may not be eligible for appointment to these positions if their record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation (such as DUI).
6. An employee in this position may be subject to weekend and evening work assignments.
7. Candidates completing the examination process will be contacted by the Personnel Department to provide required proof of qualifying degree and coursework. Applicants who wish to expedite this process may attach a copy of their qualifying degree and transcripts (annotated with public relations, journalism, or communications courses, credit earned, and grade received) to their on-line application at the time of filing in the Attachments section.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION
In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions. Only persons possessing the following at the time of filing may be considered for appointment to fill such positions.
The ability to speak or write a language other than English.
NOTE:
Applicants that desire to be considered for this Selective Certification must specify the language other than English in the appropriate box on the application. Applicants who fail to provide the information at the time of filing will not be considered further in selective certification.
WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at
NOTE:
Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024.
In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles who meet the minimum requirements, or are on a reserve list; 2) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on a random sampling of those qualified candidates. Applications submitted during the filing period may be kept on file in the event that additional applicants need to be tested to meet hiring needs.
SELECTION PROCESS

Examination Weight:
Essay - Advisory
Interview - 100%
The examination will consist of an on-line advisory essay and an interview. In the interview, emphasis may be placed on the candidate's experience, training and personal qualifications as they demonstrate the ability to: understand, organize, and transfer concepts, ideas, and suggestions into a practical and effective public relations program; effectively manage and prioritize multiple assignments; communicate and interact tactfully and effectively, and build and foster relationships with the public, representatives of the media, government officials, colleagues and stakeholders; speak effectively and accurately communicate messages and gather pertinent information; draw out opinions, ideas, and facts for presentation, dissemination, and to influence department actions; conduct research; effectively write and edit news releases, outreach and marketing materials, radio and television scripts, and social media posts to promote and communicate important messages; use proper English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; communicate complex and technical written information in terms understood by the general public; maintain composure and professionalism while handling crises and interacting with difficult people and situations; operate technology sufficient to use e-mails, chats, text messages, social media and other applications; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Prior to the interview, applicants will be required to prepare some written material related to the duties and responsibilities of a Public Relations Specialist. This essay material will not be separately scored, but will be presented to the interview board for review and consideration, which may include discussion, in the overall evaluation of the candidate. Those who do not complete the advisory essay will not be invited to the interview and will be considered to have failed the entire examination. To be considered complete, the advisory essay must include a substantive response for each question or problem included in the advisory essay for which an applicant is required to provide an answer. Please note that applicants must complete the advisory essay and meet the minimum qualification as stated on this bulletin in order to be considered further in the examination process.
The advisory essay will be administered on-line. Applicants invited to participate in the examination will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the specific steps needed to complete the on-line advisory essay. Applicants will be required to complete the on-line advisory essay between JUNE 24, 2024 and JULY 1, 2024 . Applicants who fail to complete the advisory essay as instructed may be disqualified.
Candidates will be notified by e-mail of the date, time, and location of the interviews, which may be held in Los Angeles or on-line. It is anticipated that interviews will begin during the period of JULY 29, 2024 to AUGUST 9, 2024.
NOTES :

1. This examination is based on a validation study.
   
2. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at
   
3. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
   
4. A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
   
5. In accordance with Civil Service Rule, Sec. 4.24, review periods may be combined. Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in Sec. 4.20, 4.22 and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list.
   
6. For candidates seeking initial City employment, in accordance with Los Angeles City Ordinance 187134, information regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements as conditions of employment may be found at:

Notice:
If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.
THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY
ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS
The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to: https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html
There are many things to consider in a new employer. Visit the following webpage to view benefits the City of Los Angeles offers its employees:
01

To be PROPERLY AND PROMPTLY notified of the status of my application, I UNDERSTAND that I MUST provide on my City application, the following information:
-Working E-mail address
-Telephone Number
-Official social security number
I UNDERSTAND that I MUST provide a working email address on my application where I will receive notifications regarding the status of my application and the selection process.
I UNDERSTAND that important information regarding the status of my application and the selection process will only be sent via E-MAIL to the email address I provided.
I UNDERSTAND that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that the email address I provided is a working email and that I will check my email regularly to ensure I receive any communication as it relates to the examination promptly.
I UNDERSTAND that the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department is NOT RESPONSIBLE for any lost or redirected emails and that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to add info@governmentjobs.com to my email contact list to avoid email notifications related to this examination from being classified as "spam" or "junk" mail.

• I have read these statements to their fullest and will provide a working e-mail address on my application in order to receive status of my application regarding this examination.

02

I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe, IN DETAIL, my appropriate qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application.
I UNDERSTAND that, if qualifying with my City experience, that I MUST indicate my appropriate job classification in my work history and NOT ANY WORKING TITLE that I believe is designated to me.
I UNDERSTAND that if I attach a resume and/or cover letter IN LIEU of completing the Work Experience Section, my application is INCOMPLETE and WILL NOT be considered for this examination, and my application WILL NOT be further processed.
In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL jobs, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any periods of unemployment during my entire work history.

• I have read these statements to their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

03

I am currently:

• A City of Los Angeles employee having received a regular appointment.
• An exempt or emergency City of Los Angeles employee, but have civil service status.
• An exempt or emergency City of Los Angeles employee, without receiving civil service status.
• A City of Los Angeles employee in a temporary training position.
• A City of Los Angeles employee on a part-time basis.
• On a regular reserve list for the City of Los Angeles.
• Not employed with the City of Los Angeles.

04

I have graduated or am currently enrolled in my final semester or quarter of graduating from an accredited four-year college or university:
NOTE: Qualifying education must be from a college or university accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at http://per.lacity.org/Accredited Institutions 08-21-08.pdf.

• Yes
• No

05

In the text box below, enter your school name and location, type of degree earned, major, and graduation date or anticipated graduation date.
Example: University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA - Bachelor of Arts - Communication - May 2017
06

I have completed the following amount of units in public relations, journalism, or communications :
NOTE: For applicants who are currently enrolled in their final semester or quarter, please select the total number of units in public relations, journalism, or communications that you will have completed by the end of the final semester or quarter.

• 11 semester (17 quarter) units or less
• Between 12 semester (18 quarter) units and 23 semester (35 quarter) units
• 24 semester (36 quarter) units or more
• NONE OF THE ABOVE

07

In the text box below, list the school name, appropriate course titles, their respective number of semester or quarter units, and completion dates or anticipated completion dates for EACH course in public relations, journalism, or communications.
Example: Cal State University Los Angeles - COMM 1800 - Introduction to Human Communication - 3 semester units - Spring 2019
Example: Cal State University Los Angeles - COMM 2200 - Argumentation and Reasoned Advocacy- 3 semester units - Anticipated completion Spring 2024
If you have not completed or don't anticipate completing any units in public relations, journalism, or communications, enter "None."
08

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
Each year of full-time paid professional experience in the fields of journalism, public relations, or media relations may be substituted for 12 semester or 18 quarter units of the required coursework.

• I understand the information provided above.

09

EXPERIENCE SUBSTIUTION:
I have the following amount of full-time paid professional experience in the fields of journalism, public relations, or media relations:
NOTE: Applicants wishing to substitute qualifying work experience gained outside of the City of Los Angeles for the required coursework in public relations, journalism, or communications, the term "professional experience" applies to positions that require possession of a degree from an accredited four-year college or university in order to obtain that position. Therefore, to be considered "professional", non-City qualifying experience must be gained in positions after obtaining a four-year degree.

• Between 1 month and 11 months
• Between 12 months and 23 months
• 24 months or more
• NONE OF THE ABOVE

10

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
For the experience that you are claiming in the previous question, please list your qualifying job title(s) and employer(s) .
Example: Reporter - ABC Company
If you did not claim any experience in the previous question, enter "N/A."
11

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION:
In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions. Only persons possessing the following at the time of filing may be considered for appointment to fill such positions.
The ability to speak or write a language other than English.

• I understand the information provided above.

12

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION:
Other than English, I have the ability to speak the following language(s): (Select all that apply)

• Armenian
• Cantonese
• Farsi
• Japanese
• Korean
• Mandarin
• Russian
• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Other

13

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION:
If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please indicate in the text below, the language(s) you are able to speak .
14

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION:
Other than English, I have the ability to write the following language(s): (Select all that apply)

• Armenian,
• Cantonese
• Farsi
• Japanese
• Korean
• Mandarin
• Russian
• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Other

15

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION:
If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please indicate in the text below, the language(s) you are able to write .
16

IMPORTANT NOTE: I have read the above questions carefully and answered each one accurately. I understand that if I do not provide correct information that my application will be disqualified and will not be considered further for this examination.
I understand that if I submit more than one application, my newest application will be considered and all others will be considered duplicates and will not be reviewed.
You should include in the work experience section of your application any jobs you wish to be considered as you will be unable to add or change your information after submission .

• Yes, I have read the above statements carefully and understand them to their fullest.

Required Question