Public Relations Specialist

The St. Lucie County Fire District is currently accepting employment applications for:

• Public Relations Specialist – $ 47,334.35 (Step 1)

The Public Relations Specialist supports the St. Lucie County Fire District's mission by promoting a positive public image, coordinating community outreach programs, and enhancing public awareness of fire and life safety. This position requires strong communication and organizational skills to support both the Fire Marshal's Office and the District's public information and education functions.

Link to apply: https://www.slcfd.com/Jobs

Please note there are forms that require notarization of the applicant’s signature. 

Required at the time of applying:

• Authorization to release records – Notarized (Will be available on the website).
• Fair Credit Reporting Act - Witnessed (Will be available on the website).
• DD214 (when asserting Veterans’ Preference).

Work Hours:

• This position follows a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• The incumbent may be required to work occasional overtime, weekends, or holidays based on operational needs or special assignments.

Paid Time Off:

• Employees earn paid vacation and sick leave in accordance with District policy.
• Eligible employees may also participate in the Sick Leave Bank program.

Benefits paid for/contributed by the St Lucie County Fire District include:

• Pension retirement after 25 years of service (5 year vesting). Once vested in the pension plan the multiplier is 3.0%.
• Free employer sponsored Health Clinic for covered employees and dependents
• Group Life & AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 13 Holidays per year
• Longevity Stipend
• Tuition Reimbursement

Competitively priced employee – paid supplemental benefits available:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for you and your family
• 457(b) deferred compensation retirement savings plan
• Supplemental Life
• Long-Term Disability
• Accident, Short-Term Disability, Hospital, Cancer plans offered
• Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

EOE/VET PREF/Tobacco free Workplace\Drug Free Workplace

Applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Please continue to monitor the Fire District’s website, at www.slcfd.com, for updates regarding this job posting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supports and carries out the Fire District's mission, goals, and objectives.

• Develops and implements public information strategies that promote Fire District programs, initiatives, and community services.

• Serves as the Fire District's point of contact for public relations.

• Coordinates and participates in community events and outreach campaigns promoting fire and life safety awareness.

• Creates, edits, and distributes informational and educational materials, including brochures, newsletters, and social media content, consistent with District branding.

• Manages and maintains official Fire District social media and website content to ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Coordinates public relations events throughout the community, including open houses, safety fairs, and media campaigns.

• Assists in maintaining records, reports, and documentation related to community programs.

• Provides administrative support as needed, including data entry, correspondence, scheduling, and communication with municipal partners.

• Assists with crisis communication and dissemination of public information during major incidents or emergencies.

• Develops partnerships with local government agencies, schools, civic organizations, and media outlets.

• May assist in planning Fire District events, fire safety demonstrations and fire prevention week activities in coordination with the Fire Marshal's Office.

• Performs related administrative duties and other responsibilities as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of fire and public safety issues and fire prevention methods.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, media engagement, and community outreach.

• Proficiency in computer systems, and communication software.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.

• Ability to tactfully and courteously respond to requests and complaints from the public and media.

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work efficiently under deadlines.

• Ability to develop, schedule, and implement public relations programs.

• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and correspondence.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships under both normal and adverse conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION

• Graduation from high school or equivalent required.

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Fire Science, or related field preferred.

• Microsoft Public Relations and Communications Professional Associate Certificate within 1 year of appointment. (An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience may be considered to meet qualifications.)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver's License.

• Must maintain a valid telephone contact number.

• Must obtain State of Florida Fire and Life Safety Educator certification within one (1) year of appointment.

• Must obtain Youth Fire Setting Prevention & Intervention I and II (Youth Fire Setter Prevention Specialist) within one (1) year of appointment.

• Preferred certifications: FEMA 15-29 (Public Information Officer Awareness) and 15-42 (Social Media in Emergency Management).

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

During emergency conditions, all employees are considered emergency service workers. Employees may be required to report to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 45 pounds.

• Acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction).

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and reaching; occasional climbing and outdoor event setup.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and standard office equipment.

• Ability to access and retrieve information from a computer and file systems; sit for extended periods during office work.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Work may involve exposure to outdoor conditions during public events or emergencies.

• May require attendance at evening, weekend, or holiday events.

• Job risks exposure to wet, humid conditions, adverse weather, and hot/cold temperatures.