Public Affairs, Outreach, and Education Specialist

Position Title: Information Specialist I
Minimum Starting Annual Salary: $31,729
Location: Temple, Texas

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs informational and educational work that may involve all agency
programs. Work involves collecting factual information regarding agency
programs and preparing it for release to news media and for its use by
the agency, the public, and other agencies. Work involves representing
the agency at meetings and conferences, disseminating information and
conducting agency Information/Education activities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Assist in researching, composing, designing, or editing agency
publications such as brochures, forms, manuals, newsletters and charts.
Prepare and distribute press releases regarding agency programs and
activities. Assists with preparation and maintenance of
educational/promotional materials for various education workshops and
training conferences. Prepares and disseminates information of public
interest concerning Information/Education activities. Conducting
educational demonstrations for teachers and school age youth. Maintains
website pages regarding some agency programs and public event calendar.
Gathers news and information for general distribution through agency
distribution list. May coordinate cooperative media outreach efforts
with other state, federal and private agencies.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major
course work in agricultural communications/journalism, public relations,
advertising, communications, or a related field is preferred. Experience
in writing, scripting, editing, or media relations is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of of writing press releases for print and broadcast media,
public service announcements, TV and radio programs, and special mass
communication features is essential. Ability cooperate with agency staff
to design communication plans related to the goals and priorities of the
agency, to compose content on the Web, to prepare copy and scripts, and
to design broad communications plans and materials to fit specific
communications needs. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
are required. Must have the ability to speak before diverse groups
including agricultural producers, school age youth and elected
officials. Ability to do layout and design to produce flyers, brochures,
special reports, training materials and visual aids.

APPLICATION PROCESS

For additional information, to view the full, official vacancy posting,
or to fill out an application, visit http://www.tsswcb.state.tx.us/employment/

This position exists due to federal grant funds available to the TSSWCB
under the provisions of the federal Clean Water Act §319(h) nonpoint
source grant program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Funding is received on an annual basis at the beginning of each
federal fiscal year, which begins on October 1. Applicants should
realize that, if selected, their employment may terminate with the
cancellation of federal grant funds.