Public Information Officer-Public Safety

**Close Date:  May 4, 2026**

 

The Public Information Officer for Escambia County Public Safety is a creative and public-facing role that is responsible for supporting and promoting all divisions of Public Safety, including Emergency Communications, Emergency Management, EMS, Fire Rescue, and Pensacola Beach Lifeguards. The Public Safety PIO writes news releases and articles, takes photos, and creates short-form social media videos to promote Public Safety programs, initiatives, and accomplishments, with the ability to take initiative and identify newsworthy stories related to Public Safety. This position requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to work with multiple departments and individuals at all levels of the organization. This position reports to the Director of Communications and Public Information and works closely with the Public Safety Director and all division managers of Public Safety.

 

This is a "mandatory testing" position that requires Drug Testing.

 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Responds to Public Safety-related media requests, coordinating information with leadership and staff in order to ensure accuracy. Coordinates media interviews with appropriate county staff and may serve as a spokesperson if needed.

 

Promotes Escambia County Public Safety by coordinating and publicizing special events, public education opportunities, news conferences, public meetings, and other public events

 

May act as a liaison between Escambia County Public Safety and the public, including community leaders, tour groups, and other governmental agencies.

 

Creates content for social media and the county website, including writing news releases and articles, filming and editing social media videos, and taking photos.

 

Stays up to date on social media best practices and trends, proactively generating ideas and social media content for a variety of platforms, to include videos, photos, and informational posts.

 

Maintains Public Safety social media accounts, including responding to comments, questions, and messages, in addition to regularly posting quality content.

 

Coordinates with Public Safety leadership to identify and execute opportunities to promote Public Safety, such as positive data trends, new equipment, awards and recognitions, employee achievements, and more.

 

Research information for the media and the public as needed, using strong attention to detail to ensure facts are verified and accurate.

 

In coordination with the Public Information and Communications Director, assigns graphic design projects to the county’s graphic designer, including social media graphics, infographics, posters, banners, postcards, and more. 

 

Consults with Public Safety leadership and staff regarding general communication needs, advising and assisting staff by writing news releases, drafting speeches and comments, developing public service announcements, coordinating employee recognitions, awards, and proclamations, taking photographs, and performing other related activities.

 

Ensures consistent branding and integration on marketing and promotional materials across all platforms. 

 

May serve as backup support for the Community and Media Relations Department, including the live streaming of Board of County Commissioners meetings

 

Manages responsibilities for community outreach activities by performing duties that may occur beyond regular County business hours, including extended workdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

 

Remains on call to cover and respond to incidents and special events for Public Safety. Also serves as a member of the county’s Emergency Management team and is required to respond before, during, and after emergency activations, including hurricanes and other incidents.

 

Performs other duties as assigned.

 

TYPICAL QUALIFICATION

 

Minimum Qualifications:

 

Training and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in public relations, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field and four years of experience in public relations, journalism, communications, or marketing; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

 

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver’s license from state of residence

 

Preferred Qualifications:

This individual should be highly motivated, a strong communicator, and a team player, with a passion for public service and promoting Public Safety.

Knowledge of emergency public information policies, methodologies, and procedures is a plus.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):

principles, practices, and methods of social media
video and photography equipment
practices and principles of public information, public relations, and marketing
basic copyright laws applicable to design work and creative properties
proper English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and sentence structure
press release writing and AP style
digital photography and photo editing
videography and editing
ability to adhere to deadlines while working on multiple, diverse projects
ability to translate communication needs into products that are thoughtful, highly organized, logical, and easy for the public to understand
ability to present information to County officials, staff, and public groups
ability to safely operate a vehicle
ability to exercise independent judgment and work well with minimal supervision
strong proofreading and editing skills
required to respond to special events outside of traditional working hours
ability to remain calm and function well under stressful situations
ability to work effectively with the public, media, and officials in a courteous and tactful manner

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMAITON

County-wide Employee Responsibilities:

All Escambia County BCC employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Escambia County BCC's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.

All Escambia County BCC employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.

 

Emergency Management Responsibilities:

During emergency conditions, this position will automatically be considered an emergency service worker. This employee is subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane or other emergency situation and is expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

 

 

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, finger and hand dexterity, as well as repetitive motions. Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Work is performed mostly in an office setting and includes sitting at a desk or being on site for an event. Position requires travel.

 

 

Benefits/Compensation Package:

· Medical / Dental / Vision plans

· Prescription coverage

· Employee health clinic

· Employee fitness centers

· Employer-sponsored retirement plan or an investment plan

· Deferred Compensation Plan

· Flexible Spending Account(s)

· Employee Assistance Program

· Annual/Sick Leave or Paid Time Off (PTO)

· Group Life Insurance

 

Providing municipal services and public infrastructure to Florida residents.