PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District

Public Information Officer

Delivering Clear, Accurate Information When It Matters Most

Notice: This position and posting are pending Board approval on April 7, 2026.

About The Role

The Public Information Officer supports how the District communicates with the community, staff, partner agencies, and the media.

This role is focused on developing, coordinating, and delivering clear and consistent messaging across a variety of platforms. The individual will be expected to represent the District on camera and communicate directly with the media when needed.

Candidates should have experience preparing for and participating in media interactions, including on-camera communication, and be able to present information clearly, professionally, and accurately in time-sensitive situations.

You will be responsible for translating complex information into clear communication across social media, publications, and public-facing materials.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and support communication strategies
• Create content for social media, newsletters, and public information materials
• Coordinate messaging across District programs and priorities
• Draft clear, accurate written materials for internal and external use
• Support communication during complex or high-profile situations
• Assist with outreach efforts, campaigns, and community engagement
• Maintain communication records, archives, and digital platforms
  
  

What Matters

• Clear, concise writing
• Strong judgment
• Attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
  
  

Tools & Experience

• Social media platforms
• Digital communications
• Content development
• Public-facing materials
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public administration, or a closely related field; AND two (2) years of experience preparing and disseminating information across media platforms; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 within one year
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Background investigation required
  
  

Recruitment Timeline

The following dates are provided for planning purposes and are subject to change:

• Interviews (Tentative): May 21, 2026
• Expected Start Date: June 15, 2026
  
  

Why TMFPD

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District serves the residents of unincorporated Washoe County through an all-hazards system and community risk reduction programs.

This role supports how the District builds trust through clear and consistent communication.

If this opportunity interests you, we encourage you to apply.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, marketing, political science, public administration, public relations, inter-governmental communications, journalism, television, telecommunications or a closely related field; AND two years of experience preparing and disseminating information through social media platforms, radio, television, newspapers or other publications; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required At Time Of Application:

• A valid driver’s license is required.
  
  

Under general supervision, plans, coordinates and conducts the public information program for the District; serves as liaison with the public, other government entities, partnering agencies, community groups and the media; and performs related work as required.

• Serve as a spokesperson and resource for information regarding the District; respond to a variety of inquiries from staff, the media, outside agencies, community groups or the public on the telephone, in person, by email, through social media, and by letter in a timely manner, providing information or directing questions to appropriate staff to promote good public/media relations and create cooperative working relationships.
• Assist the District with public relations strategy; provide necessary guidance to ensure communication efforts align with the overall mission of the District; manage a variety of issues including high profile situations requiring the utilization of crisis communication skills.
• Arrange press conferences and authorize appearances or press statements from staff members by providing staff with guidelines and strategies to present message/information/issues properly.
• Foster good public/media relations by notifying the media of newsworthy events, providing pertinent information in a timely manner and discussing potential articles or radio/TV/social media stories.
• Create materials to promote and publicize internal and/or community relations, by creating and distributing newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, special feature stories, video and audio recordings for media representatives; develop exhibits, displays and materials for promoting programs on social media, at community events and fairs to maintain public awareness of program issues and concerns.
• Develop a variety of educational materials, including publications, a series of television/social media productions, forms and brochures; plan and coordinate lectures, film programs and public forum programs to create a better understanding of District programs, services, policies and projects.
• Maintain and monitor social media platforms; edit social media content, press releases and similar digital and print publications, selecting materials to be included; proofread and rewrite work from others to ensure accuracy, completeness and readability; perform layout and design and/or meet with graphic artists and printers to arrange for and coordinate their services.
• Represent the District before special interest groups and community organizations and provide information on a variety of related issues; attend public and government meetings to present programs or materials representative of the District’s activities; attend internal and external meetings and events to build agency morale and community support.
• Initiate, maintain, and update a variety of resource materials, files, and records, including news archives, of background information related to area of assignment.
• Take photographs, operate video cameras, and maintain audio/visual equipment and supplies.
  
  

Full Performance (These may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work assigned.)

Knowledge Of:

• Organizational structure of Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, as it relates to programs and activities of assigned area(s). Government process as it relates to area(s) of assignment.
• District policies, practices, and procedures, including protocol.
• Media resources and other forms of public outreach available in the community.
• Management information systems and software used in the assigned area.
• Programs related to multi-platform social media posting and analytics.
• Terms and acronyms commonly used in the assigned function.
• Public relations practices and strategic program development.
• Methods and techniques of video, photographic, and audio production, including TV/radio, social media and internet platforms.
• Budget process and funding sources.
• Nevada’s Public Records Act (NRS Chapter 239)
  
  

Ability To:

• Develop comprehensive public relations and public information programs for area(s) of assignment.
• Develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with local media and key figures in community groups and agency programs.
  
  

Entry Level(Applicants will be screened for possession of these through written, oral, performance, or other evaluation methods.)

Knowledge Of:

• Components of a public relations program including media relations and news media related activities.
• Promotional techniques and marketing methods, including publicity materials appropriate to TV, print, radio, internet, social media and other outlets.
• Methods for developing and presenting public information programs.
• Social media communications and digital communication platforms.
• Copy writing, editing, layout, photography, graphics/design, as well as video and audio editing.
  
  

Ability To:

• Evaluate information/situations, formulate promotional or public relations strategies and make recommendations for media access and appropriate messaging.
• Plan and coordinate all components of public information, education, and promotional activities.
• Write materials appropriate for a variety of venues, such as speeches, brochures, news releases, fact sheets, public service announcements, social media postings, news or special interest articles.
• Make effective visual and oral presentations in front of individuals and groups.
• Understand complex issues and communicate key components to diverse audiences quickly.
• Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts to address crisis situations.
• Create rapport with diverse audiences and build effective community networks.
• Analyze the news value of events and keep informed of current events.
• Prepare rough illustrations and diagrams for layout purposes.
• Interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Plan and organize assignments to meet schedules and timelines.
• Use a personal computer, camera, cell phone, tablet, a variety of internet and social media platforms, and software, including desktop publishing.
• Establish, foster, and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.