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SalaryCAREER DESCRIPTION
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Staff Specialist vacancies within OC Community Resources/OC Parks. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange.
OC PARKS
OC Parks encompasses regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange, California. Featuring 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, Orange County's award-winning parks and programs are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year, in ways as diverse as the parks themselves.
Click here for more information on OC Community Resources
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Communications Unit is comprised of three sections:
- Media/Public Relations
- Special Events
- Customer Relations/Permits
OC Parks Communication Division has an exciting opportunity for a Communication Specialist. This is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment that requires a self-motivated and energetic person who can work independently and take initiative to keep projects moving forward. General job duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Supporting the Public Information Officer in researching and responding to public and media inquiries.
- Supporting OC Parks' Media/Crisis Communications efforts.
- Supporting the Public Information Officer in overseeing OC Parks' social media program including engaging content development and creation, posting and monitoring.
- Working with the Public Information Officer and department staff to research, develop and implement communications plans for routine and special projects.
- Developing, reviewing and gaining approval for, and dissemination of news releases.
- Designing images and managing graphic assets for print and digital use.
- Developing images and managing an internal communications plan.
- Writing to support OC Parks' communication efforts, including news releases, newsletter articles and other promotional and collateral materials.
- Researching, evaluating, and recommending opportunities for marketing and advertising.
- Creating talking points and agendas for use by various department speakers, including the OC Parks Director.
- Coordinating photography of special events and, in some cases, take photographs/video using department photo and video equipment.
- Managing various reports.
- Constantly changing work schedule and available for early morning, late nights and on the weekends as needed.
The ideal candidate will have at least three (3) years of work experience in public relations, marketing, or communications. The ideal candidate will also have work experience in graphic design, writing and editing, and the following programs: Adobe InDesign and Canva.
A bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications, or other related field is desirable but not required for this position.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following core competencies.
Technical Expertise
- Knowledgeable and skilled in working with computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Knowledgeable and skilled in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and In-Design, and social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to showcase/promote the department.
- Identifies work/project related issues, problems or opportunities and finds, recommends and implements effective solutions.
- Gathers and compiles data using various data collection techniques.
- Seeks additional resources when gaps and inconsistencies or variances in data are found.
- Determines necessary sequence of activities and the efficient level of resources needed to achieve short and long-term goals.
- Maintains a high level of energy and commitment to juggle multiple tasks and priorities and uses available resources to get more done with less, all without losing focus.
- Coordinates with others in response to multiple, competing demands to ensure work is completed in a timely manner.
- Clearly and effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.
- Listens actively, asks clarifying questions and summarizes or paraphrases what others have said to verify understanding.
- Identifies and uses effective communication channels and methods (e.g., presentations, electronic dissemination, social media).
- Uses skill in presenting information, analysis, ideas and positions in a clear, succinct, accurate, convincing manner, as is appropriate with the audience.
- Provides work-in-progress status updates proactively and informs others when work is completed.
- Fosters and maintains positive working relationships, working cooperatively in groups and demonstrating leadership skills.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Online Examination | Multiple Choice (Weighted 100%)
An online exam consisting of job-related questions will be administered. Candidates who pass this test will be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here (Download PDF reader) to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related recommendations.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click here to see the latest guidance for more details.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in your application and use only one email account.
Note: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidate will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the governmentjobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com". If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Vanessa Rosas at 714.480.2867 or Vanessa.Rosas@occr.ocgov.com.
EEO INFORMATION
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays-we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
