What are the responsibilities and job description for the Information Officer I position at California Governor's Office of Emergency Services?
Job Description And Duties
Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career?
Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.
Job Summary
The Information Officer I will have contact with local and national press, top level executives, elected officials, other PIO's from all levels of government, and emergency response personnel. Performs analysis and research on complex issues related to crisis response. May be required to work in the State Operations Center (SOC), Joint Field Office (JFO), Local Assistance Center (LAC). May be required to participate in emergency drills, training, and exercises. Job will include internal and external interactions where the incumbent may be required to speak, write, and translate in both English and Spanish.
The Crisis Communication and Public Affairs Unit at Cal OES plays a critical role in informing and supporting Californians during emergencies and disasters. This position is unlike most government roles—it requires a deep commitment to helping people through some of the most challenging and tragic times of their lives. You will be part of a dynamic team that manages public information during crises, develops communication strategies, and ensures accurate, timely messaging to the public, media, and stakeholders.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Bilingual: A candidate who is bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not required. A Spanish-speaking incumbent must be able to pass a bilingual Spanish fluency examination.
In Office: This position supports and manages the day-to-day business operations for Cal OES which is handled in an office location. This is not considered a hybrid telework position
DMV Pull Program: Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid Driver’s License (DL). You must answer the questions addressing your DL on your application. Ensure you provide your DL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
Department Information
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.
Crisis Communication and Public Affairs takes the lead on Cal OES’ public information campaigns and media relations. The department oversees communication strategy and tactics, consistently delivering messages that motivate people to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. We respond to media inquiries, create social media videos and posts, write talking points, scripts, and other written materials. Members of the unit staff speakers at community meetings, assist with event preparation and related public activities.
In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.
More information may be found here: Policy & Administration | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Knowledge of Cal OES’s mission, functional areas and emergency management legislation mandates. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence and displays vision and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of, and experience working in multicultural markets and media, with a focus on hard-to-reach or hard-to-convince populations; Spanish bilingual skills preferred.
Ideal Candidate Traits:
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:
Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career?
Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.
Job Summary
The Information Officer I will have contact with local and national press, top level executives, elected officials, other PIO's from all levels of government, and emergency response personnel. Performs analysis and research on complex issues related to crisis response. May be required to work in the State Operations Center (SOC), Joint Field Office (JFO), Local Assistance Center (LAC). May be required to participate in emergency drills, training, and exercises. Job will include internal and external interactions where the incumbent may be required to speak, write, and translate in both English and Spanish.
The Crisis Communication and Public Affairs Unit at Cal OES plays a critical role in informing and supporting Californians during emergencies and disasters. This position is unlike most government roles—it requires a deep commitment to helping people through some of the most challenging and tragic times of their lives. You will be part of a dynamic team that manages public information during crises, develops communication strategies, and ensures accurate, timely messaging to the public, media, and stakeholders.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Bilingual: A candidate who is bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not required. A Spanish-speaking incumbent must be able to pass a bilingual Spanish fluency examination.
In Office: This position supports and manages the day-to-day business operations for Cal OES which is handled in an office location. This is not considered a hybrid telework position
DMV Pull Program: Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid Driver’s License (DL). You must answer the questions addressing your DL on your application. Ensure you provide your DL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
Department Information
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.
Crisis Communication and Public Affairs takes the lead on Cal OES’ public information campaigns and media relations. The department oversees communication strategy and tactics, consistently delivering messages that motivate people to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. We respond to media inquiries, create social media videos and posts, write talking points, scripts, and other written materials. Members of the unit staff speakers at community meetings, assist with event preparation and related public activities.
In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.
More information may be found here: Policy & Administration | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Knowledge of Cal OES’s mission, functional areas and emergency management legislation mandates. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence and displays vision and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of, and experience working in multicultural markets and media, with a focus on hard-to-reach or hard-to-convince populations; Spanish bilingual skills preferred.
Ideal Candidate Traits:
- Passion for Public Service: A genuine desire to help people in times of crisis.
- Resilience: Ability to remain calm and focused under stress.
- Strong Communication Skills: Clear, empathetic, and effective messaging.
- Positive Attitude: Optimism and adaptability in challenging situations.
- Physical/Mental: Preparedness to work extended hours during emergencies.
- Knowledge of Cal OES Mission and Emergency Management Mandates: Familiarity with agency goals, functional areas, and legislative requirements.
- Interpersonal Skills and Emotional Intelligence: Ability to build trust and maintain strong relationships under pressure.
- Vision and Problem-Solving Ability: Capacity to anticipate challenges and develop innovative solutions.
- Working collaboratively under pressure while maintaining a professional and positive attitude.
- The ability to work under very demanding circumstances, at times for twelve hours or more per day, and days beyond a five-day work week.
- Working on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing them.
- A familiarity with current and emerging social media platforms and understanding how to maximize their impact on Cal OES messaging.
- Working independently and as a member of a team.
- Broadcast or print journalism and a solid news judgement.
- An operating knowledge of Microsoft Office products and Adobe software, and with Apple/Mac OS environment a plus.
- Confidence with presenting information on camera.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:
- Free Parking
- On-site Gym and Locker room
- Electric Carport
- Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
- 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
- Flexible Schedules
- Generous paid time off
- Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
- Investment in careers development
- Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station
Salary : $6,031 - $7,547