The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy.
The Work You Will Do
This is a professional level position functioning as the “Press Secretary” for the DEP reporting directly to the Director of Communications in the Office of the Secretary. The incumbent provides support for DEP in the dissemination of information regarding the agency’s priorities, initiatives and programs. This position oversees all media and press relations as part of internal “Press Office” functions as well as creates messaging and determines strategic coordination and development of policies associated with the DEP’s external communications. The incumbent is privy to sensitive and confidential information and is expected to manage the accuracy and effectiveness of information from the agency. Critical thinking and highly effective communication skills are a must for this position.
The Difference You Will Make
DEP focuses on creating strong community partnerships, safeguarding Florida’s natural resources and enhancing its ecosystems. This includes overseeing and implementing dozens of regulatory, resource management and restoration programs. DEP also manages 175 state parks, trails and historic sites as well as 46 coastal and aquatic areas, which provide world-class recreational opportunities to Floridians and visitors.
How You Will Grow
DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.
Where You Will Work
Tallahassee, Florida’s Capitol City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combines old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.
Benefits
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
Annual and Sick Leave benefits ;
Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options ;
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions ( For more information, please click www.myfrs.com );
Flexible Spending Accounts;
Tuition waivers;
And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com .
Pay
$60,000 to $70,000
Your Specific Responsibilities
The “Press Secretary” serves as DEP’s lead spokesperson and is responsible for developing clear, concise and accurate messaging, while adhering to a robust internal review process. This includes writing timely press releases, media advisories, proactive/reactive media statements, feature stories, letters to the editor, Op-eds and fact sheets that are disseminated to the public, media, lawmakers, businesses and other interested parties.
This position assists the Communications Director with the formulation, development, and coordination of policies associated with the external communication functions of DEP which includes being privy to and consulted on sensitive and confidential information, policies, and procedures.
This position is the liaison between the “Press Office” and Divisions/Districts/Offices within DEP, specifically being the lead for communications relating to the Divisions of Waste, Water, Air, and all Regulatory Districts. The incumbent will manage the “Deputy Press Secretary” and will work closely with the identified District/Division/Office “Public Information Officers” on issue released communications plans and media responses. This position is responsible for developing positive relationships with statewide print, radio and TV outlets and identify media opportunities and strategies to proactively communicate information to the public.
This position works closely with the “Deputy Press Secretary” to:
Communicate and summarize contact with members of the media in a daily media contacts.
Manage and update the Secretary’s Public Affairs Network (SPAN) tracking system.
Manage and update electronic media databases and distribution lists.
Compile and file daily electronic news clips and daily and weekly media reports. Manages DEP’s archive of news articles.
Answer phone calls received in the “Press Office” and assists at the Emergency Operations Center, as a DEP representative when needed.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Demonstrate strong writing and editing skills, knowledge of correct grammar usage and AP Style, ability to be a positive team player and work well with others, ability to maintain a strong work ethic, be detailed oriented, organized and multi-task on various work products.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described in this posting, for a total of four years.
Position Of Special Trust Requirement
This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP 422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.
Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years of related work experience, as described in this posting.
Skills
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:
HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us
HR_Recruitment@ FloridaDEP.gov
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Government Administration
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