Public Information Specialist

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the dissemination of news and information (written and oral) to the general public, City employees, and the media regarding departmental and/or City wide programs. These duties may contribute to any or all of the following areas: marketing, public relations, media relations, and publication of documents for internal and external education and communication.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Writes, plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and edits articles for publication in a variety of forms, including electronic publication. Coordinates all aspects of production of marketing materials.
  
• Performs media relations duties to include: media buying, news releases, and fielding questions from media. Performs public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public.
  
• Assists in the planning and development of advertising, promotional campaigns, strategies.
  
• Provides event coordination services, such as arranging facilities, contacting media, inviting all appropriate groups and individuals, etc.
  
• Designs, researches, writes, and edits newsletters; releases for internal or external use.
  
• Develops and updates intranet and internet web sites.
  
• Produces public service announcements and videos and photography for promotional use.
  
• Designs and maintains databases, such as mailing lists, association and organization lists, etc.
  
• Receives, investigates, and answers questions from external media and public. Serves as liaison for media and general public.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Conducts training of personnel regarding how to communicate with the media, train external media on departments' media standard operating procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of public information, marketing, public relations, media relations programs.
  
• Knowledge of the functions and organization of municipal government, to include the relationships between departments, divisions and agencies.
  
• Knowledge of the principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.
  
• Knowledge Federal, State and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple projects and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to interpret policies and guidelines.
  
• Ability to write articles for publication.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to lead and train others.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising or related field
  
  OR
  
• Four (4) years of experience in developing and implementing programs of public information.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin with over 530 employees. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, household hazardous waste and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, offer Austin and Travis County residents a service to recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at AustinRecycles.com .

Position Overview:

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) seeks a talented Public Information Specialist. As part of ARR’s Public Information and Marketing division, this role will work with internal clients, subject matter experts and teammates to develop and implement creative marketing campaigns to reach diverse audiences. They will also respond to media inquiries, write talking points and, coordinate and provide interviews with the media.

The successful candidate will be a professional with excellent diplomacy skills, and an empathetic and inclusive work philosophy. They will demonstrate the ability to focus and work well under pressure, including in emergency scenarios and crisis management. They are confident with their communication skills, are highly self-motivated, curious and creative, and develop relationships built on trust. If this sounds like you, apply to join our team!

Location:

1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX, 78754

Days/Hours:

Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Telework opportunities are available according to business needs.

Salary Range:

$29.89 - $37.37 per hour

Your detailed and complete employment application will be used to evaluate your qualifications and determine your salary if you are selected for this position.

Application: Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position, shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees in Good Standing who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.

A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Your application should reflect your complete employment history (to include all job duties responsibilities and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see LinkedIn Profile”). The responses to the supplemental questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on your application.

When completing the City of Austin employment application: A detailed and complete job application is required and helps us to better evaluate your qualifications. In completing your job application, please be sure to provide a COMPLETE employment history regarding any and all relevant work experience that you would like for us to consider. If you are applying for a driving position that requires a Commercial Driver License (CDL), please list ALL CDL employers on your application. This information is used to determine your salary for CDL jobs.

Virtual Interviews: Austin Resource Recovery may conduct virtual interviews.

Criminal Background Investigation: This position does require a Criminal Background Investigation.

Skills Assessments: A competency assessment may be required to verify your skill set.

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other similar positions within Austin Resource Recovery outside of the division listed above.

Nepotism Policy: The City of Austin Nepotism Policy states, “No person, regardless of job title or length of tenure with the City, shall be employed in a position in which the relative has direct or indirect supervisory authority regarding the terms and conditions of their relative’s employment.”

Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds or prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Driving Requirement:
This position must travel between various locations as part of the regular job duties and the individual may be required to drive a City vehicle.

References and Employment Verification: If selected you will be required to provide three professional references, with one being your current or most recent supervisor.

Resume/Cover Letter: Please upload your resume and cover letter along with your completed application. Your application should reflect your complete employment history (to include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”)

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Essential/Critical Employee Designation: Some positions are designated as critical or essential. Employees in these roles are required to report to work during emergencies or when operations are modified. This may include working from a designated site or an alternative work location.

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Benefits: Working with the City of Austin at Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Learn more about City of Austin Benefits .

This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. This is a federal program designed to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans upon meeting program requirements.

Military/Veteran: Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All Austin Resource Recovery locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any ARR worksite - including parking lot or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-03