Public Relations Specialist jobs in Burlington, VT

PROVISIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Either 1. a bachelor's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND TWO YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs;
Or 2. a master's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND ONE YEAR of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs.

Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or

Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
or

Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 16 or higher and either:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below;
or

Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Educator 2 or Environmental Program Specialist 1.

55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program:

Either 1. a bachelor's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND TWO YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs;
Or 2. a master's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND ONE YEAR of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs.

Preferred Qualifications:
Strong verbal and written communication skills. Background experience in recreation education and Leave No Trace is a plus.

Region 5 encompasses ¾ of the Adirondack Park and serves Clinton, Franklin, Essex, Hamilton, Fulton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. The region manages over 2 million acres of Forest Preserve Land; about 500,000 acres of conservation easement lands; 61,000 acres of state forests lands; 6,100 acres of wildlife management lands; over 2,000 miles of trails; 44 campgrounds and day use areas; 150 boat launching sites; approximately 3,400 lakes and ponds ranging in size from high-altitude ponds of an acre or less to water bodies the size of Lake Champlain; and 856 miles of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers.

The Public Participation Specialist (PPS) will assist with important initiatives in the region like managing high use in the High Peaks and educating the public on safe and sustainable outdoor recreation and Leave No Trace. Other high-profile projects the PPS will assist with is the Visitor Use Management project in the High Peaks, the development of the Adirondack Rail Trail, and the Hiker Information Station program.

Daily duties will include assisting DEC programs with public participation, education and outreach efforts, including, but not limited to, developing communication plans, webpages, newsletters, social media posts, presentations, posters, brochures, tip strips, and fact sheets; distribution of information through attending, organizing, facilitating; preparing responses to inquiries from the public; updating the Region 5 internal website; managing events, public meetings, conferences, and ceremonies.

The PPS will also be charged with media relations through communications with local media; preparation of inquiry responses; briefing senior staff on news stories; developing press releases; and organizing, facilitating, and attending press events.

The Region 5 PPS is a fast-paced position crossing many facets of DEC and supports every program within the region.

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel may be required. Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.