PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST III - 42001952 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST III - 42001952 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

🔹 Company: State of Florida

🔹 Location: Tallahassee, Florida, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Government Administration

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-03

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as the division's correspondence control liaison and ensuring responses follow department guidelines.
• Assisting with communications and outreach functions, including consumer education material creation and speaker requests.
• Managing public records requests and implementing public record procedures.
• Supporting the Executive Director of the Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers (PSAM) with planning board functions and preparing board materials.
• Processing new and/or renewal license applications and final orders when necessary.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of communication and coordination with various teams and stakeholders within the division and the department.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serves as the division's correspondence control liaison, coordinating the assignment of correspondence to appropriate staff and ensuring responses follow department guidelines and expected timeframes.

✅ Monitors the department's correspondence system for quality assurance, compiling data on correspondence cases that exceed expected timeframes.

✅ Researches and responds to consumers in a manner consistent with department values and the department's correspondence guide.

✅ Assists with the communications and outreach functions of the division, including researching and writing consumer education material for the monthly consumer newsletter.

✅ Curates and compiles material from other consumer education organizations to include in the monthly consumer newsletter.

✅ Researches and writes consumer education material in response to requests from community publications.

✅ Assists with the review, design, preparation, and distribution of online content, brochures, news releases, articles, and consumer alerts for internal and external customers.

✅ Assists with the processing of consumer education speaker requests and the scheduling of consumer outreach speakers.

✅ Assist with reviewing and managing the division's public-facing web content and employee-facing intranet content.

✅ Monitors and maintains inventory of consumer education publications.

✅ Assists the Executive Director of the Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers (PSAM) with planning board functions and preparing board materials as necessary.

✅ Assists with researching, writing, and curating material for the quarterly PSAM newsletter.

✅ Assists with developing, monitoring, and updating standard operating procedures for the PSAM program.

✅ Assists with processing new and/or renewal license applications when necessary.

✅ Assists with processing final orders, filing such orders with the Agency Clerk, and tracking disciplinary cases when necessary.

✅ Serves as the division's liaison for Public Records Requests, coordinating the assignment of records requests or information requests with appropriate staff and ensuring responses meet division's quality assurance standards and are sent to the correct party within expected timeframes.

✅ Prepares cost estimates/invoices for public record requests.

✅ Responsible for implementing public record procedures.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional experience in communication, writing, editing, or researching or a master's degree from an accredited college or university with one (1) year of experience.

Experience: Four (4) years of professional experience in communication, writing, editing, or researching or a master's degree from an accredited college or university with one (1) year of experience.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Familiarity with public records management and procedures.
• Knowledge of consumer education principles and best practices.
• Experience with content management systems and web content management.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with government agencies or public sector organizations.
• Familiarity with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' mission and programs.

ASSUMPTION: Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000.20 - $75,000.12 per year

Benefits:

• 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;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information available in the job posting. However, the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Government Administration

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was established in 1824.

Company Description:

• The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is to safeguard the public and support Florida's agricultural economy by:
• Ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food and other consumer products through inspection and testing programs;
• Protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices and providing consumer information;
• Assisting Florida's farmers and agricultural industries with the production and promotion of agricultural products; and
• Conserving and protecting the state's agricultural and natural resources by reducing wildfires, promoting environmentally safe agricultural practices, and managing public lands.

Company Specialties:

• Food Safety and Consumer Protection
• Agricultural Production and Marketing
• Natural Resource Conservation and Management

Company Website: https://www.fdacs.gov

ASSUMPTION: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of consumer products, protecting consumers from fraudulent practices, and supporting Florida's agricultural industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Executive Director of the Division of Consumer Services.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a higher-level public relations or communications role within the department or other state agencies.
• Expanding expertise in consumer education, public records management, or other related fields.
• Potential opportunities in leadership or management roles within the division or department.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the department and the broader public sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' headquarters is located in Tallahassee, Florida.

Office Location(s): The division's offices are located in Tallahassee, Florida.

Geographic Context:

• Tallahassee is the state capital and the largest city in the Florida Panhandle region.
• The city is known for its historic neighborhoods, museums, and cultural events.
• Tallahassee experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.

ASSUMPTION: Tallahassee offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities, providing a pleasant work environment for employees.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the state's job portal.
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or a member of the HR team.
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders.
• Background check and reference check.
• Job offer and onboarding.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and writing skills.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Familiarity with public records management and procedures.
• Knowledge of consumer education principles and best practices.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the department's mission and the role's responsibilities in your application materials.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Research the department and the division to show your interest and enthusiasm for the role.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Communications, Consumer Education, Outreach, Writing, Editing, Researching, Correspondence Management, Public Records, Government Agency, State of Florida

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the department's hiring timeline and the number of applicants.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Public Records Management Software
• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Social Media Platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the division and the department.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Accountability
• Customer Focus
• Respect

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Adaptable
• Results-driven
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you ensure that your work aligns with the department's core values?
• Describe a time when you had to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. What was the outcome?
• How do you approach learning new tools or technologies to improve your work efficiency?

ASSUMPTION: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values employees who are committed to public service, exhibit strong work ethic, and demonstrate a passion for the department's mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of correspondence and public records requests.
• Balancing multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic government agency environment.
• Adapting to changes in departmental priorities and initiatives.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong organizational skills, effective time management, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in other industries in its focus on government agency-specific processes and regulations.
• Government agencies often have unique hiring processes, benefits packages, and work environments compared to private sector organizations.
• Career progression in government agencies may follow a different trajectory than in the private sector, with opportunities for advancement based on tenure and performance evaluations.

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of working in a government agency can help candidates tailor their application and interview strategies to better match the specific requirements and expectations of this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a consumer education campaign to raise awareness about a new department initiative.
• Creating a comprehensive guide to help consumers understand their rights and responsibilities regarding a specific department-regulated industry.
• Streamlining the public records request process to improve response times and customer satisfaction.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of initiative expected in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most pressing challenges facing the division currently, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does this role support the department's overall mission and strategic goals?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the division or the department?
• How does the department measure the success of this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to track progress?
• What is the department's approach to work-life balance, and how is it supported in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to contributing to the department's success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the State of Florida's job portal.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Research the department and the division to show your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.