Information Specialist III: P Performs complex informational and media relations work. Duties involve the comprehensive preparation, coordination, and dissemination of public information, and the stimulation of public participation and representation in agency programs. Trains others, including student interns. Coordinates statewide programs and projects. Coordinates production of weekly packet of TPWD news releases, including writing, editing and distribution of news covering all aspects of TPWD business. Responds to news media information requests and facilitates coverage of TPWD business. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. Information Specialist IV: P performs the duties of an Information Specialist III at an advanced level by supervising the production of weekly packet of TPWD news releases and performing other advanced communications and media relations duties, working under direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

TPWD Job Posting 06-04-023
Information Specialist III-IV
Additional vacancies that occur during this posting will be filled with the pool of applicants within this posting period.

Position Title: Information Specialist III-IV
Posting Number: 06-04-023
Posting Date: September 27, 2005
Closing Date: October 10, 2005
Class/Salary Group: 1832-1833/B10-B13
Salary: $3,042-$3,658.72/Mo.
Division: Communications/News & Information
Position Location: TPWD Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744
Hiring Contact: Tom Harvey
Phone: 512/389-4453
Fax: 512/389-4861
E-Mail: hr@tpwd.state.tx.us

General Position Description: Information Specialist III: P Performs complex informational and media relations work. Duties involve the comprehensive preparation, coordination, and dissemination of public information, and the stimulation of public participation and representation in agency programs. Trains others, including student interns. Coordinates statewide programs and projects. Coordinates production of weekly packet of TPWD news releases, including writing, editing and distribution of news covering all aspects of TPWD business. Responds to news media information requests and facilitates coverage of TPWD business. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. Information Specialist IV: P performs the duties of an Information Specialist III at an advanced level by supervising the production of weekly packet of TPWD news releases and performing other advanced communications and media relations duties, working under direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Working Conditions: (1) Required to occasionally travel with overnight stays; (2) Required to work on weekend per year at the Annual Texas Wildlife Expo.; (3) Non-smoking work environment in State buildings and vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree with major course work in Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Communications or related field. Acceptable Substitutions: One additional year journalism, public relations, communication or related experience may substitute for thirty semester hours of the required education, with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours. Preferred Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Communications or related field.

Experience: Information Specialist III: Five years experience in journalism, public relations, communications or related field; Information Specialist IV, qualifications of an Information Specialist III, PLUS: Three additional years experience in journalisim, public relations, communications or related field.

License/Certifications: Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class “C” Texas driver’s license.

Selection Criteria:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Information Specialist III: (1) In-depth knowledge of agency programs, policies, objectives, technology, and terminology; and of the operation of all types of communication media, their material requirements and approach to subject matter; (2) Skill in designing communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency; to prepare copy and/or scripts; and to design broad communications plans and materials to fit specific communications needs; (3) Ability to train; translate agency programs and research, and to prepare or edit news copy or scripts and to coordinate the collection, preparation and distribution of information; (4) Ability to coordinate statewide programs. Information Specialist IV, KSAs of Information Specialist III, PLUS: (5) Ability to supervise and assign work to others; to research, prepare, and direct information effectively; to accurately interpret and translate agency programs and research, and to track numerous projects at different stages of development from conceptualization through planning to completion; (6) Ability to manage multiple high profile projects at once.

Additional Requirements: : Copies of official transcripts required at time of application, if applicable.
Forward Application To: TPWD Human Resources Division, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744.