Public Information Officer (PIO)

Closes on July 25 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) is currently accepting internal and external applications.

The ideal PIO candidate will possess strong writing and creative storytelling capabilities an understanding of the importance for communicating with community members law enforcement partners and members of the media in a timely manner a focus on teamwork ethic with on call responsibilities and the ability to work efficiently and effectively while navigating emergency situations and an overall commitment to the mission vision and values of the organization.

All candidates must submit a written resume and cover letter with the application.

The purpose of the Communications Specialist PIO is to ensure South Metro Fire Rescue effectively disseminates information to various stakeholders in a manner consistent with organizational values. This position is responsible for representing SMFR during emergency incidents responding to and coordinating media requests on scene and following incidents. The Communication Specialist PIO works closely with various stakeholders bureaus and divisions throughout SMFR to understand strategy organizational direction programs and opportunities to effectively execute public relations and social media efforts and deliverables.

Assists in the implementation of the strategic communication plans and tactics to help build and maintain a positive SMFR brand image while strengthening media relations brand awareness and community connectivity.

Participates in the production preparation and delivery of community relations information in a variety of media to include video photography social media and other industry best practices.

Assists with media outreach and public relations.

Assists in facilitating media interviews with SMFR subject matter experts (SMEs).

Helps write edit and produce testimonials and press releases.

Assists with content creation for all social media platforms; assists in managing social media engagement answering direct messages and writing public replies.

Helps in the production of videos for both internal and external audiences such as vlogs training and safety videos. Production duties include but are not limited to: operating and maintaining video cameras; operating and maintaining audio equipment;operating and maintaining lighting equipment; operating and maintaining video editing computers and software; conducting interviews; creating graphics; and manipulating still photographs for use in videos.

Takes video and still pictures at emergency scenes for use in training and communication materials.

Maintains photo and video library and assists all personnel with photo/video needs for presentations trainings etc.

Creates and edits internal communications using the company website email audio video and written publications to disseminate information of organizational-wide importance.

Participates in ensuring effective media relations during major incidents; conducts or coordinates media interviews and press releases in television radio and print formats; responds to media requests for information.

Serves in an on-call capacity for PIO or other emergency and crisis situations as needed.

While on-call must respond to incidents and media requests within 10-minutes of receiving them and arrive on scene within 1-hour as outlined in the PIO standard operating guideline.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.)

Bachelors degree in film and video production journalism public relations communications or a related field is preferred.

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in media relations and program management.

Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Drivers license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the SMFRs Driving Records Policy.

Must obtain CPR certification within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge of principles practices and procedures of media relations social media public relations and communications.

Knowledge of the Colorado Open Records Act Colorado Sunshine Law (open meetings) and HIPPA as they apply to public information releases and District operations.

Knowledge of the principles practices and techniques of modern fire suppression prevention and community risk reduction strategies.

Knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite and various web photo and video development/editing software.

Skill in demonstrating critical thinking and functioning under extreme stress.

Skill in understanding and responding to customer needs.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences.

Ability to handle confidential information and exercise sound judgement.

Ability to exercise initiative and work both independently and as a team.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management employees elected officials media community members and general public.

Ability to process multiple varied tasks and meet deadlines efficiently and effectively.

Ability to operate assigned vehicles.

Ability to respond to emergency incidents and operate within the incident command structure.

Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Communications Bureau Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This is a non-supervisory position.

Requires frequent use of equipment including personal computer (including various software packages database and spreadsheet programs) SMFR automobiles cameras video and sound equipment calculators telephones two-way radios facsimile machines copy machines printers and other general office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to perform climbing balancing stooping kneeling crouching crawling reaching standing walking pushing pulling lifting grasping feeling talking hearing seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision acuity and the ability to adjust his or her focus allowing a broad field of vision.

The primary duties of this job are performed in a climate-controlled office environment. The incumbent will occasionally work at emergency scenes and may be exposed to outside weather conditions and smoke.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) is committed to attracting and retaining highly skilled and motivated employees by offering more than just competitive base pay. All regular full-time employees receive a comprehensive total compensation package that includes base wages accrued leave employer-paid medical dental vision and life insurance premiums Retiree Health Savings contributions Death & Disability coverage and employer-funded pension contributions. Beyond financial benefits SMFR fosters a positive work environment through a strong Fitness Wellness and Rehabilitation Program access to educational opportunities job security and meaningful non-monetary rewards. While we recognize that being an employer of choice means different things to different people based on their individual values SMFRs overall goal is to be a great place to work.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority