Public Relations Officer

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelors degree with a major in public relations communications marketing or journalism.

• Two years of directly related experience.

• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.

To be considered for Department of Livestock positions applicants must apply and submit any required application materials through the State of Montana Careers Website at .

This recruitment is currently advertised as open until filled with a first review of applications on March 16 2026.

Materials Required of Applicants:

• Cover Letter:

  In your cover letter please briefly explain how your background has prepared you to be successful in this position and why you would be the best person for the role.

• Resume
• References:References are required of applicants prior to an offer of employment however are not required as part of the initial submission process.

About this Opportunity! The Montana Department of Livestock is searching for a creative and professional individual with a passion for the Livestock industry to join the Livestock Central Services Team as a Public Relations Officer.

Overview of the Department: The Department of Livestock is responsible for the control and eradication of animal diseases the prevention of the transmission of animal disease to humans and for the protection of the livestock industry from theft and predatory animals.

The Centralized Services Division - provides a wide range of services and support for the five divisions in the department. Responsibilities include budgeting accounting payroll HR-personnel purchasing property inventory information technology legal and general services and other operational support that assists in meeting the Departments mission.

Job Overview: The Public Relations Officer with the Department of Livestock has a primary responsibility to promote and create a favorable public image for the Department and all of its programs by developing informational and promotional materials and releasing it to the appropriate audience through various communication methods. The Public Relations Officer contributes to and supports our internal and external communications strategy writes and disseminates publicity material responds to inquiries from the public and media manages the agencys social media communications and coordinates promotional events. This position is responsible for special projects as directed by the Directors Office and serves as a liaison between the Directors Office and external/internal entities.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

Public Relations Duties:

• Develop edit and promote informational materials about agency activities or programs.

• Release informational materials through various communications methods such as press releases websites and social media.

• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with people outside the agency or program.

• Represent the agency or program to internal and external stakeholders such as other agencies media public or interest groups.

• Respond to requests for information.

• Update agency or program websites.

• Work to ensure effective and consistent messaging in all areas of communication.

• Write and/or deliver talking points speeches or press releases to further public-relations objectives.

• Influence a diverse group of stakeholders.

• Develop a comprehensive strategic communication plan for the agencys overall public information and outreach efforts.

• Interpret and apply laws rules regulations and policies for public-relations operations.

• Prepare factual compelling presentations to support the interests goals and strategic plans of the department.

• Prepare testimony and other information for presentation to legislative committees boards or other public councils.

Additional Duties:

• Special projects as requested by other Divisions of the Department.

• Communications Liaison with Governors Office

• All other additional duties as assigned

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of Montana Livestock Agriculture and other related programs.

• Knowledge and experience in effective public relations social media and various forms of communications.

• Communicate effectively and diplomatically to various audiences with skills writing editing and public speaking; understanding of mass media and relationships between citizens and public agencies.

• Proficient knowledge of social media newspaper radio and television production procedures and evolving methods of communication.

• Proficient in MS Office products graphic design and publications programs operation of standard equipment for photography recording audio editing and videotaping.

• Ability to quickly learn Agency programs systems and functions.

• Skills in effective public speaking tact and respect for other points of view along with the ability to persuade others of Agencys reasons for actions and decisions and the ability to display poise and professionalism in confrontational situations.

• Knowledge of standard office procedures along with maintaining electronic and physical files.

• Ability to Identify operational and customer needs;

• Resolve problems using critical thinking skills;

• Ability to provide exceptional customer service;

• Prioritize workload and work on multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining flexible;

• Effectively work both in a team environment and independently to achieve objectives and timelines;

• Adapt to changing conditions and work responsibilities.

• Takes accountability for completing work in an ethical and efficient manner.

Physical and Environmental Demands: The individual in this position will be performing job duties in a typical office environment. Expected to work odd hours and adapt quickly to changing circumstances in order to gather information for the Agency and the public. . More than 8 hours in a workday may be required on occasion. May carry camera tripod camcorder recording equipment or other items as needed. May work with equipment requiring repetitive motions. Frequent interactions with the public and other department staff is common. This position must be flexible to work on other projects as requested and changing priorities. Minimal travel may be required on occasion such as to public meetings or newsworthy events of the Agency. Options to telework may be approved on a case-by-case basis however full-time telework is not an option.

Now... if you feel this job is for you here are the reasons to work for the Montana Department of Livestock:

Our Work Matters! We are proud of the work we do to find out more about the Department of Livestock visit our websiteat or click HERE.

Your Total Rewards Package as a State of Montana Employee- When you work for the State of Montana the compensation for your hard work is more than just a paycheck. Our robust total rewards package invests in your long-term well-being and success. Other Benefits include:

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive health dental vision life insurance coverage flexible spending accounts and EAP.

• Retirement: Choice between two retirement plans with a strong employer contribution (8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary).

• Work/Life Balance: A combination of 38 paid days off a year (vacation sick leave and holidays). Partial telework or hybrid schedules may be available.

• Career Growth: Significant opportunities for career progression training and professional development.

• Financial Benefits: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and potential longevity raises with continuous service.

• On-Site Benefits: Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.
  • ^{This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase effective on July 1 2026.}

Why Montana Work Hard. Play Harder:Montanaconsistently ranks as a premier place to live offering a perfect blend of a friendly vibrant small-town atmosphere and unparalleled access to the Rocky Mountains and world-class outdoor recreation (skiing hiking fishing and more). If you seek a professional challenge alongside an exceptional quality of life this is your chance to join the team in the heart of Montana in Helena.