Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of statewide communications and public affairs strategies for CDFW’s HWC Program.
• Develop proactive and responsive communications plans for complex, sensitive and high-profile wildlife issues, including incidents involving public safety, wildlife interactions, depredation, emerging wildlife concerns and other issues with significant public or media interest.
• Serve as a Department spokesperson and primary media contact on assigned HWC issues.
• Respond to media inquiries; develop talking points, key messages, news releases, media advisories, frequently asked questions and briefing materials; prepare and coordinate subject-matter experts for interviews; and provide communications counsel to Department leadership and program staff.
• Develop and implement statewide public information campaigns designed to prevent and reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote safe coexistence with wildlife.
• Develop communication strategies addressing wildlife attractants, safe wildlife interactions, nonlethal deterrence, incident reporting and other actions that support responsible coexistence.
• Research, write, edit and coordinate HWC content for CDFW websites, social media, publications, presentations, videos, graphics, fact sheets and other public-facing platforms.
• Develop and coordinate communications approaches for communities and stakeholders affected by human-wildlife conflict.
• Work with regional staff, local governments, Tribes, law enforcement agencies, agricultural interests, schools, community organizations, nongovernmental organizations and other partners to identify communication needs and support consistent, locally relevant information.
• Plan and support public meetings, community forums, presentations and other engagement opportunities related to HWC.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
• The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job: Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - The SOQ must be no more than two pages in length, in AP style, single spaced,12-point Century Gothic font with one-inch margins.

Preferred

• Special Personal Characteristics: Appreciation of news value; ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt or recommend for adoption by top management an effective course of action; ability to gain the confidence and respect of persons contacted in the work; ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relations with the news media and other public groups; demonstrated ability to have sound judgement under stress; application of the need to inform and educate the public on various phases of an agency's program.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exercises adaptability and leadership; demonstrates fair-minded and ethical decision-making; works cooperatively with all parties within and outside the Department.

Benefits

• During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.
• Benefits information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.