Public Information Specialist, PN: 20049885
Who We Are:
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) oversees building and maintaining the nation’s 5th largest interstate system and the 3rd largest number of bridges. We take pride in providing safe and efficient roadways for the people of Ohio and to the people traveling within our great state. And in order to achieve that, we do A LOT! From Planning, Engineering, Construction to Law, HR, Communications, IT and everything in between, ODOT has a career for just about everyone. ODOTers are hardworking, passionate, and dedicated to public service. We strive to achieve our agency’s vision every day: To be a long term, reliable, professional, and highly productive organization.
ODOT's Mission Statement:
To provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future.
Benefits to you:
- Extensive benefits including medical, vision, dental and basic life insurance
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Paid time off with vacation, sick and personal leave accruals
- At least a 14% employer contribution in to your OPERS pension plan
- Pay increases pursuant to the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Employee Tuition reimbursement programs
- The opportunity to work on an important mission
As a Public information Specialist, you'll have the exciting opportunity to plan, develop, and roll out engaging public information programs that keep the community informed and connected. Whether it's sharing updates about new road openings, construction projects, or upcoming maintenance, you'll be the voice that communicates these important messages to the public. You'll get to play a key role in building our online presence, crafting fun and creative digital marketing strategies to showcase the department's work and attract new talent. You'll update the Ohio Highway Guide (OHGO) with the latest info and design eye-catching map graphics for our social media and websites. Not only will you help shape the public's perception of our work, but you'll also write and edit press releases, newsletters, and articles. You will identify a caller's needs, addressing their concerns, and finding solutions where possible.
Why Work for the State of Ohio
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
- Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Qualifications
24 months experience in field of journalism or communication dealing in public multi-media techniques & relations, public speaking, news writing, reporting & editing.
- Or completion of undergraduate core program in journalism or communication; 1 course or 3 months experience in public relations.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
Job Skills: Communications
Technical Skills: Communications, Transportation
Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Creativity, Problem Solving, Time Management, Written Communication, Verbal Communication
Supplemental Information
Please describe your education and work experience in detail in these two sections on your application. It must clearly indicate how the minimum qualifications &/or position specific minimum qualifications, if applicable, are met. Applications that do not, will not be given consideration.
The final applicant accepted for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis prior to appointment to test for illegal drug use. Medical marijuana is prohibited as a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test. An applicant with a positive test result will not be offered employment, per section 3719.01 & 3719.41 of Ohio revised code.
All bargaining unit new hires must serve a one (1) year probationary period.
Position will be filled pursuant to the provision of the OCSEA/AFSCME Contract.
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
