About the Department

This Classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026.

The Butte County Administration Department is seeking a Public Information Officer (PIO), to serve as a backup during periods of absence and functions as a PIO during emergency activations. The position is scheduled for approximately 10 hours per week, much of which could be done remotely, assisting with public communications, media inquiries, and outreach activities as needed. Additionally, the incumbent will respond during county emergencies to support timely and effective public information efforts at the County’s Emergency Operations Center.

This is an Extra Help Position.
Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Non-Permanent position. The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department.
For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.13c of the Butte County Personnel Rules.

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs varied professional, technical, and confidential work required to administer public information functions within a County department; provides consulting services to department management and staff on various public information issues; coordinates work with County Communications and Public Information Officer; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Some positions exercise direct supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing public information functions in assigned department. Incumbents exercise independent judgment and have accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff, organizing and overseeing day-to-day human resources functions, and providing professional level support to management and staff in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

Position Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Plans, develops, and directs a comprehensive communication strategy for internal and external communications for assigned department, in cooperation with formal or informal work teams, including developing procedures and action plans for public information, marketing, and communications programs and materials.
Ensures compliance with countywide policies, guidelines, and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information, internally and externally.
Provides technical guidance and consultation to management and staff on departmental communications projects and programs; provides training on media-related processes and procedures.
Advises department heads, management, and staff on media relations; provides guidance on preparing, presenting, and distributing informational materials and communications; prepares materials and scripts for use.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the news media, community groups, elected officials, and other governmental agencies to meet departmental communication and outreach needs; provides information on department services, events, and newsworthy incidents.
Oversees and implements the department’s social media program; maintains department social media platforms and presence; creates digital content by applying graphic design principles and using video editing applications.
Provides creative direction for visual communications including design, layout, and content.
Serves as public information officer for the department during disasters and emergencies.
Creates and updates content and information on the department’s websites.
Researches, compiles, and summarizes data from various sources; writes and edits presentations, speeches, scripts, news releases, public relations articles, factsheets, brochures, bulletins, graphic materials, reports, and educational materials.
Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, electronic and physical files, and records; verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information; ensures compliance with established records retention schedules including archiving, scanning, and destructing files.
Receives, processes, and responds to public records requests, complaints, and other requests for information; researches and organizes information; coordinates resolution to problems and issues.
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of public information.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of strategic communication, public information, media relations, and graphic design.
Principles, techniques, and practices of journalism including expository writing and editing.
Methods to prepare, design, layout, produce, and disseminate educational, informational, and promotional materials.
Best practices for social media and digital content.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to public information programs.
Practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing effective reports and related materials.
Methods and techniques of preparing reports and general business correspondence.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

Plan, develop, and implement department public information programs.
Assist in developing and implement department guidelines and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information.?
Write and edit presentations, speeches, scripts, news releases, public relations articles, factsheets, brochures, bulletins, graphic materials, and educational materials.
Oversee and implement department social media program.
Provide creative direction for visual communications including design, layout, and content.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Organize and maintain accurate recordkeeping systems.
Effectively represent the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, journalism, marketing, communications, public relations, political science, or a related field; and

Three (3) years of experience in public communications, public relations, marketing, or program management.

Certifications and Licenses:

Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

Equipment utilized includes personal computer and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Benefits

Teamsters-Mid Management Benefits Summary

THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES

Salary Step Increases:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

Longevity Pay: 2.5% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 2.5% at 20 years, for a total 7.5% after 20 years of service.

Cell Phone Allowance:
County issued cell phone or $70/month allowance with appointing authority approval.

Uniform Allowance:

$14.00-$21.00/mo. For eligible classifications only. Varies by classification.

Public Safety Dispatcher Pay:
Employees that possess an Intermediate POST Dispatcher Certificate will receive an additional 3.5% of base pay, 4.5% for Advanced POST Dispatcher Certificate, and 2.5% for Supervisory POST Dispatcher Certificate.

Boot Allowance:
$200.04 for each year, paid in monthly installments. Effective January 3, 2026, the $200.04 boot allowance set forth above shall expire, and all members of this Unit shall be eligible for a work boot/footwear reimbursement up to $275.00 annually. For eligible classifications only.

Holidays:
13 paid holidays per year.

Vacation:
0-4.99 years: 15 days/yr.; 5-9.99 years: 20 days/yr.; 10-19.99 years: 25 days/yr.; 20+ years: 27 days/yr.

Administrative Leave:
7 days per year for FLSA Exempt employees.

Sick Leave:
96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.

Bereavement Leave:
Maximum of 40 hours for each occurrence in the immediate family.

Health Plan including Dental Insurance and Vision Insurance:
Coverage under the Butte County Health Plan is for employees and their eligible dependents. Depending upon the plan selected by the employee, the County contributes a substantial amount of the total cost of the complete health package, which consists of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Currently, the amount the County contributes for family coverage is $1438.42/month. For those employees who have health coverage from other sources, and who elect to not participate in the Butte County Health Plan, the County offers a monthly taxable Cash-Back allowance. The current of the taxable Cash-Back allowance is $550.00 per month (prorated for less than fulltime employees).

Teamsters-Mid Management Medical Insurance Plans and Rates

Life Insurance:
The County provides $25,000 in life insurance with additional coverage available at a minimal cost.

Retirement:
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.

"Classic Members"- 2% @ 55. Final compensation based on Single Highest Year. Employee responsible for full 7% employee share effective 1/1/2013.

"New Members" to PERS- 2% @ 62. Final compensation based on Highest Three-Year Average. Employee responsible for one half (1/2) the normal cost of the CalPERS Pension.
"New Member" is defined by law (PEPRA) as an "1) individual who has never been a member of any public retirement system prior to 1/1/2013 or 2) An individual who becomes a member of a public retirement system for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was previously a member of a public retirement system, but who was not subject to reciprocity. or 3) An individual who was an active member in a public retirement system and who, after a break in service of more than six months, returned to active membership in that system with a new employer

Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation program. Deposits into this plan are strictly voluntary and are made through a payroll deduction on a tax-deferred basis. The County does not make contributions to the employees' Deferred Compensation accounts.

Disability Insurance:
For short-term disability, the County participates in California State Disability Insurance (SDI) fund. County employees are also covered by an employee-paid long-term disability program. The long-term disability insurance benefit is 60% of the disabled employee's biweekly wage.

Flexible Spending Program:
County employees can elect to participate in a Flexible Spending Program. This program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and/or dependent care expenses. In addition, employees can choose to have their portion of the monthly Health Plan premium withheld from their checks on a pre-tax basis as well. Generally, employees who participate in the Flexible Spending Program have less taxes withheld for their payroll checks than if they had elected not to do so.

Tuition Reimbursement:
Up to $500/year.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
The County of Butte provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services.
Refer to specific labor agreements (BCEA-General) for additional benefit information.

BUTTE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.

Butte County Human Resources Department
3 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 552.3552

Comments, please email: [email protected]

Supplemental Questions

Your responses to the following questions and any information in your application may be used to make a better assessment of your qualifications. This questionnaire may be used to rate your qualifications and to determine your ranking on the eligible list. Thus, it is to your advantage to be as clear and thorough as possible when completing the supplemental questions.

Any combination of training, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, journalism, marketing, communications, public relations, political science, or a related field; and

Three (3) years of experience in public communications, public relations, marketing, or program management.

*Please explain how you meet the minimum qualifications listed. In your explanation, please include reference to work experience detailed in this application.

Please list the name(s) of your employer(s) and the position(s) you held in which you obtained your experience.
If you do not have this experience, list "N/A"

Please list the duties and the experience you obtained in the positions you listed in Question #2.
If you do not have this experience, list "N/A"

Do you have at least three (3) years progressively responsible experience in public communications, public relations, marketing or program management?

What is your highest level of education completed?

High school diploma or GED equivalent
Some college
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree or higher
None of the above

How did you discover this job opportunity?

Butte County Website
Butte County Human Resources Social Media
CareersInGovernment.com
County Employee
Craigslist.com
Facebook
Instagram
Friend or Relative (word of mouth)
GovernmentJobs.com
Handshake
Indeed.com
Job Fair
Job Interest Card - GovernmentJobs.com
Linkedin
Newspaper - Paper or Online
Departmental Email
Radio
Magazine
Billboard
Other

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Butte County
Address: 3 County Center Drive

Oroville, California, 95965
Phone: 530-552-3552
Website: http://www.buttecounty.net/humanresources

Department Public Information Officer