Community Engagement Coordinator / Fire Department
Salary
$63,172.00 Annually
Location
Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters - 700 College Avenue, Athens, GA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2026-2023
Department
Fire
Division
Community Risk Reduction
Opening Date
07/28/2026
Closing Date
8/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
REPORTS TO: Fire Marshal, or Designee
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Professional
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System; Requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: 120
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this position is to coordinate and deliver community engagement, public education, fire and life safety outreach, and assists with public information initiatives on behalf of the Fire Department. This position develops, implements, and supports programs designed to reduce community risk, increase public awareness of fire and life safety issues, strengthen relationships between the department and the community, and provide accurate and timely public information through a variety of communication platforms.
Job Related Requirements
Work Schedule: Generally, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Week to week schedules may vary and include some extended and flexible hours based on evening and weekend responsibilities. Will be required to work on some evenings and weekends.
May be required to work during emergency situations.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACCs safe driving policy.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science, Fire Prevention, Education, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field with two years of public relations or related experience required, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must obtain and maintain Fire and Life Safety Educator certification within 12 months of date of hire.
Ability to obtain and maintain additional certifications related to assigned duties, including but not limited to: Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist I, Child Passenger Safety Technician (Car Seat Technician), Community Risk Reduction Specialist within 12 months of hire.
Must possess a valid drivers license.
Cannot have been convicted of a felony involving a minor.
Experience with photography, videography, graphic design, animation, social media management, and website content development is preferred.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Community Risk Reduction and Public Education
Lead and coordinate fire and life safety education programs, including the Fire Safety House, hands-only CPR training, campus fire safety initiatives, smoke alarm installation programs, and youth Firesetter intervention services.
Develop, implement, and evaluate community risk reduction initiatives designed to reduce fires, injuries, and other preventable emergencies.
Serve as a Youth Firesetter Program Specialist by providing education and intervention services aimed at reducing youth-related fire incidents.
Coordinate and facilitate school-based fire and life safety education programs and maintain relationships with local schools and educational partners.
Conduct workshops, presentations, tours, demonstrations, and educational programs for schools, businesses, civic organizations, neighborhood groups, and community stakeholders.
Coordinate workplace fire extinguisher training and other safety education programs for public and private organizations.
Develop and maintain educational materials, displays, exhibits, and outreach resources to support public safety initiatives.
Assist with smoke alarm installation campaigns, home safety assessments, and other community risk reduction efforts.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Develop, implement, and support community engagement strategies that increase public participation and awareness of Fire Department services, programs, and initiatives.
Coordinate Fire Department participation in public events, festivals, community meetings, open houses, and other outreach opportunities.
Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, homeowner associations, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and underrepresented populations.
Represent the Fire Department at meetings, workshops, conferences, and public functions.
Coordinate outreach equipment, educational props, trailers, displays, and associated materials, ensuring proper maintenance and readiness.
Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of public outreach campaigns and special projects.
Public Information and Media Relations
Create, manage, and distribute content for social media, websites, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, news releases, and other informational materials.
Maintain and update departmental social media platforms and assist with website content management.
Produce multimedia content utilizing photography, videography, graphic design, animation, livestreaming technologies, and other emerging communication tools.
Photograph and record videos during emergency incidents, ceremonies, training events, community outreach activities, and special events as assigned.
Assist with media relations activities, including preparation of news releases, public service announcements, media advisories, and public information campaigns.
Monitor media coverage, social media trends, and community concerns and provide recommendations regarding public communication strategies.
Respond to requests for information from officials, employees, community members, and media representatives utilizing departmental records management systems and available resources.
Assist in communicating emergency preparedness, disaster response, and public safety information during emergencies and significant incidents.
Administrative Responsibilities
Maintain records and documentation related to educational programs, outreach activities, grant-funded projects, and community engagement efforts.
Collect and analyze program participation data and performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness.
Assist with grant applications, reports, budget requests, and funding opportunities related to public education and community risk reduction initiatives.
Prepare reports, presentations, correspondence, and other administrative documents.
Coordinate volunteers, interns, and community partners involved in outreach and educational activities.
Attend conferences, seminars, and professional development opportunities to remain current on trends and best practices in community risk reduction, public education, communications, and public engagement.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
May attend meetings of the Mayor & Commission; interdepartmental committees; community boards, authorities, commissions, task forces, and committees; and community organizations.
Drafts media releases for approval by Fire Department Public Information Officer and/or other departments as necessary. Assists with monitoring of media coverage and community issues.
Works with other Fire Department Public Information Officer and Fire Marshal Office staff to coordinate assignments and oversight of interns.
Assists with the development of interdepartmental communication.
Performs clerical duties related to position.
Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of fire prevention, life safety education, community risk reduction, and public outreach principles.
Knowledge of public relations, media relations, social media management, and public information practices.
Familiarity of graphic design, photography, videography, website content management systems, and digital communication tools.
Ability to develop and deliver engaging educational presentations to audiences of all ages.
Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate public education and outreach programs.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community members, elected officials, media representatives, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders.
Ability to compile, analyze, and present data and program outcomes.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Ability to operate office equipment, computers, audio-visual equipment, cameras, and related technology.
Ability to respond effectively during emergency situations and communicate under stressful conditions.
Ability to develop and deliver public presentations.
Familiarity with graphic design systems, web content management systems, online newsletters, and social media applications highly desirable.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to work in a team environment and independently.
Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply the regulations and procedures of the office.
Ability to utilize a personal computer and various software programs for daily assignments.
Ability to operate office and audio-visual equipment.
Supplemental Information
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, typewriter, copier, fax, camera, tape recorder, and calculator. Must be able to use body members to work, move, or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving and receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants and from supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of schedules, permits, minutes, news releases, reports and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare reports, news releases, minutes, letters, and other documents using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people and groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques, to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation, and to make independent judgments in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including legal and marketing terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, and to utilize and determine percentages.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a computer, typewriter, copier, fax, camera, tape recorder, and calculator.
MOTOR COORDINATION: May require the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using a computer, typewriter, copier, fax, camera, tape recorder, and calculator. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as a computer, typewriter, copier, fax, camera, tape recorder, and calculator. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating the other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.
Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well-established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.
Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.
Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.
As an Employer of Choice, we offer:
Health
Wellness
Family and Career
Time
Money
Protection
To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.
BENEFITS
http://www.accgov.com/434/Benefits
WELLNESS
http://www.accgov.com/wellness
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
http://www.accgov.com/index.aspx?nid=791
01
Which best describes your highest level of education?
02
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science, Fire Prevention, Education, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field?
03
If you chose other related field, please type below. If not type N/A.
04
How many years of experience do you have in public relations, marketing, education or a related field?
05
Please describe your work with developing and/or delivering any type of programming. If none you must type N/A.
06
How would you describe your experience with photography, videography, graphic design, animation, social media management, and website content development?
07
Do you possess a valid Drivers License?
Required Question
Employer Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County
Address 375 Satula Avenue
Human Resources Department
Athens, Georgia, 30601
Phone 706-613-3090
Website http://www.accgov.com
| Location | Athens, GA |