Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

Salary

$84,922.76 - $95,239.04 Annually

Location

Houston

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

38588

Department

Houston Fire Department

Opening Date

10/26/2026

Closing Date

11/4/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Reporting Location: 500 Jefferson, 17th Floor

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm -Subject to change

THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE YOU TO BE AVAILBLE TO SERVICE A 24/7 DEPARTMENT.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Prepares and distributes responses to all media requests, information interviews, public inquiries, City Council request, etc. Fulfills, requests promptly, accurately and courteously. Represents the Department as a spokesperson and acts as liaison between the Department and community. Makes appearances or responses promptly in a professional, diplomatic manner. Monitors and responds to public feedback relative to departmental activities. Reads, watches, and listens to local and national media daily, regularly familiar with community reaction to department. Promotes departmental activities through appropriate media channels. Keeps in touch with department and media contacts regularly; is accurately informed about community and department activities.

The PIO engages with internal and external stakeholders during the prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and/or mitigation of intentional and unintentional crisis, disasters, other humanitarian emergencies, or hazards, natural and man-made/technological (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, high explosives) events. This position implements the Office of Emergency Management's communication and media program through online and traditional media outlets to promote safety programs and services by working to create a trusted source of information and public awareness and public education of the emergency management program throughout the City of Houston.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements all aspects related to crisis communications, internal communications, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, and brand management
• Handles highly confidential information
• Negotiates solutions for problems of high complexity as needed
• Participates in special projects as assigned by the Deputy Director or designee and acts as liaison with external organizations and other department offices.
• Responsible to maintain website, social media accounts, media inquiries, interviews, press conferences, and other media related items for the department
• Conducts on camera media interviews and coordinates media relations.
• Familiar with National Incident Management System, Incident Command System.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc..

There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

"Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearance where required.

This is a TIER 1 responsibility position with respect to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Most specifically, this means you are responsible for working and being available to work during a natural disaster or catastrophic event.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires a Bachelors degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Five years of progressive professional experience in media, public relations or a closely related field are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

None.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Preferred background with media platforms, superior writing, and inter-personal communications skills.
• Ability to work in an environment involving teamwork, multiple deadlines, rapid communications, and crisis response.
• Understanding of Public Information Act, its application and compliance requirements
• Advanced knowledge of social media, print, electronic, radio/television and other media used to distribute public information. Familiarity with AP Writing Style.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, effective relationships with media outlets, internal management/ non-management employees, City, and other government officials.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and analytical skills to include but not limited to newsletters, fact sheets, news releases, and other forms of publicity.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Management or Supervisory experience of a team
• Valid drivers license.

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: YES

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION:

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 26

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting:http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfmor call (832-393-0203).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0203) . (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

What is the highest level of education you have obtained?

• Less than a High School Diploma/GED
• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree or higher

02

If you answered that you have college degree, what field of study is your degree in?

• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Public Administration
• A related field of study
• A non-related field of study
• I do not have a degree

03

If selected "Related or Non-related field of study", please indicate the degree you obtain (see resume is not acceptable, if statement does not apply please insert N/A)

04

How many years of verifiable professional experience in media, public relations or a closely related field do you have?

• Less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years but less than 10 years
• 10 or more years

05

Are you a current City of Houston employee

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

07

Will you be available to respond to HFD activities outside of normal working hours?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you comfortable working in a high-pressure environment, such as during emergency situations or public safety incidents?

• Yes
• No

09

Have you ever worked with a public safety agency?

• Yes
• No

10

Are you familiar with the following platforms for public communication? (check all that apply)

• Social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
• Press releases
• Public speaking
• Traditional media (e.g., television, radio, print)
• Emergency communication systems
• Websites and digital content management
• None of the above

11

How many years of experience do you have managing a team?

• 1 - 4 years
• 5 - 10 years
• 10 or more years
• I dont have any experience

12

Which of the following best describes your professional experience with the Texas Public Information Act?

• 1 - 4 years
• 5 - 10 years
• 10 or more years
• I dont have any experience

13

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/