2J01

                                                                                                                         PAY RANGE: EP10

PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST TRAINEE

(Bilingual)

(General)

GENERAL DEFINITION

            This is public information and promotional work of a training nature.  Employees in this class learn to prepare promotional and informational materials in a variety of formats and participate in planning promotional programs.  Assignments expand in complexity and scope as the employee gains experience in the work.  Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS:  (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

· Positions in this class must perform training level public information and promotional work.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

            Participates in obtaining information on current issues affecting non‑English language speaking community; maintains a mailing list of persons active in the various language community groups; writes and/or translates informational and educational newspaper articles, radio scripts, pamphlets, leaflets, speeches and brochures.

BOTH SPECIALTIES

            Receives on‑the‑job instructions in the techniques of gathering information, writing and arranging for the publication of newspaper articles, bulletins, pamphlets and other materials on objectives, functions, and accomplishments of the department; participates with a higher level informational officer in the planning of informational programs for publicizing departmental functions utilizing a variety of news media.

            Learns to prepare materials for printing; proofreads galley and page proofs; works with the printer to obtain material in accordance with specifications.

            Develops techniques for the release of materials to reporters and editors of newspaper and broadcasting media; learns to work with advisory committees, local, civic and governmental officials on planning publicity programs and to arrange for the publication of materials; may attend community events, meetings, press conferences, and ceremonial events.

            Performs related work as required.

DIGITAL MEDIA ASSIGNMENT

Assists higher level technical staff in drafting less complex content for departmental social media channels or blog posts; performs beginner level graphic and photo editing; responds to online inquiries from citizens.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· English usage, grammar, rhetoric, punctuation and spelling

· modern journalistic principles and practices

· modern methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public and of print, electronic, and social media available for such activities

· public relations principles and practices

ABILITY TO:

· prepare interesting and informative news releases, articles, speeches, bulletins, reports and other informational material

· learn social media best practices

· learn to edit graphics and photos for the Digital Media Assignment only

· evaluate various subject matter materials critically from the standpoint of listener, viewer or reader interest

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, the public, local, civic and business officials, and representatives of the news media

· speak, read, and write fluently in a specified non‑English language and the English language for the Bilingual specialty

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 2/18.)

EDUCATION:

            Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, marketing, media studies, public relations or a related area.

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

            Sufficient training to be able to read, write, and speak effectively in the specified non‑English language required by the job assignment.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

            Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

                                                                                                                         Class Established:

                                                                                                                                         CSC - 9/67

                                                                                                                             Ad. Board ‑ 10/67

                                                                                                                               Spec. Revision:

                                                                                                                                      CSC ‑ 10/91

                                                                                                                             Ad. Board - 12/91

                                                                                                                  Latest Spec. Revision:

                                                                                                                                         CSC ‑ 1/18

                                                                                                                                Ad. Board - 2/18

JH