Public Relations Specialist 1785

DUTIES

ANNUAL SALARY

$59,215 to $86,568; $67,525 to $98,699

The salary in the Department of Water and Power is $85,315 to $106,007; $93,166 to $115,758; $95,544 to $117,450; $103,460 to $128,537; and $106,592 to $132,441.

NOTES:

Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer. Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions. For information regarding reciprocity between the City of Los Angeles departments and LADWP, go to http://per.lacity.org/Reciprocity_CityDepts_and_DWP.pdf.
Public Relations Specialists utilize various techniques in the preparation and dissemination of material regarding City activities for informational or educational purposes using outreach efforts such as social media, digital content or digital marketing; may coordinate public relations events or programs; and may assist with the distribution of information in the event of emergency situations.

REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university including completion of 24 semester or 36 quarter units in public relations, journalism, or communications.

Each year of full-time paid professional experience in the fields of journalism, public relations, or media relations may be substituted for 12 semester or 18 quarter units of the required coursework.

PROCESS NOTES

Applicants who are currently enrolled in their final semester or quarter before graduation from an accredited college or university may apply. However, they cannot be appointed until graduation and completion of all coursework, including the 24 semester units or 36 quarter units described in the Requirement section. Applicants must list their school name and location, type of degree earned, and major in the Education section of the application; and applicants that have completed courses in public relations, journalism, or communications as stated in the requirement, must list the course titles with the number of semester or quarter units, school attended and completion dates in the Supplemental Questions Section of the application. Applicants who fail to provide this information on their application will not be considered further in this examination and their applications will not be processed. Please note that qualifying education must be from a college or university accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at http://per.lacity.org/Accredited%20Institutions%2008-21-08.pdf. Applicants wishing to substitute qualifying work experience gained outside of the City of Los Angeles for the required coursework in public relations, journalism, or communications, the term “professional experience” applies to positions that require possession of a degree from an accredited four-year college or university in order to obtain that position. Therefore, to be considered “professional”, non-City qualifying experience must be gained in positions after obtaining a four-year degree. Some positions may require a valid California driver’s license. Candidates may not be eligible for appointment to these positions if their record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation (such as DUI). An employee in this position may be subject to weekend and evening work assignments. Candidates completing the examination process will be contacted by the Personnel Department to provide required proof of qualifying degree and coursework. Applicants who wish to expedite this process may attach a copy of their qualifying degree and transcripts (annotated with public relations, journalism, or communications courses, credit earned, and grade received) to their on-line application at the time of filing in the Attachments section.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions. Only persons possessing the following at the time of filing may be considered for appointment to fill such positions.

The ability to speak or write a language other than English.

NOTE:

Applicants that desire to be considered for this Selective Certification must specify the language other than English in the appropriate box on the application. Applicants who fail to provide the information at the time of filing will not be considered further in selective certification.

WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the “Apply” icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity.

NOTE:

Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications must be received by THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles who meet the minimum requirements, or are on a reserve list; 2) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on a random sampling of those qualified candidates. Applications submitted during the filing period may be kept on file in the event that additional applicants need to be tested to meet hiring needs.

SELECTION PROCESS

Examination Weight:

Essay - Advisory

Interview - 100%

The examination will consist of an on-line advisory essay and an interview. In the interview, emphasis may be placed on the candidate’s experience, training and personal qualifications as they demonstrate the ability to: understand, organize, and transfer concepts, ideas, and suggestions into a practical and effective public relations program; effectively manage and prioritize multiple assignments; communicate and interact tactfully and effectively, and build and foster relationships with the public, representatives of the media, government officials, colleagues and stakeholders; speak effectively and accurately communicate messages and gather pertinent information; draw out opinions, ideas, and facts for presentation, dissemination, and to influence department actions; conduct research; effectively write and edit news releases, outreach and marketing materials, radio and television scripts, and social media posts to promote and communicate important messages; use proper English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; communicate complex and technical written information in terms understood by the general public; maintain composure and professionalism while handling crises and interacting with difficult people and situations; operate technology sufficient to use e-mails, chats, text messages, social media and other applications; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Prior to the interview, applicants will be required to prepare some written material related to the duties and responsibilities of a Public Relations Specialist. This essay material will not be separately scored, but will be presented to the interview board for review and consideration, which may include discussion, in the overall evaluation of the candidate. Those who do not complete the advisory essay will not be invited to the interview and will be considered to have failed the entire examination. To be considered complete, the advisory essay must include a substantive response for each question or problem included in the advisory essay for which an applicant is required to provide an answer. Please note that applicants must complete the advisory essay and meet the minimum qualification as stated on this bulletin in order to be considered further in the examination process.

The advisory essay will be administered on-line. Applicants invited to participate in the examination will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the specific steps needed to complete the on-line advisory essay. Applicants will be required to complete the on-line advisory essay between JUNE 24, 2024 and JULY 1, 2024. Applicants who fail to complete the advisory essay as instructed may be disqualified.

Candidates will be notified by e-mail of the date, time, and location of the interviews, which may be held in Los Angeles or on-line. It is anticipated that interviews will begin during the period of JULY 29, 2024 to AUGUST 9, 2024.

NOTES :

This examination is based on a validation study.
As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
In accordance with Civil Service Rule, Sec. 4.24, review periods may be combined. Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in Sec. 4.20, 4.22 and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list.
For candidates seeking initial City employment, in accordance with Los Angeles City Ordinance 187134, information regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements as conditions of employment may be found at: https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0921_ord_187134_8-24-21.pdf.

Notice :

If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY
ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

For additional information and FAQs regarding the City’s hiring process, please go to: https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html

There are many things to consider in a new employer. Visit the following webpage to view benefits the City of Los Angeles offers its employees:

http://per.lacity.org/bens/index.html

Closing Date/Time: 5/9/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

59,215

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