The Bay Area Air District (Air District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices.
The Air District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma.
The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Public Information Officer I/II in the Communications Office. This is an open recruitment for one (1) vacancy which is a full-time, represented position.
DEFINITION
Under direction, develops and implements a comprehensive public information and community relations program for the District; acts as District liaison with community and news media to disseminate information about District programs, air quality hazards and events; performs related work as assigned.
What you will do:
In this role, you will also collaborate closely with the Community Investments Office to develop and implement communication strategies that highlight air quality improvement projects funded by penalty revenues. You will create compelling content to showcase these projects—from launch through completion—across multiple platforms, ensuring that impacted communities and the broader public understand the benefits and outcomes. You will coordinate with project managers, community partners, and other stakeholders to gather information, craft clear and accessible messages, and share success stories that demonstrate tangible community benefits.
About the position:
This position will be housed in the Communications Office but will work in close coordination with the Community Investments Office to publicize air quality projects funded by penalty revenues from air quality incident enforcement actions. These projects are designed to mitigate the impacts of pollution in affected communities. The ideal candidate will have experience developing and executing outreach campaigns for grant-funded programs or similar community-based initiatives, ideally in a government or nonprofit setting. Familiarity with communicating the goals, progress, and outcomes of funded projects to diverse audiences—including community members, partner organizations, and elected officials—is highly desirable.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Public Information Officer I is the entry level class of the public information series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn agency policies, procedures and regulations in preparation for handling inquiries regarding the Air District's practices and for developing technical brochures. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This class is alternately staffed with Public Information Officer II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating knowledge which meets the qualifications of the higher level class.
Public Information Officer II is the journey level class of this series, fully competent to perform the full range of duties associated with a comprehensive public information and community relations program. General guidelines for action are normally established; however, day-to-day activities require the use of initiative and independent judgment, particularly when responding to inquiries from members of the media, Board of Directors and the public. This class is distinguished from the Director of Public information in that the latter has overall managerial responsibility for the Division's staff and activities.