Description
Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.
Sarasota County is seeking an Emergency Services Public Information Officer to serve as the lead communications representative for Emergency Services. In this role, you will develop and deliver timely, accurate, and effective public information strategies that support Fire Rescue, EMS, Emergency Management, Special Operations, and disaster response efforts, while ensuring alignment with the County’s overall communications approach.
This position plays a critical role in emergency communications, media relations, crisis messaging, and community outreach, helping keep the public informed during both routine operations and high-impact events. If you are a skilled communicator who thrives in fast-paced environments and wants to make a meaningful impact by supporting public safety and your community, we encourage you to apply today.
About the Position
In this role, you will be responsible for...
Media Relations & Public Information:
Serve as a key communications liaison between Emergency Services, the media, and the public, delivering timely, accurate information during day-to-day operations and emergency incidents.
Act as the designated or alternate Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, disasters, EOC activations, and major public safety events, including on-scene response when needed.
Write and distribute press releases, media statements, emergency alerts, and public safety messaging, while coordinating interviews, press conferences, and media briefings.
Partner with Incident Command, Emergency Management, law enforcement, and other agencies to ensure clear, consistent messaging during fast-moving situations.
Promote department programs, services, and success stories while monitoring media coverage to support accurate and effective public communication.
Content Development & Digital Engagement:
Create engaging multimedia communications content across websites, social media, video, photography, digital messaging, and marketing materials.
Develop clear, accurate content related to Emergency Services operations, including fire rescue, EMS, emergency management, and public safety initiatives.
Support real-time incident communications during emergencies in coordination with County Communications and Emergency Management teams.
Ensure messaging aligns with County branding, communication standards, and strategic priorities.
Develop after-action stories, incident recaps, and public-facing content that highlights Emergency Services programs and impact.
Community Outreach & Strategic Communications:
Lead and support public education and awareness campaigns focused on emergency preparedness, fire prevention, hurricane readiness, CPR/AED awareness, and other life safety topics.
Advise leadership on communications strategies, messaging, and public engagement efforts that support County priorities and Emergency Services initiatives.
Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and partner agencies, representing the County at meetings, events, and outreach activities.
Coordinate outreach and communications initiatives that strengthen community awareness and trust in Emergency Services programs, projects, and operations.
Participate in emergency planning, drills, and exercises, helping prepare for effective public communication during incidents.
Requirements
About the Schedule
Work Hours:
Full-time, 40 hours per week.
Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This position will require after-hours availability for on-call, media relations, emergency communications, public information needs, and/or time-sensitive issues affecting County operations or public safety.
As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.
About You
To be considered for this role, you must have the following:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, or Mass Communications is required with 5+ years of experience.
OR: Master’s degree in one of the above or related fields with 3+ years of related experience.
OR: 10+ years of related professional experience may substitute for the required education.
Valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.
The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:
Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.
Background in public-sector communications, preferably within county or municipal government, public safety, emergency management, or public administration environments.
Proven success serving as a Public Information Officer (PIO), media relations representative, or communications lead for a government agency, public safety organization, or large public institution.
Skilled in strategic communications, public information campaigns, crisis messaging, and emergency response communications, including support during high-profile or time-sensitive incidents.
Strong ability to manage media relations, including responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews, drafting press releases, speeches, advisories, and public-facing communications.
Proficiency in creating digital and multimedia content, including social media, photography, video, marketing materials, and storytelling to engage the public.
Familiarity with ICS, NIMS, emergency management principles, and mass notification systems; FEMA ICS certifications (ICS-100, 200, 700, 800, 300) preferred.
Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively with leadership, elected officials, media representatives, community stakeholders, and emergency response teams.
Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills with the flexibility to manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and a “one team” mindset.
Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of 5 years.
Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs.
CJIS Clearance: The successful candidate will be subject to an extensive background check(s) as part of the hiring process.
About Everything Else
Starting Pay Range: $64,812.80 (minimum), up to $87,526.40 (midpoint); based on qualifications.
