Public Information Officer

Under the direction of the Officer of Public Affairs Manager, the Public Information Officer (PIO) supports the communications efforts of the department and its boards and bureaus. In addition to supporting the department, the PIO provides direct support to a portfolio of boards and bureaus and is responsible for developing and implementing effective communications strategies. The PIO must be able to work independently and with the highest level of professionalism.


The position requires strong media relations experience, writing skills, strategic thinking, creativity, experience with communications plans and strategies, resourcefulness, flexibility and critical thinking.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.


In all job functions, employees are responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Employees are expected to provide all members of the public equitable services and treatment, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and work toward improving outcomes for all Californians.


Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey.

CalCareers Exams: Once you find the job you want, we need to learn more about you. We will evaluate your education, experience, abilities, and knowledge through an assessment. The assessment process can take many forms, including an interview or exam, depending on the job.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, they must reside in the State of California once they are hired and start working.


Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period as outlined on "Section 2113 - Personal Leave Program (PLP)" of the CalHR Manual. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-535928


Position #(s):
605-100-5601-006
605-100-5601-XXX

Working Title:
Public Information Officer


Classification:
INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST) $6,031.00 - $7,547.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
Multiple


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Facility:
Communications Division


Department Information
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and serves California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA educates consumers and protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners.


DCA is a unique and dynamic department consisting of 36 different boards, bureaus, a commission, and a program that license and regulate more than 3.4 million licensees in more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations, and permits. DCA has many exciting career opportunities available and is dedicated to hiring and retaining qualified employees.


The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) supports DCA and its boards and bureaus by developing and executing multifaceted communications plans that help them effectively connect with target audiences. Through a variety of communications channels and a client-centered approach, OPA helps boards and bureaus inform, educate and protect California's consumers.


-DCA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in carrying out its consumer protection mission, and DCA solidifies this commitment starting with its recruitment efforts. DCA enriches its diversity through a workforce that reflects the population it serves, delivers successful results through inclusive teamwork where all contributions are valued, ensure every employee receives fair opportunities to succeed, and enables all employees to do their best by providing access to tools, resources, information, equipment and career development.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/26/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Consumer Affairs
Office of Human Resources
Attn: Recruitment Technician, JC 535928, GP
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-321


Sacramento , CA 95834


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Consumer Affairs
Office of Human Resources
Recruitment Technician, JC 535928, GP
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-321


Sacramento , CA 95834
Please note: The drop off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. See " Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Instructions" for complete instructions.
  
  
  -Other (Cover letter): A Cover Letter is required and must be included. The cover letter should be no more than one page.
  
  
  -Other (Writing samples): A professional or academic writing sample is required and must be included. Writing sample must include a cover page providing the date the sample was published/submitted, and context (e.g.,was it a paper for a class? An article for a newspaper or magazine? An internal company newsletter?) Only samples from prior work or study will be accepted.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:


-Strong media relations experience
-Experience with social media strategies that result in engagement and increase the reach of information.
-Excellent writing skills
-Experience developing effective audience-based communications strategies.
-Ability to work effectively with stakeholders and clients.
-An understanding of trusted messengers, ethnic/community media, and the importance of serving all Californians.


Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.


The State of California offers excellent benefits, including retirement, 401K and 457(b) plans, health and dental benefits, employee assistance programs, and much more. Additional details about benefits can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.


Great job with a great location! This position is located at the DCA headquarters in North Natomas. Not only is it in a great location with convenient access to multiple freeways, an on-site cafe offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Additionally, many restaurants, shopping options and the Sacramento airport are just a few minutes away. Best of all, you can't beat on-site FREE parking!


Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Amanda Ritchey
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Statement of Qualifications
The Statement of Qualifications' (SOQ) is requested to elicit information regarding each candidate's interest and experience as related to this position. The complete SOQ should not be more than two (2) pages, using Century Gothic 12 point font size. Please note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses to the SOQ.


Please answer each question.


1. Describe your experience and process for developing effective audience-based communications strategies. Provide an example of a successful strategy you implemented and how you determined it was a success.


2. Describe your experience in media relations and developing on-the records responses on behalf of an organization and serving as a spokesperson.


3. Describe your experience with developing compelling social media content, including copy, videos and graphics.


4. Describe your experience researching complex issues and fact-checking information to ensure accuracy.


Filing Instructions
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, as specified in the classification specification ( please include a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts with your application package. Please be aware that if you are selected for the position, you will be required to submit official sealed transcripts.


Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.


Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.


Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application (STD. 678).


Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD. 678 may be disqualified.
Multiple positions may become available.


Electronic Submission:
Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as state on the job vacancy announcement.


U.S Postal Service Mail:
Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.


Hand Delivery:
Application and any applicable required documents may be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted for any reason. Do not submit applications to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Drop off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.


Please note the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application information once it is submitted. If you have updates to your online application after you have submitted it, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. For all other questions, regarding your CalHR CalCareer account, you may contact the CalCareer unit at View phone number on click.appcast.io.


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.