Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

09/15/2026

Application Deadline:

09/24/2026

Agency:

Department of the State Fire Marshal

Salary Range:

$5,984 - $9,190

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Bilingual Public Affairs Specialist (Public Affairs Specialist 2)

Job Description:

This is a benefits‑eligible, limited‑duration position expected to last up to 24 months. While it is not a permanent appointment, it may transition to permanent status if future budget approval is secured. The agency is actively working to prioritize this request in the upcoming legislative session.

At the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), our mission is simple yet crucial: to protect people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. Guided by a set of unwavering values, we strive to uphold integrity, dedication, leadership, partnership, and service to others in all we do.

The OSFM actively supports a workforce representative of the communities we serve. We embrace diversity, practice inclusive excellence, and strive for equity and belonging to maintain a workplace where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We value all lived experiences and welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, LGBTQIA2S+, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others to apply.

The OSFM is seeking a skilled and community-minded bilingual public affairs specialist to join our Public Affairs Unit. In this position, you’ll play a key role in ensuring critical fire and life safety information is accessible to communities across Oregon. You’ll develop communication strategies, create engaging multilingual content, support media relations, and collaborate closely with culturally specific organizations to strengthen outreach and resilience statewide. This position manages digital content, crafts messaging for websites and social media, translates and adapts materials, represents the agency at community events, and serves as a bilingual spokesperson during emergencies. Cultural competency and professional fluency in Spanish will be essential in this role to ensure inclusive, equitable communication as you help advance statewide wildfire preparedness efforts and contribute to equity‑centered practices that reach Oregon’s diverse communities.

Become a part of the OSFM team and together, let's continue working towards a safer, more resilient Oregon for everyone!

Position Details:

• Click here to review the complete position description.
• This is a full-time, limited duration position and is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.
• This position is based at our Salem office in Oregon.
• This position may be eligible for hybrid work options depending on business needs.
• May require consistent in-state travel to events, meetings, etc.
• This position will receive a bilingual differential of five percent (5%) in addition to the base pay.
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. When the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%.

Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply and allow us to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you demonstrate, using an intentional equity lens.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree and two years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs; OR
• Five years experience directly related to the position under recruitment; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.

Special Qualifications:

• Requires a valid drivers’ license with an acceptable driving record.
• Requires full professional fluency in Spanish and English.

Note: Applicants that are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be required to complete a language skills assessment.

Desired Attributes:

• Full professional fluency in Spanish and English.
• Experience writing in the Associated Press Style for many formats such as reports, website content, social media posts, letters, emails, etc.
• Experience using computer programs such as graphic design programs, video editing programs, Microsoft Office Suite, and SharePoint.
• Knowledge of best practices for publishing and layout of newsletters, news articles, and press releases.
• Experience updating websites using a content management system.
• Ability to effectively interact with a variety of people such as news reporters, other employees, the public, and partner agencies.
• Ability to use critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and sound judgement while interacting with others.

You are required to upload your resume describing how you meet the minimum qualifications and cover letter describing how you meet the desired attributes listed above. Attachments must be in MS or PDF format. Failure to provide the required attachments will result in disqualification of your application.

Please make sure the qualifications and attributes you possess are clearly demonstrated in your attached documents. Following these instructions and providing this information will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process.

How to Apply:

• For step-by-step instructions click Search for Jobs and Apply for External Candidates or Jobs, search & apply for current state employees.
• Your application and resume will also be used when completing a pay equity assessment. The pay equity assessment determines your salary so a complete, current, and detailed history of work, education, and other experience is helpful.
• Upload your required attachments to the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application. Your attached resume should include the beginning and end dates with the month and year for each employer.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity tasks. These tasks will come after your submission.
• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. NOTE: If claiming candidate preference please be sure to check your Workday account regularly for pending tasks. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources, or call Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.
• If you need assistance to participate in the application process, including an accommodation request under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please email our recruitment team at OSFM.HumanResources@osfm.oregon.gov.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

• Work/life balance; paid vacation, sick leave, 11 holidays, 24 hours of personal business leave, and a floating day off each year.
• Medical, vision, dental (with most only 1%-5% employee share), and life insurance as well as additional optional benefits.
• Retirement programs through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and optional deferred compensation programs through the Oregon Savings Growth Plan.
• Student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• Abundant advancement opportunities within the agency and throughout State of Oregon government that carry your seniority and benefits with you.
• Opportunities to expand your technical and professional skills.
• Meaningful work with others who are passionate about public service.
• Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians.

Additional Information:

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• Criminal Records Check - Employment in any position with the OSFM for all prospective employees is contingent on passing a criminal background and fingerprinting check. Circumstances of any criminal conviction will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the position under recruitment.

Helpful Links & Resources:

• Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage
• How to Set Job Alerts
• Workday Applicant FAQ
• What You Need to Know to Get the Job
• Pay Equity Information & Resources

The OSFM does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. The OSFM is an E-Verify employer.

The OSFM is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to Workforce Diversity.