Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

10/20/2026

Application Deadline:

10/28/2026

Agency:

Parks and Recreation Department

Salary Range:

$5,988 - $9,191

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Public Affairs Specialist 2

Job Description:

Home - Oregon State Parks

Salem, Oregon

A Cover Letter is REQUIRED for this posting. Failure to provide may remove your application from consideration.

Welcome Statement

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.

Your New Role

As a permanent, full‑time Public Affairs Specialist 2, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies and tactics in support of agency objectives. You will represent the agency in engagements with key stakeholders for a variety of strategic purposes. The scope of this position is agency‑wide and carries significant statewide impact.

Core responsibilities include identifying communication issues, formulating appropriate strategies, implementing approved approaches, and evaluating outcomes to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement. This position operates with considerable autonomy, independently managing projects, coordinating activities with internal and external partners, interpreting policy, and determining the appropriate methods and techniques to achieve desired results.

For a complete review of the position and responsibilities please click here.

This position has the potential for hybrid-remote work; however, travel expenses to Salem for required in-person duties are not reimbursed.

What's in it for you:

An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

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 Requirements:

• To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.

Desired Attributes:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills for a range of platforms such as newsletters, press releases, marketing copy, talking points, websites, and internal messaging.
• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating communications plans for both internal and external audiences that roll out new or updated information, programs, or policies.
• Experience representing an organization for media audiences, including speaking in front of a camera, pitching stories, responding to questions, and organizing events.
• Experience collaborating and building relationships with internal staff.
• Ability to craft creative, engaging narratives that translate complex data and technical information into clear, persuasive storytelling.
• Skill working on multiple projects with different subjects and deadlines simultaneously, producing work on time.

How to Apply:

Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.

A Cover Letter is REQUIRED for this posting. Failure to provide may remove your application from consideration.

• Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job
• The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project.
• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” link and submit your application. View this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
• Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.
• Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans’ Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under “Qualifying for Veterans’ Preference”.
• After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.
• Virtual interviews tentatively scheduled around week of November 9 - 13, 2026.

Additional Information:

• This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:

• For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Lauren Wirtis l email: lauren.e.wirtis@oprd.oregon.gov.
• For questions on application process, email: OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.
• Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on
• Facebook
• Instagram

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.

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.