Job Description

Public Information Officer I

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $29.66 - $44.58 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Coral Ortega | caortega@utah.gov | 801-538-4624
Application Deadline – 8/16/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking two Public Information Officers to serve as primary content creators for the agency. Reporting to the Communications Manager, these roles focus on storytelling, multimedia production, and web management to effectively communicate DEQ’s mission internally and to the public.

While these positions support public information dissemination, they do not serve as official agency spokespersons. Instead, you will drive behind-the-scenes strategy, execute digital campaigns, and produce engaging social media videos, web content, and presentation materials.

Key Responsibilities

Writing & Content Creation:

• Writes, drafts, and edits compelling content for feature stories, newsletters, reports, digital platforms, and internal/external correspondence. Ensures all public-facing information is accurate, accessible, and consistent with agency objectives.
  

Multimedia & Social Media:

• Plans, shoots, and edits high-quality photography and video (including on-camera social media videos). Creates graphics, layouts, and polished presentation materials for various campaigns and digital displays.
  

Web Management:

• Manages and updates the agency’s website using the state's Content Management System (CMS) to ensure information is current, user-friendly, and accessible. Acts as a liaison with technical services for web-related needs.
  

Project Coordination:

• Assists in planning and executing digital marketing projects, departmental events, and social media campaigns. Collaborates with internal divisions to determine the most effective ways to meet their communication needs.
  

Public Information Support:

• Acts as a resource to internal teams for public relations best practices. Supports the Communications Manager with public inquiries and media requests by gathering data, researching materials, and preparing written public statements.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience planning, shooting, and editing video and photography using standard industry software and equipment.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience managing and updating web content using a Content Management System (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, or a state/custom web platform.
• Demonstrated professional experience drafting, writing, and editing content (e.g., feature stories, newsletters, reports, or web copy) for public consumption while adhering to proper grammar and style guidelines.
• Ability and willingness to film, edit, and occasionally appear on-camera for short-form social media video content.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively convey agency information to public audiences, media, and internal teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework, professional training, certifications, or a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field.
• Three (3) or more years of combined experience in public relations, public information, or media relations support within a state or public sector environment.
• Proven experience conducting research, preparing background data, and drafting official written statements to support media inquiries.
• Demonstrated experience using graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and presentation software to build visual assets, charts, and presentation decks.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional communication projects and liaising with technical services or external teams.

About the Role

Location –
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more information the Department of Environmental Quality, click here

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.