Communications Specialist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park
Pratt, Kansas
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST - Position #K0238605
This permanent, full-time position is located in the Public Affairs Section of the Kansas Department of Wildlife of Parks. The primary duty location for the Communications Specialist position is the Pratt Operations Office in Pratt, KS; however, offices in Topeka and Manhattan may be considered for an exceptional candidate. The position is directly supervised by Jessica Ward, Communications Manager.
- The incumbent will serve as the primary writer for Public Affairs, responsible for developing, drafting, and editing a wide range of materials including speeches, talking points, print articles, web articles, emails, video scripts, news releases, recreational guides, and social media content; identify and craft compelling stories that bolster KDWP's image, inspire commitment, and drive additional revenue to the agency.
- Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of integrated communications campaigns aligned with Public Affairs shared goals and priorities; coordinate with other team members to draft creative briefs and serve as a project manager for the campaigns when assigned.
- Serve as website author and publisher; update and maintain website content to ensure accurate and current information is presented in an accessible and engaging manner; support the development of a new agency website, migrating and/or creating new content, and enforcing web publication procedures.
- Monitor earned and social media, producing monthly reports, and flagging potential issues of concern and/or opportunity; moderate assigned social media account communities, ensuring appropriate and engaging interactions while addressing any questions, comments, or feedback in a timely manner.
- Special projects as assigned.
BENEFITS: Beginning hourly wage, $20.00/hour - $24.00/hour; immediate group health and life insurance coverage; retirement; optional deferred compensation, dental and vision options; holidays; and sick, vacation, and parental leave.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Associate degree in communications, marketing, creative writing, English, public relations, journalism or related field with knowledge of outdoor recreation or a four-year degree in biology, natural resource management or wildlife-related field. Three to five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, social media management, public relations, or other related field. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency. The successful candidate must pass a background check and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Applicants with demonstrated expertise in content creation and implementing communications campaigns are highly desired. Experience with website content management and web publishing preferred.
HOW TO APPLY: Go to the State Employment Center at https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center and follow the directions below:
- Click in the middle under the Sunflower. From there either Sign into your existing account or Register for a new account.
- Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page. Please make sure to include your email address.
- Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
- Complete and Submit your application.
- Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
- Email - the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.
- Notifications - view the Careers>My Job Notifications page
The following are the required items to apply:
1) a letter of interest
2) a detailed resume; including a valid e-mail address
3) transcript material, if you wish to include them
4) employment application – this is generated from the information which is input into the system
5) an Authorization to Release Information form** (this can be found at the following website):
https://www.ksoutdoors.com/news/KDWP-Info/Jobs/Employment-Application-Additional-Info
**Please note, this form must either be witnessed and signed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public. We reserve the right to conduct a background check on all qualified applicants.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. A complete application packet must be submitted for each position. We no longer make copies of previous applications. Submitted application materials will be reviewed in Pratt to assure that the position minimum requirements are met, and those meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the respective division for interview selection.
Applicants are notified whether or not they are selected to interview. The interview is generally a one-time, panel interview consisting of position-specific questions for all applicants (same questions for each applicant), with the selection being made after all candidate interviews are completed.
Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran” under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum requirements of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the appointing authority. Additional VPE information can be found at https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center/veterans. Applicants claiming veterans’ preference for the first time must mail a copy of your DD-214 to the Office of Personnel Services, 900 SW Jackson, Room 401-N, Topeka KS 66612, or FAX to 785/291-3715.
Disability Hiring Preference: If you are claiming Disability Hiring Preference for the first time please mail a copy of your supplemental security income or social security disability insurance determination letter, letter from a managed care organization or qualified medical professional attesting to the disability, home and community-based services waiver approval letter, or vocational rehabilitation letter from a vocational rehabilitation counselor. These documents can be sent by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed or delivered in-person to ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator, Office of Personnel Services, 900 SW Jackson Rm 401-N, Topeka, KS 66612. Visit https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs/disabilityhiring-preference for more information.
DEADLINE TO APPLY – June 6, 2025
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the recruiter.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
Category | Admin & Leadership |
Tags | Outreach |