Why does the job exist?

The position is part of the Forestry Division communications team with a responsibility to provide accurate and timely information before, during and after wildfires to promote safety of the public, firefighters and communities. The team works to ensure that information flows quickly from the Division to the appropriate government leadership, media outlets, and community resources. Between active wildfire incidents, the focus of the position is communications and community engagement as well as providing education and storytelling opportunities about wildfires, fire prevention, and fire mitigation treatments.How does it get done?This position will help manage the fire prevention, preparedness and response information program. Assist and conduct community education and outreach. Provide public education opportunities through presentations at schools, town halls and other public events. Produce and maintain wildfire prevention, wildfire preparedness and hazardous fuels reduction and mitigation treatment materials and storytelling opportunities through outlets including multimedia, print and online publications, social media and website. Public engagement may also include appearances on television and radio programs.

Who are the customers?- Members of the public

• Members of the print, audio and visual press and media
• EMNRD staff and leadership
• Governor's office
• Other New Mexico Cabinet-level Department staff and leadership
• Fire management professionals (fire fighters, fire prevention officers, members of the Southwest Coordinating Center, etc.)
• Cooperating agencies (federal land management agencies, local governments and tribes)

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:

• Experience representing an agency or organization through television, radio and print media
• Experience serving as media contact for fire response agencies or land management agencies
• Exceptional communication and story-telling skills
• Experience in public speaking
• Some experience with multimedia production in video and/or audio formats
• Interest in developing public education programs
• Ability to work independently
• Interest in developing new communication strategies to share information broadly with diverse audiences
• Ability to work under pressure during fire season, often in close coordination with EMNRD leadership and the Governor's office

Minimum Qualification:

Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications or Public Relations from an accredited college or university and five (5) years' experience in mass communications, public relations, television or radio, print media, and /or emergency communications or emergency management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling nine (9) years may substitute for the required education and experience.