ABOUT USAt the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people “I work for the County of Marin.” Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website . Read on to find out more about this opportunity.
Marin County Fire Department: Our employees are important assets in the actualization of our mission. They each play a vital role and carry the responsibility to express our department values in their daily work. Click on the “MCFD” link to learn more about our department and the people who make our organization a great place to work:
MCFD Service - Teamwork - Operational Readiness - ProfessionalismABOUT THE POSITIONThe Marin County Fire Department is seeking a skilled and adaptable Media Specialist to support its various divisions in promoting clear, timely, and effective communication with both internal and external audiences. This position plays a vital role in shaping the department’s public image and enhancing community engagement through strategic media relations, social media management, and public information campaigns. The ideal candidate will have experience developing and implementing communication strategies, especially in high-pressure or crisis situations where responsiveness and clarity are critical.
The Media Specialist will report to the Media Manager, and will serve as a liaison between the Fire Department and the public, media, and community stakeholders, ensuring accurate and accessible information is delivered across multiple platforms. Key responsibilities include crafting content for public announcements, emergency updates, social media, and educational materials, while working closely with leadership and public safety personnel. Video and audio production is a plus. Given the County’s commitment to inclusive and effective communication, English/Spanish bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Candidates must be willing to work on-site, as in-person presence is essential to effectively support the dynamic needs of the Marin County Fire Department. After demonstrating a solid understanding of the role and responsibilities, the option for remote work may be considered up to one day per week. This position also requires flexibility, with occasional evening and weekend hours based on the outreach and emergency needs.
There is currently one (1) full time (40 hours per week) regular hire Media Specialist position within the Fire Department. The eligible list from this recruitment will also be used to fill future vacancies (regular, fixed term, full-time, part-time, contingent) in other County departments. If you are interested in working in a department other than those mentioned above, please consider applying to this recruitment
ABOUT YOUOur Highly Qualified Candidate: The ideal applicant possesses a combination of the following experience and competencies:
- Experience supporting communication strategies for internal and external audiences, including public outreach, social media, marketing, and branding.
- Experience in supporting disaster communications efforts during emergencies.
- Experience with public information initiatives in a governmental agency, coordinating outreach, and engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Experience collaborating with media and managing public responses to sensitive issues.
- Experience in cultivating and strengthening relationships with non-profit partners and community leaders.
- Experience creating and editing speeches, scripts, news releases, and other materials, simplifying complex information for broad audiences.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills. Confident speaking publicly and on camera.
- Experience with government protocols for public information and emergency communications.
- Experience in the Fire, Police, and/or Emergency Management industry.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:- Principles, methods, and practices applied in the design and implementation of communication and outreach programs.
- Techniques and methods used in composing and preparing correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, reports, and similar materials (i.e. design and content creation for a variety of platforms, both in print and digital forms).
- Desk-top publishing, web content design and development and basic graphics preparation/presentation applications and equipment.
- Video/photography and the operation of camera equipment.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation.
Ability to:- Plan, research, organize, coordinate, and implement a variety of communications, marketing, media relations, and community outreach activities and programs.
- Identify and implement effective course of action to complete assigned work.
- Develop effective communications and marketing, media relations, and community outreach strategies and campaigns.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to a wide variety of audiences.
- Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge and abilities listed. Typically, this would be the equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations or a closely related field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in media-related activities. Additional professional experience in media activities may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONFor any questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Linda Kline at linda.kline@marincounty.gov .All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view these emails.
Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on the eligible list. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future vacancies for open, fixed-term, full-time or part-time positions which may occur while the list remains active.
Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095.
PLEASE NOTE: The benefits described herein do not apply to temporary (contingent) or to part-time employees that work less than 50%.
COUNTY OF MARIN BENEFITS: GENERALBelow are some of the excellent benefits the County offers. More information about our benefits can be found on the Marin County's Benefits Homepage .
Paid Time Off : Competitive vacation accrual; 12 holidays per year; and generous sick leave accruals. Additional types of paid leaves are available for some bargaining units.
Health Plan : Choice of four health plans (two Kaiser HMOs, Western Health Advantage HMO, and an Anthem Blue Cross PPO) along with dental through Delta Dental PPO, and vision through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is a County contribution toward the premiums (the contribution amount varies depending on coverage tier elected such as employee only, employee + 1, employee + family). Plus, the County offers excellent Life Insurance, Disability, Flexible Spending Plans, a Dependent Care Assistance Program, professional development and more.
Retirement : Defined benefit plan under the County Employees Retirement Act of 1937. More information can be found online at www.mcera.org.
IRS 457 Plan : Choice of pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical : The County provides access to group health plan coverage to eligible retirees.
For specific questions regarding the employment process, please contact Human Resources at (415) 473-6104. For additional details about the benefits or retirement, please contact the Benefits Division at (415) 473-2197.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 8/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific