Public Safety Information Officer

Salary : $107,681.60 - $137,425.60 Annually Location : Police Department - 600 10th Street Modesto, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 04532 Department: Modesto Police Department Opening Date: 02/12/2026 Closing Date: 2/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit: MCMA THE POSITION Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION To perform administrative functions in the development and administration of community relations and public information programs in response to public safety issues; to provide strategic public affairs direction and to serve as a public relations resource; and to promote and create awareness of the operations and objectives of public safety through public outreach, education programs, and marketing strategies. Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives: 3 % Cost of Living Adjustment effective 7/1/2026 2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree 5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree APPLICATION AND EXAMINATION PROCESS The Supplemental Questionnaire is used as a Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%). In addition to the City of Modesto employment application, applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire and a digital portfolio. Only the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date will become candidates and their supplemental questionnaire will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this position. When completing the supplemental questionnaire, please note: Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted. Incomplete supplemental questionnaires will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed. A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire. Any work experience described in your supplemental question answers mustalso be found under Work Experience on your application. A digital portfolio is required to be considered. PDF copies of your work should be uploaded as an attachment to your application. Failure to upload a portfolio will result in disqualification from consideration. The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Jeff Montgomery at ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Evaluate and administer public information and media communications regarding public safety issues. Respond to inquiries and requests for information from the media, government agencies, City staff, and members of the public. Develop, write, edit, design, and produce various communication materials including newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, press releases, articles, multi-media presentations, correspondence, reports, speeches, and special publications. Assist in the preparation, publication, and distribution of internal and external newsletters, public service announcements, annual reports, and other communications. Research, compile, and prepare reports and documentation on program activities; evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of communications programs and implement changes, as needed; maintain records of program findings and corrective actions; prepare periodic status reports. Confer with departments on initiatives, programs, and projects; provide guidance and direction regarding strategic communication planning and implementation; may serve as a project manager. Coordinate major press events, media management, and public outreach for public safety events and issues. Provide direction and counsel on emerging and urgent communications issues; recommend responses; assist with media and public relations issues. May serve as the City's Public Information Officer during citywide emergencies to develop and direct emergency information to the media, City employees, and the general public. Solicit bids and recommend vendors; recommend design, color, graphics, and appropriate media in accordance with budget. Plan and coordinate video presentation projects using script-writing techniques; plan, manage, and develop content for the production of video, audio, and commercial artwork for a variety of print, online, and multimedia publications and work products. Maintain the content of the Fire or Police Department's website ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality by coordinating the resources of various departments. Represent the City at public meetings or community events, as required. Represent the communications function to committees, outside organizations, and staff subcommittees, as necessary; coordinate department communications activities with outside agencies and other City divisions and departments. Ensure sensitive and controversial matters are managed in a discreet and professional manner. May manage public safety programs; responsible for interviewing, training, scheduling, and overall program maintenance. Act as coordinator for countywide public safety programs. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures. Marginal Functions: Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public relations, media, marketing, and advertising. Public information and community relations program development and implementation. Effective methods for preparing and presenting facts and information to the public and the media, including formatting of materials for publications and news releases. Writing and editing techniques for a variety of audiences. Research and problem-solving techniques. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to: Perform professional public information duties to promote and market safety services and programs. Exercise independent judgment in identifying and responding to requests for information from the media and public. Effectively function under multiple deadlines. Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Present complex information in a clear and understandable manner. Write, edit, design, and photograph. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Experience and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: One year of increasingly responsible experience involving the development and execution of public relations or marketing programs. Work experience in the public sector experience is highly desirable. Training: Completion of an Associate's degree from an accredited college with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree is highly desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare. Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA)Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86). HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit. MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime. VACATION: Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service. SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours. MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows: $ 2,110.00 Employee + Family $ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent $ 748.00 Employee Only $ 450.00 Opt Out The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement. DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9+ years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan. RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $130 per month. LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost. DISABILITY INSURANCE: Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary. EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary. BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance. LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service. SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs. 01 I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge. Yes 02 Have you ever worked for a law enforcement agency? Yes No 03 Do you posses an Associate of Arts degree or higher? Yes No 04 To be considered for this position, you must attach a PDF portfolio that includes work samples demonstrating effective storytelling, media relations or coverage, communications strategy, social media content, and/or outreach campaigns. By checking yes, you acknowledge that you have attached the portfolio to this application. Yes 05 Describe your experience developing storytelling and/or social media content strategies. Your response should include at least one specific example that highlights the goal of the communication and its intended audience, your role in developing the strategy, the platforms or channels used and the outcome or impact (engagement, reach, behavior change, public understanding, etc.). 06 Describe your experience responding to formal requests for information (e.g., public records requests, media inquiries, legal or executive requests). In your response, explain the steps you take from receipt to response, how you ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness, and how you prioritize these requests alongside routine duties and competing deadlines. 07 Describe your experience managing professional or organizational social media accounts. Your response should include the organization you worked for and platforms managed, your specific responsibilities (content creation, scheduling, monitoring, engagement, analytics, policy compliance, etc.), your role in responding to public comments or sensitive issues, and any guidelines or approval processes you followed. 08 Describe your experience producing multimedia communication materials, including print, digital, video, and/or audio (podcasts). For each format you have experience with, briefly describe: your role in production (planning, writing, editing, filming, hosting, etc.), tools or platforms used, and the intended audience and purpose of the content 09 Describe your experience using social media as a communications platform during emergencies or critical incidents, if applicable. Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04