Public Information Officer (PIO)
Apply NowCompany: North Metro Fire Rescue District
Location: Broomfield, CO 80020
Description:
Salary : $95,741.00 - $129,292.00 Annually
Location : 101 Spader Way Broomfield CO
Job Type: Full-Time Exempt
Job Number: 2025-00004
Department: Administration
Division: PIO
Opening Date: 02/26/2025
Closing Date: 3/16/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
Description
North Metro Fire Rescue District is now recruiting for the exciting position of Public Information Officer (PIO). This position has been posted to both internal and external candidates. To be considered for this position, an application must be submitted online by 5 p.m. (MST) on March 16, 2025.
Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, this position enhances public safety and the district's community relations by disseminating information internally and externally through various communication channels. The PIO oversees and/or supports the district's media relations, community outreach, safety education initiatives, marketing and recruitment, website management, executive communications, social media, graphic design, video production, photography, crisis and incident communications, event planning, and strategic communications.
As a member of the executive team, the PIO has a shared responsibility to advance the fire district's mission, enhance organizational transparency, and help build a shared vision.
REPORTS TO: Fire Chief
DIRECT REPORTS: Life Safety Education Officer
FLSA STATUS: This position is exempt from the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
REQUISITION #: 2025-00004
2025 SALARY: $95,741 to $129,292 annually. Pay is commensurate with applicable experience and qualifications. North Metro Fire offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, life, RHS contribution, 457 employer match, LTD/STD disability benefits, FPPA pension, onsite fitness center, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Refer to the benefits summary for further details.
PIO Hiring Process - Important Testing Dates: (dates are tentative and may change based on district needs).
Virtual video screening - week of March 24 - April 1, 2025 In-person practical assessment and panel interview - week of April 7, 2025 In-person chiefs' interviews - week of April 7, 2025
The Equal Pay Act of 2021 requires North Metro Fire Rescue to notify all current employees of a new or vacant position that is a promotional opportunity. A "promotional opportunity" exists when North Metro Fire Rescue has or anticipates a vacancy in an existing or new position that could be considered a promotion for one or more of its current employees in terms of compensation, benefits, status, duties, or access to further advancement. This position is not covered by the North Metro Fire Rescue District Civil Service Committee.
Essential Job Functions
The following duties and responsibilities are all essential functions of the position of Public Information Officer. They are not in order of importance or priority. An individual hired in this position must be able to perform all the essential tasks required by the position. The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job. They are not all-inclusive of the role and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. North Metro Fire retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential tasks and additional functions of the job at any time.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
Crisis Communications and Incident Response:
1. Responds to emergency scenes and handles all media inquiries, media staging, interviews, public information releases, social media, and capturing of incident via photo/video. Oversees delegation of assignments, as needed, when unable to respond personally. Works with emergency personnel to gather facts and determine what information can be provided to the media. Coordinates communication with other PIOs and essential personnel during situations that involve multiple agencies or departments. Informs internal audience and leadership of situations as warranted.
2. Serves as a fire district liaison to city and county agencies, which includes participating in city emergency planning sessions and serving in the field or Joint Information Center/System as a PIO during large-scale emergencies. Works with the district's emergency manager and alongside city, county, and police PIOs to ensure all emergency planning documents are up to date. Collaborates on various multi-agency trainings throughout the year.
3. Serves as the on-call PIO 24 hours, seven days a week, to respond to emergencies, when necessary, except when on vacation or when covered by backup on-call PIOs during pre-arranged times. Responsible for overseeing and training backup on-call PIOs.
4. Develops and continuously assesses crisis communication plans for a variety of threats, including cybersecurity attacks, large-scale incidents, and personnel-related events.
Media Relations:
1. Establishes working relationships with local news media and proactively pitches stories to enhance the reputation of North Metro Fire and educate the public regarding safety and relevant issues.
2. Serves as primary spokesperson for the fire district, which includes handling media calls and crisis communications as previously outlined.
3. Maintains online newsroom and archives incidents and events through photographs, video, and media clips.
Community Relations:
1. Produces information and content on the districts' activities, events and emergency incidents to enhance public awareness and promote positive community relations.
2. Serves as primary liaison for partnerships with other organizations and local governments, which includes, but is not limited to planning and overseeing community events with area groups to foster a safer community, fulfilling community requests for North Metro Fire's participation/presence at events, managing community volunteers as part of event coordination, and coordinating various community drives benefiting local residents in need. The tasks are overseen by the PIO but may be delegated to and coordinated by other personnel.
3. Produces annual reports to the community for distribution through various outlets to keep the community informed of the district's progress and priorities.
4. Promotes North Metro Fire's services and programs to residents, such as the Ambulance Membership Program, CPR classes, and car seat installations. Maintains and distributes up-to-date informational material (brochures, flyers, etc.) on services and programs offered through the district.
5. Manages and produces content for the district's website and social media channels to keep residents, media, and employees informed.
6. Handles requests for district speakers and presentations and delegates to appropriate personnel as necessary.
7. Oversees aspects of citizens' lifesaving award program that recognizes citizens who have shown bravery in assistance to fellow citizens during an emergency.
8. Assists fire and life safety educator with safety events in the community and the delivery of public safety messages.
Internal Relations:
1. Disseminates timely information to employees through SharePoint, newsletters, emails, and other modes of communication to keep them apprised of important district news and to recognize employees for outstanding work.
2. Provides updates and presentations to the board of directors regarding the district's community outreach programs, public education efforts, and newsworthy incidents.
3. Serves on various district committees that focus on employee/organizational development and customer service. Takes on leadership roles when appropriate.
4. Manages employee volunteer opportunities to fulfill community requests.
5. Produces multimedia presentations and other presentation materials for internal events such as the annual awards ceremony, retirement functions, promotions, etc.
6. Documents and archives North Metro Fire's history via photos, videos, news clips, etc.
General Communications and Support:
1. Serves as social media expert, developing and executing innovative social media strategies across multiple platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, NextDoor) to drive engagement, brand awareness, and audience growth. Must have deep knowledge of platform algorithms, trends, analytics, and content optimization.
2. Writes and produces publications, speeches, grant applications, reports, presentations, and other materials for the district.
3. Develops strategies that utilize all modes of communication to engage the public and enhance internal and external communications.
4. Ensures all communications comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and oversee the Accessibility Plan for the district.
5. Manages North Metro Fire brand, editorial, and style guidelines, and continues program development that promotes the fire district's services and aligns with its mission.
6. Accurately analyzes data, and customer service research, and identifies public relations trends to enhance communications.
7. Assists with internal communication training, special academies, and other programs.
Leadership:
1. Supervises the Community Outreach Team consisting of the Life Safety Education Officer.
2. Develops and manages annual budget for public information and community outreach.
3. Plays a key role in the development, implementation, and management of the district's strategic goals, priorities, and organization development plans.
4. Creates a healthy and inclusive work environment in which people feel valued and want to do their best; can motivate and empower many kinds of direct reports and team or project members; invites input from each person and shares ownership and visibility.
5. Interprets and enforces district procedures, rules, and policies. Assists with formulating additional policies, procedures, and practices.
6. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of work methods, technology use; and resource allocations to continually identify and implement process changes to improve the delivery of district services.
7. Coordinates special projects and programs with the Executive Management Team, internal divisions, committees, and other agencies; coordinates, prepares, and oversees the development and issuance of special reports, plans, and studies.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum requirements at entry:
Requires a Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a directly related field from a nationally accredited college or university. Bachelor's degree in other fields (education, etc.) may be accepted with professional experience, as noted below.
Minimum of five years experience in professional public relations, public information, mass communications field, and/or any equivalent combination of education, training, and knowledge that demonstrates the ability to meet the necessary essential functions of the position.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Minimum requirements at entry:
Valid unrestricted Driver's License
Valid unrestricted Colorado Driver's License within 90 days of employment
Within three months of hire:
Within a year of hire:
Supplemental Information
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: - Must be at least 21 years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and safe driving record for continued employment. New hires must, as a condition of employment, pass the following applicable pre-offer and post-offer/hire processes: oral board/s, reference checks, background checks including criminal background check, illegal drug screening, sex-offender registry, and driving record check.
North Metro Fire Rescue offers a comprehensive benefit package and contributes a major portion of the employee premium to make these benefits more affordable for you. Coverage of eligible benefits typically begins on the 1st of the month following the date of hire for benefited employees. Each year employees have the choice of changing elected coverages through open enrollment.
Full-Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits:
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT:
North Metro Fire Rescue District is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. Applicants, employees, and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment or discrimination based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct, which has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's work performance or creating a severe, intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. This provision applies to all employees, including directors, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as residents, members of all boards, contractors, vendors, and consultants.
NEOGOV Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with submitting your online application or the NEOGOV system (e.g., uploading or attaching documents to your application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).
01
Do you meet all of the necessary requirements of this position?
02
Can you perform all of the necessary essential job functions?
03
Do you have a minimum of five years' paid work experience in a professional public relations, public information, or mass communications field?
04
If you answered "yes" to having at least five years of paid work experience in a professional field such as public relations, public information, or mass communications, please provide a detailed explanation of where you gained this experience and outline your job responsibilities. If you do not have this required experience, please indicate "N/A."
05
Do you possess a current and valid driver's license with a safe driving record?
06
Please list any related PIO certifications you possess. If you lack certification/s please indicate "N/A".
07
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
08
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university?
09
This position is responsible for performing the following responsibilities. Briefly describe your experience in each area:1. Media Relations 2. Community Outreach3. Safety education initiatives 4. Marketing 5. Website management6. Executive communications 7. Crisis and incident communications 8. Event planning 9. Strategic communications.If you lack this experience please indicate "N/A".
10
This position is responsible for performing the following responsibilities. Briefly describe your experience in each area:1. Social media 2. Graphic design3. Video production 4. Photography.If you lack this experience please indicate "N/A".
11
Why are you interested in the PIO position with North Metro Fire Rescue District?
Required Question
Location : 101 Spader Way Broomfield CO
Job Type: Full-Time Exempt
Job Number: 2025-00004
Department: Administration
Division: PIO
Opening Date: 02/26/2025
Closing Date: 3/16/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
Description
North Metro Fire Rescue District is now recruiting for the exciting position of Public Information Officer (PIO). This position has been posted to both internal and external candidates. To be considered for this position, an application must be submitted online by 5 p.m. (MST) on March 16, 2025.
Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, this position enhances public safety and the district's community relations by disseminating information internally and externally through various communication channels. The PIO oversees and/or supports the district's media relations, community outreach, safety education initiatives, marketing and recruitment, website management, executive communications, social media, graphic design, video production, photography, crisis and incident communications, event planning, and strategic communications.
As a member of the executive team, the PIO has a shared responsibility to advance the fire district's mission, enhance organizational transparency, and help build a shared vision.
REPORTS TO: Fire Chief
DIRECT REPORTS: Life Safety Education Officer
FLSA STATUS: This position is exempt from the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
REQUISITION #: 2025-00004
2025 SALARY: $95,741 to $129,292 annually. Pay is commensurate with applicable experience and qualifications. North Metro Fire offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, life, RHS contribution, 457 employer match, LTD/STD disability benefits, FPPA pension, onsite fitness center, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Refer to the benefits summary for further details.
PIO Hiring Process - Important Testing Dates: (dates are tentative and may change based on district needs).
The Equal Pay Act of 2021 requires North Metro Fire Rescue to notify all current employees of a new or vacant position that is a promotional opportunity. A "promotional opportunity" exists when North Metro Fire Rescue has or anticipates a vacancy in an existing or new position that could be considered a promotion for one or more of its current employees in terms of compensation, benefits, status, duties, or access to further advancement. This position is not covered by the North Metro Fire Rescue District Civil Service Committee.
Essential Job Functions
The following duties and responsibilities are all essential functions of the position of Public Information Officer. They are not in order of importance or priority. An individual hired in this position must be able to perform all the essential tasks required by the position. The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job. They are not all-inclusive of the role and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. North Metro Fire retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential tasks and additional functions of the job at any time.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
Crisis Communications and Incident Response:
1. Responds to emergency scenes and handles all media inquiries, media staging, interviews, public information releases, social media, and capturing of incident via photo/video. Oversees delegation of assignments, as needed, when unable to respond personally. Works with emergency personnel to gather facts and determine what information can be provided to the media. Coordinates communication with other PIOs and essential personnel during situations that involve multiple agencies or departments. Informs internal audience and leadership of situations as warranted.
2. Serves as a fire district liaison to city and county agencies, which includes participating in city emergency planning sessions and serving in the field or Joint Information Center/System as a PIO during large-scale emergencies. Works with the district's emergency manager and alongside city, county, and police PIOs to ensure all emergency planning documents are up to date. Collaborates on various multi-agency trainings throughout the year.
3. Serves as the on-call PIO 24 hours, seven days a week, to respond to emergencies, when necessary, except when on vacation or when covered by backup on-call PIOs during pre-arranged times. Responsible for overseeing and training backup on-call PIOs.
4. Develops and continuously assesses crisis communication plans for a variety of threats, including cybersecurity attacks, large-scale incidents, and personnel-related events.
Media Relations:
1. Establishes working relationships with local news media and proactively pitches stories to enhance the reputation of North Metro Fire and educate the public regarding safety and relevant issues.
2. Serves as primary spokesperson for the fire district, which includes handling media calls and crisis communications as previously outlined.
3. Maintains online newsroom and archives incidents and events through photographs, video, and media clips.
Community Relations:
1. Produces information and content on the districts' activities, events and emergency incidents to enhance public awareness and promote positive community relations.
2. Serves as primary liaison for partnerships with other organizations and local governments, which includes, but is not limited to planning and overseeing community events with area groups to foster a safer community, fulfilling community requests for North Metro Fire's participation/presence at events, managing community volunteers as part of event coordination, and coordinating various community drives benefiting local residents in need. The tasks are overseen by the PIO but may be delegated to and coordinated by other personnel.
3. Produces annual reports to the community for distribution through various outlets to keep the community informed of the district's progress and priorities.
4. Promotes North Metro Fire's services and programs to residents, such as the Ambulance Membership Program, CPR classes, and car seat installations. Maintains and distributes up-to-date informational material (brochures, flyers, etc.) on services and programs offered through the district.
5. Manages and produces content for the district's website and social media channels to keep residents, media, and employees informed.
6. Handles requests for district speakers and presentations and delegates to appropriate personnel as necessary.
7. Oversees aspects of citizens' lifesaving award program that recognizes citizens who have shown bravery in assistance to fellow citizens during an emergency.
8. Assists fire and life safety educator with safety events in the community and the delivery of public safety messages.
Internal Relations:
1. Disseminates timely information to employees through SharePoint, newsletters, emails, and other modes of communication to keep them apprised of important district news and to recognize employees for outstanding work.
2. Provides updates and presentations to the board of directors regarding the district's community outreach programs, public education efforts, and newsworthy incidents.
3. Serves on various district committees that focus on employee/organizational development and customer service. Takes on leadership roles when appropriate.
4. Manages employee volunteer opportunities to fulfill community requests.
5. Produces multimedia presentations and other presentation materials for internal events such as the annual awards ceremony, retirement functions, promotions, etc.
6. Documents and archives North Metro Fire's history via photos, videos, news clips, etc.
General Communications and Support:
1. Serves as social media expert, developing and executing innovative social media strategies across multiple platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, NextDoor) to drive engagement, brand awareness, and audience growth. Must have deep knowledge of platform algorithms, trends, analytics, and content optimization.
2. Writes and produces publications, speeches, grant applications, reports, presentations, and other materials for the district.
3. Develops strategies that utilize all modes of communication to engage the public and enhance internal and external communications.
4. Ensures all communications comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and oversee the Accessibility Plan for the district.
5. Manages North Metro Fire brand, editorial, and style guidelines, and continues program development that promotes the fire district's services and aligns with its mission.
6. Accurately analyzes data, and customer service research, and identifies public relations trends to enhance communications.
7. Assists with internal communication training, special academies, and other programs.
Leadership:
1. Supervises the Community Outreach Team consisting of the Life Safety Education Officer.
2. Develops and manages annual budget for public information and community outreach.
3. Plays a key role in the development, implementation, and management of the district's strategic goals, priorities, and organization development plans.
4. Creates a healthy and inclusive work environment in which people feel valued and want to do their best; can motivate and empower many kinds of direct reports and team or project members; invites input from each person and shares ownership and visibility.
5. Interprets and enforces district procedures, rules, and policies. Assists with formulating additional policies, procedures, and practices.
6. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of work methods, technology use; and resource allocations to continually identify and implement process changes to improve the delivery of district services.
7. Coordinates special projects and programs with the Executive Management Team, internal divisions, committees, and other agencies; coordinates, prepares, and oversees the development and issuance of special reports, plans, and studies.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum requirements at entry:
Requires a Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a directly related field from a nationally accredited college or university. Bachelor's degree in other fields (education, etc.) may be accepted with professional experience, as noted below.
Minimum of five years experience in professional public relations, public information, mass communications field, and/or any equivalent combination of education, training, and knowledge that demonstrates the ability to meet the necessary essential functions of the position.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Minimum requirements at entry:
Valid unrestricted Driver's License
Valid unrestricted Colorado Driver's License within 90 days of employment
Within three months of hire:
- ICS 100 and 200
- NIMS 700 and 800
- IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness
- IS-42: Social Media in Emergency Management
Within a year of hire:
- E0105: Public Information Basics
Supplemental Information
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: - Must be at least 21 years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and safe driving record for continued employment. New hires must, as a condition of employment, pass the following applicable pre-offer and post-offer/hire processes: oral board/s, reference checks, background checks including criminal background check, illegal drug screening, sex-offender registry, and driving record check.
North Metro Fire Rescue offers a comprehensive benefit package and contributes a major portion of the employee premium to make these benefits more affordable for you. Coverage of eligible benefits typically begins on the 1st of the month following the date of hire for benefited employees. Each year employees have the choice of changing elected coverages through open enrollment.
Full-Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits:
- Robust Medical and Dental plans that includes spouse, Civil Union Partner, and family coverage options.
- Employer paid Basic Life/AD&D
- Employer paid Short Term Disability
- Employer paid Long Term Disability
- Employer paid Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Vision plan
- Flexible Spending Account options
- FPPA retirement plan for all employees
- Deferred Compensation Plan and the District provides up to a 2% employer match on voluntary employee elected contributions.
- Retiree Health Savings Plan
- Retiree Health Insurance options for eligible retirees
- Paid Time off per year (increases with years of service)
- 11 Paid Holidays to include three floating days
- Robust extended sick leave
- Employer sponsored wellness program that includes use of onsite fitness center.
- Education reimbursement options
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT:
North Metro Fire Rescue District is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. Applicants, employees, and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment or discrimination based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct, which has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's work performance or creating a severe, intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. This provision applies to all employees, including directors, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as residents, members of all boards, contractors, vendors, and consultants.
NEOGOV Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with submitting your online application or the NEOGOV system (e.g., uploading or attaching documents to your application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).
01
Do you meet all of the necessary requirements of this position?
- Yes
- No
02
Can you perform all of the necessary essential job functions?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have a minimum of five years' paid work experience in a professional public relations, public information, or mass communications field?
- Yes
- No
04
If you answered "yes" to having at least five years of paid work experience in a professional field such as public relations, public information, or mass communications, please provide a detailed explanation of where you gained this experience and outline your job responsibilities. If you do not have this required experience, please indicate "N/A."
05
Do you possess a current and valid driver's license with a safe driving record?
- Yes
- No
06
Please list any related PIO certifications you possess. If you lack certification/s please indicate "N/A".
07
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
08
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university?
- Yes
- No
09
This position is responsible for performing the following responsibilities. Briefly describe your experience in each area:1. Media Relations 2. Community Outreach3. Safety education initiatives 4. Marketing 5. Website management6. Executive communications 7. Crisis and incident communications 8. Event planning 9. Strategic communications.If you lack this experience please indicate "N/A".
10
This position is responsible for performing the following responsibilities. Briefly describe your experience in each area:1. Social media 2. Graphic design3. Video production 4. Photography.If you lack this experience please indicate "N/A".
11
Why are you interested in the PIO position with North Metro Fire Rescue District?
Required Question