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Job Description
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:- Prepare and update news releases regarding highly sensitive or confidential matters such as policy issues and criminal incidents and investigations.
- Prepare written statements and speeches for members of the Sheriff’s Office Executive Staff; inspect and correct written work produced by department staff prior to dissemination to the media.
- Disseminate news to the press, radio, and television through written releases, personal interviews, and/or press conferences.
- Go at any time to the scene of incidents attracting news media attention; act as liaison between the office and media representatives.
- Assist in the preparation of reports or informational publication about the Sheriff’s Office including researching, writing, and coordinating the photography, layout, and printing.
- Assist in the planning of and conducting tours of department facilities for visiting law enforcement or public officials.
- Coordinate all special events, press conferences and tours; receive and handle complaints from the media and the public.
- Answer public inquiries in person, by telephone, or in writing, regarding departmental procedures, investigations, or activities.
- Maintain records and prepare reports.
- Manage Sheriff Office’s various social media platforms.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time experience that includes responsibility for organizing, coordinating, and overseeing outreach projects and programs to provide the public with information to promote an organization’s events and activities. This experience must have included writing and editing newsletters, news releases, press releases, promotional materials for internal and external publications and/or creating and managing content for a variety of social media platforms.
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university in communications, journalism, public relations or related field. (Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.)
Licenses/Certificates:
Possess a valid California driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain.
SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2,B.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions- Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.
- Resolve Conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
- Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines and under stressful conditions.
- Establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives.
- Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Represent the Sheriff’s Office with the community and other agencies.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Represent the Sheriff’s Office with the community and other agencies.
- Maintain a professional and effective working relationship with the administrative team.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of the media.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
- Occasionally lift, carry reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
- Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Sit or stand for long periods of time.
- Frequently drive a County vehicle.
- Maintain flexibility in work schedule; work evening and weekend shifts as required.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:- Principles and practices of community/media relations and public information, including conduct of media relations relating to public-sector agencies.
- Principles and practices of journalism and public relations, including understanding the requirements of various media.
- Principles and practices of public administration, local government organization, and administration; applicable County ordinances, resolutions, policies and practices.
- Meyers-Milias-Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and other related Federal and State laws and regulations.
- Research and statistical methodology.
- Audio-visual presentation development and production techniques.
- Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Personal computers, spreadsheet, data base software and information systems.
- Effective use of social media platforms for the purpose of public outreach.
- Website design and maintenance.
Ability to:- Represent the Sheriff’s Office before the general public, public officials, and outside organizations and agencies.
- Communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
- Present messages effectively to various and multiple audiences.
- Leverage Internet and media technologies to facilitate information sharing and manage crisis communications.
- Learn and interpret pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, rules and regulations. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Remain abreast of developments in the various Sheriff’s Office bureaus.
- Organize and develop comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
- Plan, initiate and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction.
- Determine priorities and design methods for achieving objectives.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships in a team environment, with officials, department heads and other personnel in Merced County and other agencies.
- Work flexible hours.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
MANAGEMENT LEAVE
May receive, depending upon classification, 96 hours per Fiscal Year.
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours). Optional annual sell back of a portion of accumulated vacation leave hours (maximum - 40 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled consecutive workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s )
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
DISABILITY INSURANCE
Management Disability Insurance - Unit 20 Unrepresented Management Levels A-E - 100% premium paid by employer
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance- Unit 20 Unrepresented Management:
- Level A & B $85,000
- Level C $55,000
- Level D & E $35,000
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous - Prepare and update news releases regarding highly sensitive or confidential matters such as policy issues and criminal incidents and investigations.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Merced County
Show moreMerced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.
In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.
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