Sanitation Communications Specialist

Recruitment Range:  $56,638.40-$65,837.20 annually, depending on knowledge and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field; 
•  Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public information, communications, public relations, community outreach, public education, marketing,
• Or a closely related field, preferably in a government, municipal, public service, or community-based organization; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

 
Licenses or Certifications:

• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license for equipment operated and any license, training, or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.

 
Special Requirements:

• None.

 
JOB SUMMARY
The Sanitation Communications Specialist coordinates and delivers public information, communications, community outreach, and public education initiatives for the City's Sanitation Division. The position serves as a primary communications liaison between the Sanitation Division, the City's Communications/Public Information function, residents, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
 
Work involves developing and coordinating clear, timely, and accessible information regarding sanitation services, programs, collection schedules, service changes, recycling and waste reduction initiatives, special collections, sanitation requirements, environmental stewardship, and other matters affecting the community. The position develops communication materials and outreach strategies designed to increase public awareness, understanding, and participation in sanitation programs and services.
 
 The position also works closely with sanitation management and operational staff to gather information, identify communication needs, and ensure that public messaging accurately reflects current services, policies, programs, and operational activities. The position requires considerable independent judgement and initiative. Performance is evaluated through observed and attained results.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates and implements public information and communication initiatives to increase public awareness and understanding of sanitation services, programs, policies, and requirements.
• Develops, writes, edits, and distributes public information and educational materials, including news releases, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, presentations, signage, website content, social media content, and other communications.
• Develops and implements communication strategies and public education campaigns addressing sanitation services, recycling, waste reduction, proper disposal, litter prevention, illegal dumping prevention, and other sanitation-related initiatives.
• Serves as a communications liaison between the Sanitation Division, the City's Communications/Public Information function, and community stakeholders to coordinate accurate, timely, and consistent public messaging.
• Works with sanitation management and operational staff to gather information and translate operational, technical, and regulatory information into clear and accessible communications for the public.
• Plans, coordinates, and participates in community outreach activities, including neighborhood meetings, schools, civic organizations, business groups, community events, public forums, and educational programs.
• Develops and maintains relationships with neighborhood associations, community organizations, schools, businesses, civic groups, and other stakeholders to promote sanitation programs and facilitate effective community engagement.
• Coordinates public communications regarding service changes, collection schedules, holidays, weather-related disruptions, emergencies, facility closures, special events, and other matters affecting sanitation services.
• Maintains and updates sanitation-related information across City websites, social media platforms, newsletters, mobile applications, and other digital communication channels.
• Actively monitors relevant social media channels, websites, City of Pensacola 311 tickets, and Sanitation Customer Service call logs to identify emerging sanitation-related storylines and recommends outreach, education, or communication strategies to improve public understanding of and participation in sanitation programs.
• Represents the Sanitation Division at public and community events and prepares presentations, talking points, displays, and other materials to effectively communicate sanitation information to diverse audiences.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of public information, education, and outreach initiatives and maintains records of communication activities, community engagement, and program participation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. 
 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of principles and practices of public information, communications, public relations, community outreach, and public education.
• Knowledge of sanitation services, solid waste management, recycling, waste reduction, environmental stewardship, and related municipal programs.
• Skilled in developing, writing, editing, and distributing clear, accurate, and engaging public information and educational materials for diverse audiences.
• Skilled in developing and implementing communication strategies, public education campaigns, and community outreach initiatives.
• Ability to translate technical, operational, regulatory, and program information into clear and accessible communications for the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, schools, City departments, media representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct effective community meetings, public forums, presentations, educational programs, and outreach events.
• Ability to utilize digital communication platforms, websites, social media, newsletters, and other communication tools to effectively disseminate public information.
• Ability to assess community feedback and communication needs and develop appropriate outreach and education strategies.
• Ability to coordinate multiple simultaneous communication and outreach initiatives, prioritize assignments, and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and discretion in developing and disseminating public information and representing the Sanitation Division.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and present information in a professional manner to diverse audiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to hold or feel, reach with hands and arms, walk, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, and crouch.  Specific vision abilities include near distance, far distance, color, and peripheral vision, and depth perception.


WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Some jobs may require an employee to be exposed to outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions.
 

The City of Pensacola has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.


The City of Pensacola provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability,  genetic information,  service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.