Public Information Representative

ESD is currently recruiting to fill one (1) Public Information Representative I/II vacancy within the department’s Communications Division. This division supports six ESD divisions, sustainability initiatives, and administrative services; it is a dynamic and exciting work environment with a supportive team. ESD’s Communications Division plays a critical role in promoting and increasing engagement with ESD programs and services and strengthening partnerships with San José’s diverse communities and businesses to protect public health and the environment.  

Aligning with ESD’s mission, Public Information Representative I/IIs help develop and implement a range of communications strategies for ESD’s programs, projects and initiatives. This position will focus in leading the outreach of a variety of programs and projects within recycling and garbage services (Integrated Waste Management) including Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program, which is in partnership with the County of Santa Clara, and the Junk Pick Up (JPU) program, one of the City’s most utilized services.

The selected candidate for the Public Information Representative I/II (PIR I/II) position will have an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the San José community as a member of ESD’s communications team. They will collaborate with ESD’s communications team and program staff to develop and implement integrated communications and public outreach campaigns. They will develop or coordinate the development of public information materials including printed collateral, digital ads, website and social media content, in multilingual formats. There are occasional tabling and presentation opportunities to engage with our community.

Typical responsibilities include: 

• Assisting the ESD Communications Division team develop and implement public outreach plans and campaigns. This includes developing goals, identifying target audiences (for English, Spanish, and Vietnamese speakers), recommending strategies, tactics and evaluation methods, determining budgets, applying innovative communication technologies and tools, and gathering and evaluating data on a monthly basis or as campaigns end, to measure the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns.
• Conducting community engagement (presenting, tabling, canvassing) for various ESD programs and initiatives, which will involve occasional weekend or evening events.
• Maintain productive working relationships with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations and vendors.
• Writing and editing communications materials, including social media posts, brochures, flyers, web pages, video scripts, newsletters, news releases, talking points, advertisements, memos, surveys, and reports.
• Managing content on ESD’s website and reviewing documents and the web for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and applying corrections where needed.
• Developing/editing videos.
• Developing graphics designs using Canva or Adobe Creative suite.
• Working directory with translations, printing and mailing, and advertisement vendors for example: creating task orders, bids, estimates, communications for edits, processing invoices.
• Managing project Sharepoint archives to thoroughly document all aspects of projects as they progress.
• Researching and sharing new ideas and tactics that increase relationships and outreach to diverse community groups and target demographics to ensure awareness, access and engagements with ESD programs and services.

Salary Information:

Public Information Representative I salary is $88,015.20 – $107,103.36.

Public Information Representative II is $97,144.32 - $118,067.04.

All salary ranges include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.
 

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Minimum Qualifications

Public Information Representative I

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, advertising, marketing, public relations, public administration, or closely related field. No minimum experience required.

Acceptable Substitutions: Additional years of professional experience in public relations, public information, or other related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis up to two years.

Public Information Representative II

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, advertising, marketing, public relations, public administration, or closely related field and two years of progressively responsible professional public information, marketing, or public relations experience. No substitution for education.

Licensing Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License may be required.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Competencies

Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills – Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills

Problem Solving – Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Computer Skills– Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: Adobe Acrobat, MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, MS SharePoint, and MS Excel.

Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

Customer Service - Demonstrates ability to anticipate internal and external customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful and friendly manner.

Flexibility - Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.

Selection Process: 

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered, or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ellesia Janto at ellesia.janto@sanjoseca.gov. The application deadline is July 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility:  Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.  

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application.  If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided.  IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. 

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.