Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

Salary

$82,777.50 - $139,288.50 Annually

Location

Woodbridge, VA

Job Type

Full-Time (FT)

Job Number

202610808

Department

FIRE & RESCUE

Division

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

Opening Date

09/25/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

GRADE

C51

Hiring Salary

$82,777.50 - $111,033.50

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Introduction

The Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue is seeking an experienced and strategic communications professional to serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO).

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the Departments communication with employees, residents, media, public officials, and community partners while supporting the mission of one of the County's most visible and essential public safety organizations.

About This Role:

The Public Information Officer will lead and oversee communications, public relations, marketing, branding, digital communications, and web-based strategies. Duties include but are not limited to providing effective communication correspondence by multiple mediums, news media, and community relations, management, and oversight of social media platforms, digital media content development, photography and videography needs, attendance and participation in department, Prince William County, and community events, and other duties as assigned in support of the office and the department's mission. The position will supervise Communications staff, lead Communications initiatives and projects, coordinate media relations, and evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts.

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or GED and 7 years of related experience in public information or administration, community, agency, or corporate communications.

Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public or Digital Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field of study.
• Demonstrated experience in community, agency, or corporate communications.
• Proficient in computer skills.
• Knowledge of major social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube), media relations, and demonstrated ability to develop and manage engaging content in a professional environment.
• 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in public safety.
• Budget preparation and management experience.
• Ability to establish productive interpersonal relationships and effectively exchange information across a diverse range of audiences.

Special Requirements:

Effective October 2012, mandated by the Virginia State Board of Health 12VAC5-31-540, Virginia EMS Regulations require a criminal background check conducted through the Virginia State Police and applicable federal databases. A driving record transcript may also be required. A valid driver's license is required.

The selection process will include multiple stages, which may include a work product, presentation, and panel interview.

The successful candidate will need to be flexible in their availability to respond to Fire and Rescue incidents, media requests, and community outreach programs.

Work Schedule:

This will primarily be a Monday - Friday position; however, due to the nature of Fire and Rescue operations, some work may occur nights, weekends, or holidays. Limited teleworking will be considered based on the department's needs. Selected candidates may be required on the scene of active incidents.

Starting Salary Range: $82,777.50 - $111,033.50

We also offer great benefits including:

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans
• Paid Annual Leave
• Paid Personal Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans
• Optional Group Life Insurance
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Development Opportunities

Full time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here PSLF for additional information.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

SEE YOURSELF HERE!

Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan.

Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position.

The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits:

• Temporary
• Provisional
• Seasonal employees

Click on the link below to explore our plans and rates.

Prince William County Benefit Programs

01

By submitting this application, I understand the following: 1) Only the information provided on my application is used to determine my qualifications; 2) My resume will not substitute for the education, work experience, and required fields on the Prince William County application; 3) Only responses to Supplemental Questions that can be verified in my submitted education and work experience will be credited and 4) If selected, my employment dates will be verified for the past three (3) years (if applicable), with a required reference from my current or most recent employer.

• Yes, I acknowledge and understand the above statement and wish to continue in this process.
• No, I do not wish to proceed any further in this process.

02

Please select the option that reflects your highest level of completed education.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Communications, Public or Digital Media Relations, Journalism, Marketing
• Bachelor's degree or higher in an unrelated field
• Associate's degree in Communications, Public or Digital Media Relations, Journalism, Marketing
• Associate's degree in an unrelated field
• High School diploma or GED
• None of the above

03

From the options below, select the response that best represents your highest level of experience in community, agency, or corporate communications.

• 7+ years of experience
• 4-6 years of experience
• Less than 4 years of experience

04

Please indicate your current and/or previous work environment(s). Select all that apply.

• Local Government
• State Government
• Federal Government
• Public Safety
• Emergency Management/FEMA
• Customer Service
• Corporate
• Private sector
• Social Media
• Broadcasting media such as radio and/or television
• None of the above

05

From the options below, select the response that best represents your supervisory experience.

• 3+ years of supervisory experience as a Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist/Officer, Public Affairs Specialist, Social or Digital Media Manager, or related role
• 3+ years of supervisory experience in an unrelated field
• Less than 3 years of supervisory experience as a Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist/Officer, Public Affairs Specialist, Social or Digital Media Manager, or related role
• Less than 3 years of supervisory experience in an unrelated field

06

Are you willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays, if needed?

• Yes
• No

07

Which social media platforms have you used in a professional capacity to develop, publish, manage, or monitor communications content? Select all that apply.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (formerly Twitter)
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Threads
• Nextdoor
• No professional experience with social media platforms

08

Do you have operational experience in a career or volunteer capacity within a public safety organization?

• Yes
• No

09

Which of the following software programs or platforms do you have professional experience using for communications, public information, content creation, or digital media? Select all that apply.

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• PowerPoint
• Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft Teams
• SharePoint
• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc)
• Canva
• Video editing software
• Website content management systems (CMS)
• Social media management platforms
• Email marketing/mass communication platforms
• Web analytics platforms
• None of the above

10

From the options below, select the response that best represents your experience with public speaking. Select all that apply.

• Experience in speaking to groups larger than 20
• Experience speaking at conferences or symposiums
• Experience speaking to the media in a formal, structured setting
• Experience speaking to media in an impromptu setting
• Other experience
• No experience

11

From the options below, select the response that best represents your highest level of experience in budget preparation and management.

• 3+ years of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• No experience with budget preparation and management

Required Question

Employer Prince William County Government

Address 1 County Complex Court

Prince William County, Virginia, 22192

Website https://www.pwcva.gov/department/human-resources/careers