Public Information Officer - 028

U.S. Facilities, Inc., a consolidated facility management service company, is seeking a Public Information Officer in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is to be accomplished on a routine basis as outlined in the following responsibilities:

• Perform the highest quality scientific editing, technical writing, and complex document layout using PC technology in diverse areas such as pavements, structures, environment, safety, planning, and policy.
• Ensure technically advanced scientific reports, scientific and academic journal articles, legislative reports, and other complex documents produced at VTRC meet highest standards of publishing quality for external distribution to national and international audiences.
• Develop, manage, coordinate, and execute publication process for VDOT research program including shepherding documents through edit, review, rewrite, and approval.

• Consult and advise VTRC staff, university faculty, students, and external contractors on the organization, style, scientific content, and proper formatting of highly technical and complex engineering, scientific research studies, and sensitive legislative or policy documents.

• Direct and manage communication news vehicles and publication content as assigned.
• Develop news or publication sources and establish relationships with all levels of employees and applicable contacts inside and outside of the organization.

• Develop new methods of communication in order to maintain and improve communications.
• Provide information and content to media and serve as official spokesperson or publication writer or editor as assigned.
• Develop message and talking points on emerging and current issues.
• Establish and maintain media relationships.
• Maintain appropriate contact or publication lists.
• Any other duties as assigned by a supervisor and/or USF Senior Project Manager.

Qualifications:

Education: 

• High School diploma or GED.

Experience/Skill Sets:

• Ability to work with large and complex documents with number tables, equations, figures, and photo scans.
• Skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats.
• Ability to organize and synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content.
• Strong editing skills with familiarity with AP style guidelines.
• Knowledge of communication methods and theory as they relate to public and media relations.
• Advanced knowledge of document processing software including features such as equation editor, photo editor, importing complex figures, page layout, and advanced scientific and technical editing.
• Ability to edit documents online, manage and coordinate the publications process, prioritize multiple tasks, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well with authors as well as all levels of Research staff.
• Ability to work independently.
• Substantial experience related to working with large, complex documents with number tables, equations, figures, and photo scans.
• Scientific editing experience reflecting ability to edit documents representing numerous areas of engineering, legal, and social science research.
• Progressively responsible editing experience reflecting advanced knowledge of document processing software.
• Graphic editing experience reflecting ability to assess whether graphic illustrations follow accepted conventions, are legible and are grammatically correct.
• A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism, or related field desired.
• Experience in online editing of complex research documents, scientific technical writing, and advanced PC-based desktop publishing layout.
• Substantial experience managing and facilitating a coordinated publication process under deadline pressures.
• Knowledge of advanced desktop publishing packages strongly desired.

Work Conditions:

• References and verification of work history.
• Required VDOT/Industry Training.
• 90-day probation period.
• May be subject to short or no-notice work assignments.
• Monitored performance with routine evaluation.

NOTE: This position is designed as essential and, as such, all duties associated with this job are required during emergency situations which may include but are not limited to inclement weather, disaster response and emergency operations. VDOT/Project Management will determine when essential positions are required.  

Valid driver’s license is required. DMV records check is required. Pre-employment drug screen is required. Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check is required.  

U.S. Facilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities

#USFIND01