Communications & Media Relations Specialist

If you possess great communication skills, then join the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) where you will play a crucial role in wildland fire and emergency response activities, respond to media inquiries, and provide communication and marketing support relating to the forest fire management.
The Integrated Services Section (ISS) plays an important planning, support, and delivery role for many important functions contributing towards Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) wildland fire management and emergency services mandate.
About Us:
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services provides forest fire management services for the province including: fire management policies and strategies, fire prevention and detection, and the basic resources for managing forest fires; aviation flight and maintenance crews and equipment in support of forest fire and natural resources management, and other specialized aviation services, including non-scheduled air transport to all government ministries and agencies; and emergency management in response to forest fires, floods, drought/low water, dam failures, erosion, soil and bedrock instability, crude oil and natural gas exploration, natural gas, and hydrocarbon underground storage, and salt solution mining emergencies.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:
• coordinate the development, delivery and review of the branch's communications strategies, plans and outreach initiatives
• research, write, review and edit educational and promotional materials, products and information
• develop and coordinate a wide range of initiatives to promote AFFES programs and activities
• provide advice, assistance and direction to branch staff on public relations program and outreach initiatives
• contribute to issues management by staying abreast of ministry and AFFES program priorities
• be a media liaison by drafting key messages, responding to media requests, and acting as a spokesperson during wildland fire and other emergency events

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirements:

• You have a valid Class G driver's licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.

Interpersonal and communication skills:

• You have excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills to discuss client objectives and requirements, explain initiatives and programs, and respond to queries from the public and media.
• You have well developed written communication skills to write a variety of materials, translate technical and/or specialized material and terminology into plain language for public distribution.
• You can effectively use proper grammar and punctuation, different writing styles and editing techniques to write a variety of materials and edit materials written by others.
• You have knowledge of communications theory, techniques, planning methods and practices to develop objectives, strategies and plans for communications projects and initiatives, and to determine style, tone and approach to take.

Project management skills:

• You have proven project management skills to provide project planning and lead tasks.
• You can effectively multi task to work concurrently on several projects with tight deadlines.

Technical expertise:

• You have knowledge of forest fire management social and economic issues and trends to design communication initiatives.
• You have research skills to explore issues and trends in the Ministry and government related to forest fire management.

Analytical and problem-solving skills:

• You have analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and assess requirements, identify emerging/contentious issues and prepare issues management and briefing materials.