Public Information Officer

Recruitment #25-003235-0026

Go Back Apply View Benefits

Introduction

This is a contractual, position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.
One (1) Long-Term Contractual Vacancy; Full-time; 12 Month Contract

GRADE

14

LOCATION OF POSITION

580 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401

Main Purpose of Job

The Public Information Officer for the 5 Million Trees initiative plays a vital role in advancing Maryland’s climate resilience, equity, and reforestation goals. Aligned with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ mission to restore and protect the state’s natural resources, this position helps tell the story of a historic statewide effort to plant five million native trees by 2031, with at least 500,000 targeted for underserved areas. Reporting to the Media Relations Manager and working closely with Maryland Forest Service specialists, the PIO will translate complex forestry work into compelling, accessible communications that inspire public involvement and highlight local impact.

Through storytelling, media relations, digital content, and community outreach, this role strengthens public support for tree planting, green jobs, and healthy forests—core pillars of the Maryland Forest Service’s mission. The successful candidate will amplify voices from the field, elevate partner contributions, and produce strategic content that builds credibility, visibility, and momentum for one of the state’s most ambitious and collaborative environmental programs. This position is essential to fostering a shared understanding of how trees benefit communities, ecosystems, and future generations across Maryland.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Professional Experience in Environmental or Natural Resources Communications – Demonstrated ability to communicate complex environmental topics (e.g., forestry, conservation, climate resilience) to a general audience across multiple platforms.
  • Proficiency in Multimedia and Digital Content Creation – Experience producing and managing content for social media, email campaigns, websites, and video—including use of tools like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms.
  • Experience Collaborating with Field Staff or Multi-Agency Teams – Proven success in working with technical teams (e.g., forestry, scientific, or operations staff) to develop accurate, engaging stories or materials.
  • Media Relations and Storytelling Expertise – Background in pitching stories, writing press releases, and working with reporters or community partners to amplify program success and public engagement.
  • Strong Writing, Editing, and Brand Management Skills – Demonstrated ability to maintain consistent messaging and tone across diverse communications, while adapting to audience and platform needs.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions and qualifications of this position.
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

*Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3, Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.
Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.
If you are having difficulty with your user account, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov.

Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR – HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.

If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Adriana Parravano at Adriana.Parravano@maryland.gov.
Supplemental materials and/or edits to your application will not be accepted once the announcement deadline has passed. Candidates will only be able to submit an application once, so it is extremely important that you are following the application instructions.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.