INFORMATION SPECIALIST II

"Transform Information into Impact—Become an Information Specialist Today"
The
Honolulu Ocean Safety Department (HOSD)
is looking for an
Information Specialist II
to independently carry out a variety of public relations and informational activities to disseminate to the general public. Under the direction of the Director and Deputy Director, this position is the spokesperson for the department, responsible for researching, planning, and executing the employee newsletter, writing news releases, assisting in planning news conferences and public relations strategies for ocean safety issues and incidents.

What You'll Do

• Research/gather information, draft statements, arrange media attendance, and prepare speakers to address questions/inquiries from the media and determine what information is appropriate for dissemination.
• Coordinate news conferences and public relation (PR) strategies for controversial issues and incidents, and advise the department on how to handle highly sensitive and critical topics.
• Represent the Department as their PR liaison during emergency response situations.
• Review the communication needs of the department, identify problem areas, and assist with improvements.
• Plan and execute the employee newsletter.
• Manage and maintain the department's website.
• Operate a motor vehicle to and from various sites.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Special Work Requirements

• Must have the ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time and distances.
• Incumbent may be on call to include weekends and nights to cover events related to the department.

Apply today If you qualify for the position, your name will be eligible for referral to the hiring department for further consideration for the current job opening, as well as future vacancies with this job title.

Applications must be submitted online by
November 22, 2025
, 11:59 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time (HST) to be accepted.

• Actual salary will be commensurate with applicable experience, pending approval.***

Responsibilities
Some notifications will be sent via e-mail. You are responsible for monitoring instructions and correspondence from this office by checking your email account in a timely manner. To ensure proper delivery, please make sure you:

• are subscribed to email notices;
• use a valid e-mail account;
• verify your e-mail address is entered correctly on your GovernmentJobs account;
• check your spam folders; and
• add and to your contact list.

Notifications may also be sent via text message if opted into the service. Data and text messaging fees apply.

At the time of application, you must be a citizen, national or permanent resident alien of the United States or a non-citizen eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment.
Education Requirement
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.

Substitution: Work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Such experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and analytical ability normally gained from attainment of a bachelor's degree.

For Example

• Four (4) years of professional work experience, in any occupation, may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.
• Four (4) years of general work experience (does not need to be professional level experience) in public relations, journalism, communications, or similar occupational field may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.

The education requirement must be met at the time of application. Education obtained outside of the United States must be comparable to a degree earned at an accredited college/university in the United States. In order to receive credit for the education, a foreign credential evaluation (FCE) must be provided. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.

Verification Requirement: In order to be given credit for your education, clearly list your education credentials on your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education to satisfy this education qualification requirement.
If available, please attach an electronic copy of your diploma and/or official transcript which shows the embossed seal or applicable FCE to your application.
Or mail a photocopy of your documents to the following address: Department of Human Resources, 650 South King Street, 10th Floor, Honolulu, HI Copies will not be returned. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. All information on your documentation must be legible and complete in order to be given credit.

If you do not have your documentation to verify your education at this time, please note that if selected for the job, you will need to furnish verification documents in order to move forward in the hiring process.

Experience Requirement
Three (3) years of professional experience in researching, analyzing, organizing and preparing written information for dissemination to the print and broadcast news media.

Applicable Skills

• Knowledge of publicity methods and media.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques used in writing informational material.
• Knowledge of techniques used in preparing and editing copy for printing.
• Ability to write and speak effectively.
• Ability to secure, evaluate, and present facts accurately and concisely.
• Ability to work well with people.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the various segments of the public.
• Ability to plan and administer informational programs.

License Requirement
Possession of an appropriate valid driver's license, as required. The current vacancy has this requirement.

Education And Experience Evaluation
In addition to meeting the above minimum qualifications, your application will be further evaluated. Your score will be based on the quality and quantity of your education, experience and/or other related job requirements and competencies applicable to the position. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being rejected or your receiving a lower score.

Examination Weight
Education and Experience Evaluation %