Temporary Communications Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
This is a full'time, temporary position currently funded through August 31, 2027. Continuation beyond this date is dependent on the availability of permanent funding. May require 2550% travel.
Your Skills. Our Mission. Stronger Together at TAHC!
Start your career at the Texas Animal Health Commission as we work together to protect the livestock industry. Whether you're looking to begin your career, apply your current skills and experience, or explore opportunities to innovate, we encourage you to apply! At TAHC, we promote a culture of teamwork, open communication, transparency, and a commitment to educating the public while safeguarding Texas livestock. Join us and make a difference¿because protecting Texas agriculture starts with you!
General Description: Performs moderately complex (journeylevel) informational communications. Work involves supporting media relations including social media; brochure development; updates graphic templates, creates written and website content; and responds to social media comments and inquiries. Works with agency staff, industry, and external partners to ensure information is conveyed to the public during emergency activations. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May be required to travel for some assignments.
Essential Duties:
¿ Drafts, edits, and distributes TAHC information, public notices, and emergency alerts for social media platforms.
¿ Monitors social media platforms and responds to public comments, questions, and inquiries in a timely and accurate manner.
¿ Collaborates with agency staff, industry representatives, and external partners to gather and verify information for public release.
¿ Monitors news coverage and social media for emerging issues, rumors, or misinformation, and escalates concerns to leadership.
¿ Assists in the development and distribution of prescripted messaging for various emergency scenarios.
¿ Tracks and logs public inquiries, media requests, and responses for reporting purposes.
¿ Supports afteraction reviews by compiling communication materials and documentation used during emergency response.
¿ Coordinates and captures the illustrative, photographic, or audiovisual content of products.
¿ Analyzes reports on social media activity and its effectiveness.
¿ Prepares content and general comments for posting on social media sites.
¿ Performs other related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
¿ Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university with major course work in journalism, public relations, communications, graphic design, multimedia or related field.
¿ Experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or social media management.
¿ Experience in agriculture.
Experience may substitute for education on a year per year basis.
Preferred:
¿ Experience working in emergency management, government, or public sector communications.
¿ Six (6) months of experience with Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop, or any comparable design and video programs. (Experience may be paid, volunteer, or college/school work.)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures; various social media platforms; editing and preparing informational material; and design principles. Skill in editorial and design practices, and in the use of a computer and applicable software. Ability to research and prepare information, to design social media communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency, to compose usable content for social media, to prepare copy, to design broad communications plans and materials for social media distribution, and to communicate effectively.
Other Requirements: Must have a valid Texas driver's license and safe driving record. Employment of selected candidate is contingent upon the receipt of an acceptable criminal background check and an acceptable moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Must have reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursed at current allowance rate.
At time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be confirmed using EVerify. All males who are age 18 through 25 and required to register with the Selective Service must present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.
IMPORTANT: The TAHC is an emergency response agency. This position plays a key role in the agency's emergency management activities. As a first responder, this position is subject to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments away from the regular designated headquarters for up to two weeks at a time. This duty may involve working in adverse conditions; may require irregular working hours and overtime; and, may include duties other than those specified in the standard position description.
How to Apply: To submit your application for employment, select Apply Online. Create and/or Login to your online applicant profile and electronically submit your State of Texas Application for Employment. All applications must contain complete work experience, including job title, dates, employer, supervisor's contact information and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected and be considered incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information, however, may serve as supplemental information.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The Texas Animal Health Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability in employment or in the provision of services. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any requests for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the applicant to our Human Resources Department (512) 7190700. For a telecommunications relay service for the hearing impaired, please dial 711.