Public Information Officer – Region 1

Initial Posting Date:
10/14/2026
Application Deadline:
11/05/2026
Agency:
Department of Transportation
Salary Range:
$7,179 - $10,569
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Public Information Officer – Region 1
Job Description:
Public Affairs Specialist 3 – Public Information Officer – Region 1
Oregon Department of Transportation
Communications Section
Portland
The role:
Bring your public relations experience and join our talented communications team as our public information officer! In this role, you will support and plan internal and external communication efforts, provide public affairs guidance to management, oversee public affairs programs and act as the agency spokesperson to the public and as the primary strategic communications liaison to state, federal and local agencies in Region 1: Portland metro and Hood River. Apply today!
We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.
Before applying, visit our applicant information website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.
A day in the life:
Act as an agency spokesperson to regional, statewide and national media.
Develop communications to achieve public affairs and agency goals and to promote awareness of agency programs internally and externally.
Work closely with agency staff, managers, graphic artists, photographers, videographers and the media.
Create and oversee the production of talking points, news releases, presentations, voiceovers, newsletters, fact sheets, social media posts and other forms of communication.
Develop, implement and lead strategic communications and public affairs plans and programs.
Advise and guide agency managers and staff.
Develop and maintain working relationships with reporters, interested parties and others to educate and inform on agency programs and activities.
Assist in training and coaching staff on how to respond effectively to the media.
May require working evenings or early mornings, working in inclement weather and traveling.
Work primarily in an office environment with hybrid work options.
To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email ODOTRecruitment@odot.oregon.gov.
What’s in it for you:
Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!
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Minimum qualifications:
Eight years of experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level.
OR
A bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science, or related field AND five years of professional level experience in public relations or public affairs.
Special qualifications:
Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.
What we’d like to see:
If you have these attributes, let us know in your application materials! It's how we will choose whom to move forward! You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position. We may also use transferable skills, experience and education to help us decide who will move forward.
Effective verbal and written