Communications Specialist

Job Posting

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: March 17, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: March 19, 2025

Agency Information:

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is an executive branch agency in charge of operating and regulating the use of state parks, state lakes, recreational grounds, wildlife areas and sanctuaries, fish hatcheries, natural areas, historic sites and other lands, waters, and facilities for the promotion of public health, safety, and for the use and pleasure of visitors. The agency is also charged with the development and conservation of wildlife and the natural resources within the state. The agency oversees 29 state parks, 500 miles of trails, approximately 460,301 acres of leased or owned public lands, management of four hatcheries, and four nature centers.

To meet our mission, projects, and goals, KDWP employs approximately 466 full time employees and up to 350 temporary employees, throughout the state, with diverse and varying skillsets. The largest agency office is the Operational Headquarters in Pratt, Kansas. The Office of the Secretary is maintained in Topeka, Kansas. There are three Regional Offices located in Topeka, Wichita, and Hays; three District Offices in Kansas City, Chanute, and Dodge City; and a Research Office located in Emporia, Kansas. Various wildlife, public land, and parks offices are located across the state.

KDWP has an annual budget of $110 million for Fiscal Year 2024. The agency is primarily funded through license fees, grants and federal funds that are provided through the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts.

About the Position

Who can apply: Anyone

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Search Keywords: Communications, Pratt

Compensation: $20.00/hour - $22.00/hour

• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

Immediate comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary: This permanent, full-time position is located in the Public Affairs Section of the Kansas Department of Wildlife of Parks. The primary duty location for the Communications Specialist position is the Pratt Operations Office in Pratt, KS; however, alternate KDWP offices may be considered for an exceptional candidate. The position is directly supervised by Jessica Ward, Communications Manager.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent will serve as the primary writer for Public Affairs, responsible for developing, drafting, and editing a wide range of materials including speeches, talking points, print articles, web articles, emails, video scripts, news releases, recreational guides, and social media content; identify and craft compelling stories that bolster KDWP's image, inspire commitment, and drive additional revenue to the agency.

Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of integrated communications campaigns aligned with Public Affairs shared goals and priorities; coordinate with other team members to draft creative briefs and serve as a project manager for the campaigns when assigned.

Serve as website author and publisher; update and maintain website content to ensure accurate and current information is presented in an accessible and engaging manner; support the development of a new agency website, migrating and/or creating new content, and enforcing web publication procedures.

Monitor earned and social media, producing monthly reports, and flagging potential issues of concern and/or opportunity; moderate assigned social media account communities, ensuring appropriate and engaging interactions while addressing any questions, comments, or feedback in a timely manner.

Special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in communications, marketing, creative writing, English, public relations, journalism or related field with knowledge of outdoor recreation or a four-year degree in biology, natural resource management or wildlife-related field.

Licensing & Certification: The successful candidate must pass a background check and possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Minimum Qualifications: Associate degree in communications, marketing, creative writing, English, public relations, journalism or related field with knowledge of outdoor recreation or a four-year degree in biology, natural resource management or wildlife-related field. Three to five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, social media management, public relations, or other related field. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.

Additional Qualifications/Skills/Abilities: Applicants with demonstrated expertise in content creation and implementing communications campaigns are highly desired. Experience with website content management and web publishing preferred.

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Laverne Taylor

Email: laverne.taylor@ks.gov

Phone: 620-672-0704

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.

Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.

Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Email - sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page

Notifications - view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: "How to Apply for a Job- Instructions" and "How to Search for a Job- Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

The following are the required items to apply:

1) a letter of interest

2) a detailed resume; including a valid e-mail address

3) transcript material, if you wish to include them

4) employment application - this is generated from the information which is input into the system

5) an Authorization to Release Information form (this can be found at the following website):

https://www.ksoutdoors.com/news/KDWP-Info/Jobs/Employment-Application-Additional-Info

Please note, this form must either be witnessed and signed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public. We reserve the right to conduct a background check on all qualified applicants.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. A complete application packet must be submitted for each position. We no longer make copies of previous applications. Submitted application materials will be reviewed in Pratt to assure that the position minimum requirements are met, and those meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the respective division for interview selection.

Applicants are notified whether or not they are selected to interview. The interview is generally a one-time, panel interview consisting of position-specific questions for all applicants (same questions for each applicant), with the selection being made after all candidate interviews are completed.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: "How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents"

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator

Office of Personnel Services

Landon State Office Building

900 SW Jackson, Rm 401

Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.