Job Description

Requisition No: 863989 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: DEP - OPS RECEPTIONIST - 37915016

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37915016 

Salary: $15.00 to $18.00 

Posting Closing Date: 11/10/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator 

“Press Assistant”
OPS Receptionist
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Tallahassee, FL.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Press Assistant provides front-line support to the Florida Department of Protection’s (DEP) Office of Communications by serving as the initial point of contact for media inquiries and managing core press office functions. This position is responsible for ensuring timely handling of requests, assisting with the preparation of press responses and formatting official communications for distribution. This role offers professional growth opportunities, serving as a training ground for advancement into Communications Liaison or Public Information Officer positions. This position reports to the Press Secretary within the Office of Communications. Responsibilities include:

• Answer and manage the Press Office mainline, responding promptly and professionally to incoming media calls.
• Monitor and manage the DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov inbox, acknowledge receipt of inquiries in a timely manner and assign requests to the appropriate Public Information Officer and/or Communications Liaison.
• Assist in drafting and preparing press responses under the direction of senior communications staff.
• Format and prepare press releases, media advisories and other communications deliverables for distribution through GovDelivery.
• Maintain accurate records of media inquiries and responses, ensuring follow-up within established timelines.
• Support proactive media outreach efforts and assist with communications projects as assigned.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Press Office, including maintaining media contact lists and archiving materials.
• Supports general office operations within the Office of Communications as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft professional, clear, concise and accurate correspondence.
• Familiarity with the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and ability to apply AP style in press materials and official communications.
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Adobe, etc.) and ability to learn new platforms such as GovDelivery and Salesforce.
• Ability to manage multiple email inboxes, prioritize incoming requests and respond in a timely manner.
• Ability to research and analyze issues and provide accurate information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, members of the media and the public.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen.
• At least one year of verifiable related experience in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing or a related field. Post-secondary degrees may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or a related field.
• Experience in media relations, journalism or public affairs, including drafting press releases or official statements.
• Familiarity with government communications, including press office operations and public information protocols.
• Experience using email distribution platforms (e.g., GovDelivery) and content management systems.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices for professional public communication.

Pay:

$15.00 to 18.00 an hour

Our Organization and Mission: 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

Special Notes:

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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