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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Administrative Officer III

Recruitment #23-002247-0217

Introduction

The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) supports State and local government agencies, as well as local non-profit organizations and the citizens of Maryland, by providing facilities management, real estate and surplus property services, as well as security and law enforcement for State buildings. DGS is also responsible for a full spectrum of facilities engineering, design and construction services, almost $1 billion in annual contract administration, and overseeing the State procurement process. Here at DGS, we truly Do Great Service… Consider joining our team!

GRADE

15

LOCATION OF POSITION

This position is available with the Department of General Services (DGS), Office of the Secretary, located at 301 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. 

Main Purpose of Job

This position will manage the Public Information Act (PIA) process for the entire agency and is responsible for accurate and timely processing of all PIA requests submitted to DGS. This position exercises clear judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information, represents DGS to other governmental entities and the public, and ensures the adherence to all State laws, regulations, and DGS PIA policy.

POSITION DUTIES

Duties for this position include but are not limited to:

- Overseeing the administrative component of the PIA process, which includes searching, retrieving, reviewing, redacting, and preparing records for potential release for DGS PIA requests. Overseeing all direct communications with the PIA requester, including email, telephone, and letter. 

- Managing the PIA process for DGS, which includes receiving and coordinating DGS PIA requests with all divisions, units and offices within the agency, documentation preparation, drafting, and coordinating responses and finalizing both the responses and the culling responsive records within the legal and policy timeframes required. Updating DGS PIA policy when necessary and training manager and staff on new policies and procedures for handling PIA requests. 

- Preparing estimated and actual costs with approved methodologies and maintaining complete supporting documentation to justify each cost component. 

- Ensuring legal sufficiency of responses through consultation with legal counsel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education  Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Three years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to two years of the required experience. 

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from a college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included the regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.  

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strong preference will be given to applicants that possess the following preferred qualifications. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding the qualifications.

- One year of experience advising and coordinating responses to Public Information Act (PIA) requests.

- Exceptional writing and proofreading skills are strongly desired.

- Intermediate level experience using Microsoft Office is preferred.

- Intermediate level experience using Google Workspace is preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Include all experience and education that is related to this position. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Credit is given for relevant part-time, temporary or volunteer experience based on the number of hours worked per week; you must include the time spent on such activities on your application.

Note that for any position requiring a college degree or college credit, you will be required to submit a college transcript prior to being offered a position. You may submit your transcript as part of the application process.

The examination for this position will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligibility list categorized as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED, or QUALIFIED. The eligibility list will be valid for one year and may be extended. The list will be used by the hiring authority to select employees for interviews. Eligible lists may be used to fill future vacancies of the same classification.

Please note, selected candidates may be required to complete and successfully pass a State and Federal fingerprint background check prior to being hired.

You must be legally authorized under the United States Immigration Reform and Control Act to be hired in the position for which you apply.

BENEFITS

The State of Maryland offers a generous benefits package that includes:

- Tuition reimbursement for those who qualify;

- Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities for many positions;

- Free mass transit in Baltimore & Annapolis;

- Generous paid leave that increases with years of service;

- Paid holidays;

- Health coverage with low out-of-pocket costs;

- Employee & employer contributory pension plan. 

 

Click on the link below for more information.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Contact tammy.vehstedt@maryland.gov or call 410-767-4986 with questions about this recruitment.  The on-line application process is STRONGLY preferred.  Apply online at www.dgs.maryland.gov – click on Employment on the left side of the screen.  If you are unable to submit your application online, please send your paper application to: Human Resources, Dept. of General Services, 301 W. Preston St., Suite 1311, Baltimore, MD  21201 by the closing date and time. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.




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