Public Relations Officer- Helena at State of Montana in Helena, MT

To be considered for a Department of Livestock position, you must apply through the State of Montana Careers website at StateCareers.mt.gov and submit all required application materials.

*This position is open until filled. First review of applications will occur on October 16, 2026.

Materials Required of Applicants:

• Cover Letter:

  In your cover letter please briefly explain how your background has prepared you to be successful in this position and why you would be the best person for the role.

• Resume

• References: References are required of applicants prior to an offer of employment, however, are not required as part of the initial submission process.

About this Opportunity! The Montana Department of Livestock is seeking a creative, professional communicator with a passion for Montana’s livestock industry to join the Centralized Services Division as a Public Relations Officer.

Overview of the Department: The Department of Livestock protects the health and value of Montana’s livestock by controlling and eradicating animal diseases, preventing the transmission of animal diseases to humans, and safeguarding producers from theft and predatory threats.

The Centralized Services Division - The Centralized Services Division provides essential support to all five departmental divisions. Services include budgeting, accounting, payroll, personnel, purchasing, property inventory, information technology, legal services, and general operational support that help ensure the Department’s mission is met.

Job Overview: The Public Relations Officer develops and delivers clear, consistent communication that promotes the Department’s mission and programs. This role manages internal and external communications; prepares informational materials; coordinates social media and media relations; responds to public inquiries; and supports special projects directed by the Director’s Office. The position also serves as a communications liaison to internal stakeholders and external partners.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

Public Relations and Communications Duties:

• Develop, edit, and promote informational materials regarding agency programs and activities.
• Distribute materials through press releases, websites, social media, and other communication channels.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with external stakeholders and partner organizations.
• Represent the agency to the public, media, and other agencies.
• Respond to information requests in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain and update agency websites.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all communication platforms.
• Write and/or deliver talking points, speeches, and press releases.
• Engage and influence diverse stakeholder groups.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan for agency-wide information and outreach.
• Interpret and apply relevant laws, rules, and policies in communications.
• Prepare factual, compelling presentations for various audiences.
• Prepare testimony and supporting materials for legislative committees, boards, and public councils.

Additional Duties:

• Carry out special projects requested by other Department divisions.
• Serve as Communications Liaison with the Governor’s Office.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of Montana livestock, agriculture, and related programs.
• Experience in public relations, social media management, and multi‑format communication.
• Strong writing, editing, public speaking, and relationship‑building skills.
• Understanding of mass media and public‑sector communication.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, traditional media processes, and emerging communication tools.
• Proficiency with MS Office, graphic design and publication programs, and audio/visual equipment used for photography, recording, and editing.
• Ability to quickly learn agency programs, systems, and functions.
• Ability to communicate professionally, respectfully, and persuasively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to maintain organized electronic and physical files.
• Skill in identifying operational and customer needs and resolving problems using critical thinking.
• Ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing conditions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated accountability and ethical work practices.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

This position works primarily in a standard office environment. Duties may occasionally require evening or weekend work, extended workdays, and rapid response to emerging events. The role may involve carrying cameras, tripods, or other audio/visual equipment, and working with equipment requiring repetitive motion. Frequent interactions with the public and department staff are expected. Minimal travel may be required for public meetings or agency events.Telework may be approved on a case‑by‑case basis; full‑time telework is not available.

Now, if you feel this job is for you, here are a few of the reasons to work for the Montana Department of Livestock:

Our Work Matters! We are proud of the work we do to protect Montana’s livestock industry. Learn more about the Department of Livestock at Liv.mt.gov.

Your Total Rewards Package as a State of Montana Employee- Working for the State of Montana means receiving more than just a paycheck. Our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and EAP services.
• Retirement: Choice between two retirement plans with strong employer contributions (8.73%–9.07% of annual salary).
• Work/Life Balance: Approximately 38 paid days off annually (vacation, sick leave, and holidays). Hybrid or partial‑telework options may be available.
• Career Growth: Extensive opportunities for training, development, and advancement.
• Financial Benefits: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and potential longevity raises.
• On‑Site Benefits: Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through the state medical plan.

Why Montana? Montana is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live, offering a vibrant small‑town community with unmatched access to outdoor recreation—skiing, hiking, fishing, and more. If you’re seeking meaningful public service work and an exceptional quality of life, this role in Helena provides both.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism.
• Two years of directly related experience.
• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.

*Effective as of March 30, 2026, this agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.