Public Outreach and Government Affairs Representative I
Apply NowCompany: West Valley Water District
Location: Rialto, CA 92376
Description:
Salary : $75,251.00 - $106,316.00 Annually
Location : Rialto, CA
Job Type: REGULAR-FULL TIME
Job Number: 00020
Department: PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Division: PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Opening Date: 03/11/2025
Closing Date: 3/28/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
General Purpose
Under close supervision, performs a variety of professional and administrative activities in support of District public affairs and community involvement programs; serves as a liaison between the District and other public agencies, community and industry groups; creates and develops a wide variety of printed and electronic materials and other services for use in public information programs and social media communications; helps develop water conservation messaging and education for the community; and performs related duties as assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Education: Possession of an Associate degree with major coursework in public relations, marketing, communications, education, environmental sciences, or related field. Bachelor's Degree is desirable.
AND
Experience: One (1) year of experience providing professional support to a public information program.
Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of auto insurance in compliance with the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy standards.
Desirable Licenses/Certifications:
J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications.
Basic PIO and JIC/JIS (G290-291)
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or similar accreditation.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.
While performing the duties of this classification, an incumbent is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk, hear, and to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to twenty -five (25) pounds or sixty (60) pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Health: The District's full-time employees can choose between Anthem Cal-Care HMO, Anthem Classic PPO, or Kaiser Permanente. The health benefit becomes available after 30 days of employment on the first of the following month. The District pays the total cost including the employee's dependents.
Vision: The District's full-time employees are provided with Vision Service Plan (VSP) vision insurance. The vision plan becomes available after 30 days of employment on the first of the following month. The District pays the total cost including the employee's dependents.
Dental: The District's full-time employees can choose between Delta Care HMO or Delta Dental PPO. The dental benefit becomes available after 30 days of employment on the first of the following month. The District pays the total cost including the employee's dependents.
Bereavement Leave: The District allows five days of Bereavement Leave due to the death of persons in the immediate family or any relative living with the employee.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment: The District offers Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan through The Standard. The benefit becomes effective after 30 days of employment on the first of the following month. The District pays the total cost, including dependents. The coverage through The Standard provides a flat amount policy for both Basic Life and AD&D:
Class 1: Executives and Board Members covered for $300,000
Class 2: Middle Managers covered for $225,000
Class 3: All other Members covered for $175,000
Deferred Compensation: A Deferred Compensation Plan is available to those who wish to participate. Employees can choose between two different plans. The District offers a matching contribution of up to $1,950 per year.
Flexible Spending Account: Employees may contribute to a medical reimbursement account and/or dependent care reimbursement account to pay for unreimbursed medical and/or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Education Assistance Program: The District encourages employees to enroll in educational programs that will aid them in the performance of their current jobs, or better qualify them for positions that are important to the continued successful operation of the District. An employee can receive up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
Holiday Pay: District employees receive 12 holidays per year plus two floater holidays.
Long Term Disability: The District offers a Disability Plan through The Standard. The District pays the total cost.
Longevity Pay: The District pays full-time employees for longevity pay upon continuous length of service with the District. Eligible employees receive an annual lump sum payment subject to satisfactory performance and the approval of the General Manager in the following increments:
Classic Members: Eligible employees hired by a CalPERS or reciprocal agency prior to January 1, 2013 will receive the 2% at 55 retirement formula.
New Members: New members hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be provided the 2% at 62 retirement formula.
Social Security Plan: The employee's part of Social Security plan will be that percentage payment as designated by law or contract.
Vacation Pay: Full-time employees are eligible for vacation pay. An employee may use vacation pay as accrued. Vacation pay is determined in the following increments:
Uniforms and Boots: The District provides all field employees with uniforms. The District also reimburses employees $200.00 for work boots twice a year with Supervisor Approval.
Cash Out Programs
Vacation/Floater: Employees may cash out four times during the calendar year for a maximum of 160 hours of their accrued vacation/floater time, as long as they maintain a minimum of 80 hours of accrued vacation time and they have used 40 hours of accrued vacation time in the previous 12-month period.
Sick Leave: The District will pay up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave per year under the following conditions:
01
Have you graduated from an accredited community college with an Associate's degree or higher in public relations, marketing, communications, education, environmental sciences, or a closely related field?
02
Please indicate if you have at least one (1) year of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, or media relations.
03
Please indicate if you have public sector (government) experience in an organization of similar complexity and structure.
Required Question
Location : Rialto, CA
Job Type: REGULAR-FULL TIME
Job Number: 00020
Department: PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Division: PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Opening Date: 03/11/2025
Closing Date: 3/28/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
General Purpose
Under close supervision, performs a variety of professional and administrative activities in support of District public affairs and community involvement programs; serves as a liaison between the District and other public agencies, community and industry groups; creates and develops a wide variety of printed and electronic materials and other services for use in public information programs and social media communications; helps develop water conservation messaging and education for the community; and performs related duties as assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.
- Serves as a liaison and represents the District with designated governmental agencies and elected officials; industry, business, professional, education, and community groups and organizations; key stakeholders; and the general public.
- Initiates, develops, and maintains positive relationships and represents the District with elected officials, consultants, governmental, business, civic, education, industry, community representatives and groups, and the general public.
- Provides and presents information on District programs and projects before professional/community organizations, at schools and education events, and in public forums.
- Organizes and facilitates public meetings and develops related exhibits.
- Participates in a variety of strategic communications, public information, and community engagement activities, events, and programs for the dissemination of information regarding the District's operations, systems, policies, programs, and procedures.
- Supports District water education, conservation, and rebate programs designed to improve water conservation efforts across the District.
- Develops and coordinates public awareness campaigns, information or community involvement programs or internal communication projects; designs and develops supporting materials; organizes and coordinates deadlines and production schedules to carry out program responsibilities.
- Leads field visits, presentations and tours for various clubs, schools, and community groups of District facilities and operations.
- Coordinates and schedules community events and meetings, including invitations/notifications, agendas, and material preparation and dissemination.
- Respond to customer/stakeholder inquiries and work with District staff to develop the appropriate response.
- Tracks District projects and provides proper and timely information to members of the impacted communities and/or District customers.
- Create, coordinate, edit, and provide content to technical reports, staff reports, correspondence, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, annual reports, presentations, newspapers, magazines, public information materials, speeches, educational programs, and other written materials.
- Assists with developing strategic initiatives with corresponding performance measures and goals, recommends and implements changes to District outreach and engagement processes.
- Participates in the development, update, and implementation of the District's short- and long-term communications plans.
- Plans, develops, and creates graphic materials, including flyers, brochures, newsletters, fact sheets, bill inserts, charts, news releases, feature articles, photographs, and other print/graphic materials for community groups and broadcast media; aligns work products with WVWD's strategic priorities, the District's Strategic Communications Implementation Plan, and key messaging.
- Oversees and supports outreach and support for customers in impacted areas; responds to inquiries and complaints from the general public and works with various departments to resolve issues.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings, staying on top of new trends and innovations in the industry.
- Act as project manager as assigned, coordinating special projects and studies.
- Submits budget recommendations, supports purchasing guidelines and processes and monitors project expenditures.
- Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
- Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Concepts, principles, practices, methods, procedures, and techniques used in public affairs, community engagement, education, public information, marketing, branding, outreach, public speaking, and communications.
- Principles and practices of program development, management, analysis, and administration.
- Methods and techniques used to collect and analyze data and prepare reports on findings.
- District organization, functions, programs, policies, procedures, and initiatives.
- Basic water use-efficiency principles and program communications commonly used by water utilities.
- Principles, methods, and techniques of graphic design, layout, and print production.
- Basic functions and authorities of public agencies and special districts, including the roles and responsibilities of a public governing board.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
- Basic principles and practices of management, finance, budgeting, and accounting.
- Research techniques, methodology, analysis and interpretation.
- Safe work practices
- Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing, adapting writing and presentation styles and techniques in order to engage diverse audiences.
- Effectively organize and prioritize work.
- Identify and interpret technical information in order to effectively communicate the information with various audiences.
- Use sound judgment in applying principles, practices, methods, and techniques used on public affairs, community outreach, water conservation and education, public relations, and communications programs.
- Perform highly detailed work under changing and intensive deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks.
- Analyze issues, research, and identify solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and make and implement recommendations in support of District goals.
- Think creatively with the ability to develop innovative approaches to meet the communications needs of the District.
- Effectively represent the District in a professional manner.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
- Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
- Provide premier customer service at all times to internal and external stakeholders and customers.
- Participate in job related activities at times other than normal business hours at locations throughout the community or region.
- Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and office policies and procedures, as well as pertinent laws and regulations.
- Develop and maintain accurate records and files.
- Operate standard office equipment, personal computers, internet, Microsoft Office products, and audio/visual equipment.
- Observe proper safety precautions.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Education: Possession of an Associate degree with major coursework in public relations, marketing, communications, education, environmental sciences, or related field. Bachelor's Degree is desirable.
AND
Experience: One (1) year of experience providing professional support to a public information program.
Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of auto insurance in compliance with the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy standards.
Desirable Licenses/Certifications:
J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications.
Basic PIO and JIC/JIS (G290-291)
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or similar accreditation.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.
While performing the duties of this classification, an incumbent is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk, hear, and to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to twenty -five (25) pounds or sixty (60) pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Health: The District's full-time employees can choose between Anthem Cal-Care HMO, Anthem Classic PPO, or Kaiser Permanente. The health benefit becomes available after 30 days of employment on the first of the following month. The District pays the total cost including the employee's dependents.
Vision: The District's full-time employees are provided with Vision Service Plan (VSP) vision insurance. The vision plan becomes available after 30 days of employment on the first of the following month. The District pays the total cost including the employee's dependents.
Dental: The District's full-time employees can choose between Delta Care HMO or Delta Dental PPO. The dental benefit becomes available after 30 days of employment on the first of the following month. The District pays the total cost including the employee's dependents.
Bereavement Leave: The District allows five days of Bereavement Leave due to the death of persons in the immediate family or any relative living with the employee.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment: The District offers Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan through The Standard. The benefit becomes effective after 30 days of employment on the first of the following month. The District pays the total cost, including dependents. The coverage through The Standard provides a flat amount policy for both Basic Life and AD&D:
Class 1: Executives and Board Members covered for $300,000
Class 2: Middle Managers covered for $225,000
Class 3: All other Members covered for $175,000
Deferred Compensation: A Deferred Compensation Plan is available to those who wish to participate. Employees can choose between two different plans. The District offers a matching contribution of up to $1,950 per year.
Flexible Spending Account: Employees may contribute to a medical reimbursement account and/or dependent care reimbursement account to pay for unreimbursed medical and/or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Education Assistance Program: The District encourages employees to enroll in educational programs that will aid them in the performance of their current jobs, or better qualify them for positions that are important to the continued successful operation of the District. An employee can receive up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
Holiday Pay: District employees receive 12 holidays per year plus two floater holidays.
Long Term Disability: The District offers a Disability Plan through The Standard. The District pays the total cost.
Longevity Pay: The District pays full-time employees for longevity pay upon continuous length of service with the District. Eligible employees receive an annual lump sum payment subject to satisfactory performance and the approval of the General Manager in the following increments:
- After 05 years: $150
- After 10 years: $225
- After 15 years: $350
- After 20 years: $475
- After 25 years: $600
Classic Members: Eligible employees hired by a CalPERS or reciprocal agency prior to January 1, 2013 will receive the 2% at 55 retirement formula.
New Members: New members hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be provided the 2% at 62 retirement formula.
Social Security Plan: The employee's part of Social Security plan will be that percentage payment as designated by law or contract.
Vacation Pay: Full-time employees are eligible for vacation pay. An employee may use vacation pay as accrued. Vacation pay is determined in the following increments:
- After 1 Year: 80 Work Hours
- After 4 Years: 120 Work Hours
- After 9 Years: 160 Work Hours
- After 14 Years: 200 Work Hours
Uniforms and Boots: The District provides all field employees with uniforms. The District also reimburses employees $200.00 for work boots twice a year with Supervisor Approval.
Cash Out Programs
Vacation/Floater: Employees may cash out four times during the calendar year for a maximum of 160 hours of their accrued vacation/floater time, as long as they maintain a minimum of 80 hours of accrued vacation time and they have used 40 hours of accrued vacation time in the previous 12-month period.
Sick Leave: The District will pay up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave per year under the following conditions:
- Total of 160 hours must be maintained after reimbursement
- The request must be submitted in writing to the HR department
- The GM must approve all requests
- Sick Leave payments will be made on an off-cycle payroll week in November
01
Have you graduated from an accredited community college with an Associate's degree or higher in public relations, marketing, communications, education, environmental sciences, or a closely related field?
- Yes
- No
02
Please indicate if you have at least one (1) year of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, or media relations.
- Yes
- No
03
Please indicate if you have public sector (government) experience in an organization of similar complexity and structure.
- Yes
- No
Required Question