Eastern Municipal Water District is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a vacancy in our Public and Governmental Affairs Department for the position of Public Affairs Officer I/II.  If you meet the qualifications outlined below, and you are interested in joining a dynamic business environment working with a stellar team of professionals, we encourage you to apply for this excellent employment opportunity.

CLOSING DATE & TIME:  Open until filled with a first review of applications on October 29, 2024 after 4:00PM Pacific Time

SALARY INFORMATION:

• Public Affairs Officer I - Range 217
• $46.22 - $57.56 Hourly
• $8,011.47 - $9,977.07 Monthly

• Public Affairs Officer II - Range 220
• $53.50 - $66.62 Hourly
• $9,273.33 - $11,547.47 Monthly

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:                                                                                                  

Under general supervision (Public Affairs Officer I) or direction (Public Affairs Officer II), performs a wide variety of professional and administrative activities supporting and/or managing EMWD’s internal and external communications, customer and stakeholder engagement, and media relations programs. Some assignments also serve as liaison between EMWD and other public agencies, professional organizations, industry groups, customers, media, executives, and elected officials. Positions may be assigned to different programs within the department (i.e. strategic communications, outreach, creative services).

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable and/or experienced in the following areas:

• Videography and photography, including filming and editing.
• Social media management.
• Adobe Creative Suite proficiency or advanced.
• Strategic communications planning.
• AP Style writing.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:                                                                             

Public Affairs Officer I: This is the entry-level classification in the Public Affairs Officer series. Initially under general supervision, incumbents perform complex duties supporting and/or managing EMWD’s internal and external communications, customer and stakeholder engagement, event planning, and media relations programs, as well as administrative functions as assigned. 

Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the position at the Public Affairs Officer II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually reviewed while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and difficult; review frequency of work lessens as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently and exercise good judgment and initiative.

Public Affairs Officer II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Public Affairs Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Affairs Officer I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising initiative. Incumbents regularly work on widely varying tasks which require considerable discretion and good judgment. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This class is distinguished from the Public Affairs Manager in that the latter manages annual strategic communications and stakeholder outreach planning, program oversight, and development of new public affairs initiatives, while providing technical and functional direction and direct supervision over lower- level staff. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:                                                                           

Receives general supervision (Public Affairs Officer I) or direction (Public Affairs Officer II) from the assigned Public Affairs Manager. May receive general direction from the Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs. Position exercises no direct supervision over staff. May provide technical and functional direction to lower-level staff, vendors and contractors. 

BENEFITS:  For an overview of EMWD's excellent benefits package please click on the following link:  EMWD Benefits Summary

To learn more about working at EMWD, view our Join EMWD video by clicking here.

EMWD’s mission is to deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable services. 

EMWD is a leader in sustainability efforts that provide long-term benefits to the environment and establishes EMWD as an industry front-runner in adapting to climate change. We have invested in solar energy programs that provide significant environmental benefits, are modernizing our fleet vehicles to be further reliant on clean energy, and have a long-term strategic priority to further reduce our carbon footprint while reducing financial impacts to customers.

Positions at the Public Affairs Officer I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, techniques, and methods of public information, outreach, and community relations.
• Basic principles and practices of water, wastewater, and recycled water operations and services.
• Photographic techniques and the operation of still and video camera equipment and editing tools including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere and/or Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple GarageBand or other sound editing software.
• Methods and techniques of social media, web and video communications.
• Current issues and state laws related to water, wastewater, and recycled water functions and policies sufficient to perform assigned function(s).
• Methods of preparing informational materials and disseminating them through the various media, including the methods and techniques of graphic design, layout and print production.
• Contemporary methods and techniques to garner media coverage.
• Community demographics in EMWD’s service areas.
• Research tools, methods, and techniques.
• Basic conservation principles and programs commonly used in other water utilities.
• Methods and techniques of facilitating meetings and conducting presentations.
• EMWD and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and EMWD staff.
• State of California Standards for grades K-12, if assignment pertains to these programs.
• Principles, methods, and practices applied in design of educational curriculum and materials for use in school programs or outreach programs, if assignment pertains to these programs.
• The structure and content of the English language and Associated Press best practices, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

ABILITY TO:

• Apply special graphic production techniques in the distribution of informational materials, including video production.
• Follow and apply written and oral work instructions.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Prepare a diverse range of presentations and public information materials.
• Prepare clear and concise communications aligned with EMWD’s priorities.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and EMWD in meetings with governmental agencies; various business, professional and regulatory organizations, and other stakeholders; and in meetings with individuals; answer questions regarding all topics relating to EMWD and its’ operations.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Adapt to continuously changing environment and priorities while maintaining transparency and meeting deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications as outlined below:

EXPERIENCE:

• Public Affairs Officer I:  Two (2) years of experience providing professional support to a public information program.
• Public Affairs Officer II:  Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience providing professional support to a public information program; or one (1) year of experience as a Public Affairs Officer I with EMWD.

EDUCATION: 

• Public Affairs Officer I/II: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public relations, communications, education, marketing, journalism, or a related field; a master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable and may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: 

• A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under EMWD's Vehicle Insurance Policy.