Public Information Representative

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection, but no later than January 25. Interviews may be conducted throughout the recruitment process and this recruitment may close at any time. Candidates should submit their materials online as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

$90,542.40 – $121,326.40 Annually

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of public information and customer outreach duties, including written, graphic, and social media; water conservation education and outreach; monitors industry-related news outlets for District impacts, including legislative changes and; performs related duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This non-supervisory class performs public information and community relations duties ensuring the dissemination of correct and current information to the public, including written, verbal, graphic/video, and online communication. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

This position is supervised by the Public Information/Conservation Supervisor. It does not supervise any staff but may direct other staff during public events. May offer input to executive management on issues pertaining to the water/wastewater industry.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as central point of contact for non-billing issues; performs outreach and responds to inquiries from customers, businesses, community groups, the public, and the media; prepares and disseminates information, both orally and in writing; coordinates and evaluates public information campaigns as assigned; represents and demonstrates District’s mission statement in dealings with the public; acts professionally in all interactions; incorporates District branding messaging in communications;
• Educates public on water conservation issues; provides and maintains conservation resources for public use; investigates water waste complaints in the community; performs residential and business site visits for customers as needed to educate on conservation options; coordinates with other staff on water waste complaints; 
• Monitor industry news sources and local, state, and federal agencies for water/wastewater topics or legislation that may impact the District; advises supervisor on upcoming areas of interest; researches and prepares responsive communication and briefs to various stakeholders as necessary;
• Develops, maintains, enhances, and ensures the integrity of the District’s public website and social media sites; prepares, posts, and reposts a variety of materials; responds to customer comments as needed; prepares press releases, feature articles, public notices, and related material for media; contributes copy to District brochures, pamphlets, bulletins, PowerPoint presentations, and other materials; writes copy for a variety of items; prepares correspondence, reports, memos, speeches, articles and other written materials for the Board of Directors and staff as directed; 
• Develops videos and graphics for District use, including writing scripts, capturing field, studio, and audio recordings, editing, and image enhancement and processing; formats video for multiple distribution channels; takes photographs at internal and external events; prepares a variety of graphic illustration materials including slide shows and formal presentation displays; designs layout of graphic advertisements/public service announcements; appropriately uses District logo and slogan in a variety of applications;
• Develops, coordinates, and actively participates in a variety of public events, including for schools, community organizations, service clubs, etc.; attends events during and after normal work hours, including on weekends; acts as District spokesperson as assigned; makes oral presentations to a variety of community, governmental, and other local interest groups; prepares exhibits and displays; conducts demonstrations, distributes materials and devices, and answers questions; conducts informational tours of District facilities;
• Serves as a member of the communications team for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the event of activation; monitors, coordinates, and communicates with other governmental agencies and the public in the event of public emergencies; may respond to afterhours emergencies in the event of press involvement and communication needs;
• Operates copiers and a variety of office equipment; performs departmental administrative duties, such as entering and processing invoices & purchasing requisitions; filing; and ordering supplies;
• Performs duties in a professional manner and works well with others or in a team setting;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public;
• Regular attendance and adherence to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities;
• Observes safe work practices and safety methods; performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Experience in website editing and management for employer;
• Prior experience monitoring and posting for employer’s social media accounts;
• Experience in development and implementation of special events for customers;
• Possession of a AWWA Water Use Efficiency Practitioner Certificate;
• Demonstrated ability to write and proofread copy. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, techniques, and methods of public information, pubic affairs, community outreach and relations; 
• Methods and practices of presenting information through press, social media, television, and other media; principles and practices of news publicity writing; 
• Methods and techniques of graphic design, web and video design, print productions, video production and editing;
• Methods, techniques, and equipment used in preparing and delivering oral and audio-visual presentations; 
• Development, scheduling, and implementation of special events, workshops, seminars, press conferences, and other activities; group dynamics and community organizing techniques; 
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and procedures pertaining to water conservation, disclosure of information, media & press relations; 
• External and internal website editing management and social media platforms;
• English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; design, lay out, and prepare copy; proofread a variety of publications;
• Establish and maintain effective relation­ships with the community at large, other public agency representatives, other employees, Board of Directors, and those contacted in the course of the work; 
• Coordinate, prepare, and operate a variety of public information programs; 
• Effectively use commercial photography & video equipment and techniques; 
• Represent the District in a variety of meetings; speak publicly before a variety of groups in an effective manner, both formally and extemporaneously;
• Operate a computer, type, and proficiently use a variety of software related to the job; 
• Develop, maintain, and edit external and internal websites and social media sites;
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines; demonstrate political acumen; work independently and efficiently;
• Prepare and present materials that effectively communicate the intent of the message; research and prepare reports on a variety of subjects. 

Education & Experience

Any combination of education or experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be: equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in journalism, marketing, public relations, or a closely related field, and; Three (3) years of professional level experience in public information, public affairs, or public relations, including sharing company information campaigns via written, graphic, or social media formats. Public agency experience and knowledge of water and wastewater issues is desirable. 

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver’s license, and a satisfactory driving record.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employees may be required to wear and/or use personal protective and other safety equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; use hands and fingers to grasp and feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Employees are occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or reach and may occasionally be required to lift up to 25 pounds. Requires vision abilities sufficient to safely operate a District vehicle and work on a computer.  

Environment: Office environment. Less than 10% of time spent outdoors, possibly driving to other sites in District vehicle. Frequently works in or around areas with minor amounts of dust. Some work done on ladders up to 4 feet above ground. Noise level is usually quiet.