Senior Public Affairs Specialist

Salary: $108,201.60 - $131,456.00 Annually
Location : CA 92708, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 287
Department: General Manager's Office
Division:Public Affairs
Opening Date: 03/08/2024
Closing Date: 3/22/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
What do you value in your next job?
At the Orange County Sanitation District ourCore Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we'd love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.
Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect
We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.
Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving
We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.
Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability
We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.
Resiliency, Innovation, and LearningWe continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.
Safety
We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.
OC San is currently looking to fill the role of a SeniorPublic Affairs Specialist.
Under direction, performs a variety of complex professional-level duties involved in developing, implementing, and coordinating public relations, community outreach, and legislative affairs activities within the Public Affairs Division; provides creative services and technical writing for news releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations, information posters, and award applications; coordinates special events including displays in public venues; performs analysis of legislation, meets with elected officials, and works cooperatively with state and federal lobbyists; and performs duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required:

1. Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
2. Three (3) years of work experience in the development of Public Affairs, communication, and/or community outreach programs.
3. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License.

Desired:

• Knowledge of communications within a public sector environment.
• Experience working with elected officials and lobbyists.
• Experience in social media marketing and outreach.
• Experience organizing events or campaigns.
• Experience developing and giving presentations.
• Experience in website content development and implementation.
• High level problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and after-hours as needed.
• Adherence to high ethical standards and understanding of the importance of transparency in Public Affairs.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities, especially in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Leadership experience, including the ability to lead a team and collaborate across departments.

Recruitment & Selection Process
Vacancies: 1
(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)
Apply online at:www.ocsan.gov/jobs
APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Friday, March 22nd, 2024; 5:00 P.M.
(or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)
Hiring Salary Range: $108,201.60 - 119,225.60/Year
(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)
Supplemental Information
Disaster Service Workers:
All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Physical Demands

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; ability to travel to various OC San events, sites, and/or meetings; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, displays, equipment, and objects up to 35 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

Environmental Elements

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Other Requirements

• May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered "at-will", are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve "at-will" and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
• Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
• Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

Other Information
For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on .
Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.
False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.
To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the .
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.
Reference Checks will be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.
OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Vacation leave; eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday; sick leave; administrative leave; group life insurance; group disability insurance; group health insurance (employee contribution required), dependent coverage available, including medical, dental, and vision; a retirement* plan (Orange County Employees Retirement System) and the option of participating in a deferred compensation plan as well as other optional benefits. A credit union is available. Benefits are subject to the Board of Directors' periodic determination (usually annually) and the meet and confer process, and are therefore subject to change. The District makes a generous contribution toward the cost of these benefits.
* New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to the retirement benefit formula and provisions set forth by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA).
For more information on benefits, visit our website at
01
PLEASE READ. The information provided on the Supplemental Questions will be used in conjunction with your job application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected. Do not submit a resume in place of completing these Supplemental Questions. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript. Any information you submit may be verified.When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected. I also understand that I may not submit a resume in lieu of filling out the job application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

• Yes, I understand.

02
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

03
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is your Bachelor's Degree major? If you answered "No" to the previous question, type N/A.
04
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is your Master's Degree major? If you answered "No" to the previous question, type N/A.

• Yes
• No

05
If you answered yes to the previous question, what is your Master's Degree major? If you answered no to the previous question, type N/A.
06
Do you possess three (3) years of work experience in the development of Public Affairs, communication, and/or community outreach programs?

• Yes
• No

07
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, briefly describe your specific experience in the development of Public Affairs, communication, and/or community outreach programs. If you answered "No" to the previous question, type N/A.
08
Which of the following best describes your total years of experience in the development of Public Affairs, communication, and/or community outreach programs?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years
• Between 3 to 5 years
• 5 or more years

09
Describe your experience working with elected officials, lobbyists, and other stakeholders. If you do not have experience, type N/A.
10
Describe your experience providing creative services and technical writing for news releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations, information posters, and award applications. If you do not have experience, type N/A.
11
Describe your experience organizing events or campaigns to promote the company's agenda. If you do not have experience, type N/A.
12
Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid California Class C Driver's License by time of appointment?

• Yes
• No

13
All OC San employee...