Senior Public Outreach And Government Affairs Representative

Salary : $72,550.00 - $119,018.00 Annually
Location : Rialto, CA
Job Type: REGULAR-FULL TIME
Job Number: 00001
Department: PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Division: PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Opening Date: 01/22/2024
Closing Date: 2/13/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
General Purpose
Under general direction, this position will assist in developing, administering, facilitating and monitoring the implementation of the District's federal, state and local legislative and regulatory advocacy program, assist in developing District policy positions and perform a variety of professional and technical duties in support of the District's external affairs activities, including implementation of special projects.
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.

• Monitor the activities of federal, state, and local government agencies/bodies including legislative and regulatory hearings and policy developments; provide summaries of hearings and other events.
• Research, review and analyze federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory proposals and policy discussions.
• Track and review proposed legislation and regulations and evaluate their potential impact to District operations including analyzing and interpreting pending legislation and regulation to determine which District department and operations may be impacted.
• Assist in the development of key messages and distribution of key publications and other materials, including presentations.
• Prepare correspondence and other written communications as needed related to policy issues of interest to the District including developing fact sheets, comment letters, testimony, and other written advocacy materials.
• Communicate orally and in writing with consultants, legislative offices, regulatory agencies, and other internal and external audiences regarding a variety of issues related to legislation, regulations, and District operations.
• Compile records and complete reports regarding tracked legislative proposals and FPPC filings.
• Participate in meetings to update and educate internal and external audiences, including elected officials, on District activities, operations, and position on a variety of legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Represent the District on committees, outside organizations and subcommittees as directed, coordinate review and analysis of legislative proposals and related activities with other departments and outside agencies. Attend meetings and functions outside the normal workday. Travel outside of the District including travel to Sacramento and Washington, DC on a regular basis.
• Organize public awareness, information, community involvement, internal communication and legislative impact analysis to customers and stakeholders. Designs and develops supporting materials, coordinates deadlines and production schedules to carry out program responsibilities.
• Monitor, analyze and comment on proposed state and federal legislation and regulatory changes that may affect the District. Assist in the preparation of legislative summaries, position papers and policy principles on legislation and regulations.
• Makes presentations to community, industry, school and other groups on Government and Public information issues affecting the District, its customers, and stakeholders. Serve as a liaison and represents the District at meetings with community, industry, and advocacy groups. Arrange and attend meetings with legislators and their staff.
• Prepare various correspondence, letters and memoranda in response to customer, stakeholder and legislator inquiries.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Formulates communication strategies for addressing community and agency concerns;
• provides strategic planning for executives and/or other departments WVWD programs, projects, and initiatives Provides support to the Public and Governmental Affairs Department.
• Coordinates with other departments and organizations regarding information and presentations on pertinent topics, legislation, policy, and regulations, and WVWD programs and projects.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• The legislative process, its steps, and influence points; principles and practices of legislative analyses;
• District water quality and water operations, practices, and procedures; applicable federal, state, and regional environmental laws, regulations, and court decisions and their impacts on District operations;
• District 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 District staff;
• The structures and content of the English language, 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:

• Research, analyze, interpret, explain, and make recommendations on environmental, legislative, and inter-governmental issues;
• Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound recommendations in areas of assigned responsibility;
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed;
• Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals;
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments;
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal 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.

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: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public relations, public policy, political science, public administration, communications, journalism, or related field. Master's degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.
And
Experience: Three (3) years' of increasingly responsible work-related experience working for a legislator, interest group, education group, or public policy entity and/or performing related tasks in a water and/or utility industry is highly desirable.
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 is required.
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 DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit and occasionally to stand and walk. Finger dexterity and light grasping is required to handle, feel, or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. The employee occasionally bends, stoops, lifts, and carries records and documents, typically weighing less than 25 pounds.
Sensory demands include the ability to see within the normal range, talk, and hear, and use electronic touch keypads.
Environmental Conditions
The employee frequently works in an office environment with controlled temperature settings. The noise level is moderate, typically below 70 decibels.
The employee occasionally drives a vehicle to attend off-site meetings and functions and is exposed to traffic and variable weather conditions.
THIS POSITION MAY BE ELIMINATED, OR THE DUTIES, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIRED CHANGED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND/OR THE GENERAL MANAGER, WHEN IN THEIR JUDGEMENT, IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY AND PROPER FOR THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT.
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

Retirement System:
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

Sick Leave: The District employees accumulate a total of 96 hours per year. Sick leave is accumulated in unlimited amounts.
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 mus...