Sweetwater Authority, CA is hiring: Public Affairs Representative in Chula Vista

Salary : $90,590.24 - $110,088.16 Annually

Location : Chula Vista, CA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2024-00117

Department: Administration

Section: Public Affairs

Opening Date: 12/10/2024

Closing Date: 12/30/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

• Perform a variety of entry and professional level administrative activities in public affairs, community outreach, education programs, and media relations.
• Represent Sweetwater Authority (Authority) at community meetings and events.

Department: Administration

Disclaimer:
The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Supervision Received/Exercised:

• General supervision is provided by the General Manager or Assistant General Manager.
• Direct supervision is provided by the Public Affairs (PA) Manager.
• Technical and training assistance is provided by the Senior PA Representative and PA Manager.
• There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Examples of Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of assigned public awareness, community outreach and internal communications activities.
• Design and develop supporting materials and collaterals, including promotional pieces, reports, guides, brochures, fact sheets and other types of print/graphic materials.
• Conduct background research to write materials.
• Assist in facilitating two-way communication with Authority stakeholders, employees and the media.
• Represent the Authority and respond to inquiries as assigned.
• Assist in organizing special events and activities.
• Assist with website and intranet maintenance and development.
• Assist by collaborating with other departments and partner agencies in grant proposal preparation to generate quality products in accordance with the Authority's Grant Policy and Procedures.
• Assist with maintaining and monitoring sources of information about grants and related opportunities.
• Oversee school education program and associated budget for grades K-12.
• Provide support on professional and administrative activities in the development and implementation of water-use efficiency programs, community outreach, media relations.
• Cover duties in the absence of the PA Manager and Senior Public Affairs Representative; this includes being on call to participate in emergency response when needed, which includes reporting to the Emergency Operations Center if activated.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board members, and the public.
• Perform related duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques.
• Computer programs such as Microsoft Office and graphic design software.
• Principles, practices, and techniques for the design and implementation of public affairs, public information, community and education programs.
• Methods of writing, public presentation, business communications and research techniques.
• Media relations.
• Social media.
• Event planning.
• Water conservation.
• Political outreach.
• State of California Curriculum Standards.
• Website design and maintenance.
• Graphic design.
• Project planning, scheduling and management methods and techniques.
• Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Develop and present effective oral presentations.
• Coordinate with related personnel on assigned projects.
• Perform a variety of responsible assignments involving the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Recognize and deal appropriately with complex and sensitive information.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with media representatives, business, education, and community leaders.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Keyboard proficiently.
• Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education/Training/Experience (positions in this class typically require):
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in public administration, public relations, communication, political affairs, or a related field, or two (2) years progressively responsible experience in a public information or public relations program or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.

Licenses/Certifications - Required Conditions of Employment:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.
• Maintain an acceptable, safe, and active driving record, together with proof of insurability.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Hear normal conversation and communicate clearly in person, and on the telephone.
• Mobility of arms to reach, and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly.
• Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages, including good peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Speak in a normal voice, able to be heard and understood on the telephone, in person, and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Mobility to stand, stoop and bend.
• Use office equipment such as personal computers, copiers, and fax machines.
• Operate standard passenger vehicles.
• Lift, carry, push or pull up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
• Keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Working Hours:

• Flex Schedule: Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (9/80); Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and every other Friday off, or as assigned by the supervisor.
• Employees in this position may be assigned non-standard work schedules, including occasional weekend and evening hours, to carry out the responsibilities of the PA section.

Other Conditions:

• Travel to and enter school and customer premises throughout the service area without an escort.
• Work at Authority properties and facilities outside of the assigned reporting area (the Authority will provide transportation or mileage reimbursement).
• Attend in-town and out-of-town meetings and evening and weekend functions on behalf of the Authority.
• May be required to be on call for duties related to emergency response.
• It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and businesslike image to the public at all times:
  • A neat, clean and pressed appearance in clothing, hair and personal hygiene is important every day.
  • Good judgment is expected in determining proper dress and appearance.
  • All facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed.

• Health insurance: Option of Cigna HMO or Kaiser HMO for all full time employees and their dependents; employees share in a portion of the cost, not to exceed $35 per pay period.
• Vision, dental, and orthodontic insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for employees and dependents.
• Life insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for the employee. Optional dependent life insurance is offered at the employee's expense.
• Retirement: Membership in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) with the retirement formula of 2.5% @ 55 for existing "classic" members and 2% @ 62 for "new" members.
• The Authority will contribute the equivalence of 24 hours of the employee's hourly rate into PARS 401(a) each fiscal year.
• Deferred compensation: Authority-matched employee contributions to a qualified 457 (Lincoln, National, and CalPERS) plan up to $1,500 made to the employee's 401(a) (PARS) plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is provided in lieu of traditional vacation and sick leave benefits. PTO is accrued based on years of service, beginning at 18 work days per year up to a maximum of 35 days.
• 48 hours of "floating" holidays to use each year.
• Retiree Healthcare: At age 55 with 15 years of service the Authority pays $700/month. The amount the Authority pays is prorated for 10-15 years of service. Payments cease after 10 years or upon reaching Medicare-eligible age.
• Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more.

01

Are you 18 or older?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you able to work Full Time?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least a High School Diploma or G.E.D.?

• Yes
• No

04

If hired, can you provide proof of your legal right to work in the U.S.?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a Driver License?

• Yes
• No

06

Briefly describe any experience relevant to this position.

Required Question