- Salary: $126,936.00 – $146,940.00 Annually
- Location: Lodi, CA
- Job Type: Full-time
- Job Number: 23-125
- Department: Office of the Gen Mgr Dept
- Opening Date: 09/18/2023
- Closing Date: 10/13/2023 4:30 PM Pacific
The Position
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) invites qualified candidates to apply for the Community Affairs Representative II position in EBMUD’s Public Affairs Office. The position is based in EBMUD’s Lodi, CA office but reports to a Senior Community Affairs Representative based in Oakland, CA. The Community Affairs Representative II (Mokelumne and American River Watersheds/Sacramento San Joaquin Bay-Delta) will serve as a liaison with local water users, government agencies, local community organizations, local tribal entities, and advocacy groups in the Mokelumne and American River watersheds and within the Sacramento San Joaquin Bay-Delta.
The ideal candidate should be well known by community groups and local government leaders in these watersheds and possess a broad knowledge of water resources issues, regional/local agencies, and agriculture practices in the area. Proven ability to identify local/regional issues and communicate clearly and effectively with both regional water interests and the local community is essential, as is the ability to prepare cogent analyses, written reports, and other communications. In addition, knowledge of water supply planning and infrastructure concepts, legislative processes and impacts, governmental affairs, conservation and natural resources policy, and emergency communications are desirable.
The incumbent in this position will be responsible for activities involving planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing government and community relations programs to support EBMUD’s water supply, operations, and conservation goals and objectives.
Duties may include:
• Using the framework of EBMUD’s Strategic Communications Plan and with guidance from the Senior Community Affairs Representative, develop and implement an Upcountry engagement strategy to establish and enhance positive relationships with local stakeholders, media, and community groups (and identify areas for improved engagement and advocacy) in support of EBMUD’s mission, priorities, programs, and projects.
• Assign, develop, manage, and conduct community relations programs for EBMUD projects and coordinate distribution of information through regular engagement with local government representatives, non-governmental organizations, community members, and various other groups and stakeholders, including local media in coordination with Public Affairs staff in Oakland.
• Implement public involvement elements of EBMUD infrastructure projects, including preparation and distribution of fact sheets, presentations, and other materials to interested community groups and as needed, to the news media and social media channels.
• Attend, participate, present, and report out on community and local government meetings. Stay abreast of community issues; represent EBMUD’s interests; inform groups of EBMUD policies and concerns; maintain strong working relationships with community and local government leaders.
• Plan, organize, and manage annual Pardee BBQ event to convene upcountry stakeholders, local government officials, speakers, and other guests.
• Monitor progress of local relevant proposals, ordinances, or regulations under consideration by local or regional agencies, and provide timely information to EBMUD management and staff.
• Deliver presentations to communities, public agencies, and other interest groups on relevant topics.
• Keep informed of current state regulations, codes, ordinances, and legislation as they relate to EBMUD policies and as they affect local entities.
• Request management’s comments on various local issues of concern to EBMUD; offer options and alternative responses to specific issues or concerns from local agencies and other groups.
• Work with Public Affairs staff to coordinate public information and participation on issues affecting local government agencies and other groups, including meetings, presentations, and events – some of which are outside of normal business hours.
• Conduct and coordinate tours of EBMUD facilities, and identify and enhance Upcountry education opportunities, including sponsorships and engagement with local schools and others.
• Work with staff from other departments to review and coordinate public engagement efforts, including presentations and follow-up.
• Assist with community outreach and communications during emergency operations, including participating in regular drills, trainings, and workshops.
• Perform duties on special projects as directed by supervisor.
• Perform activities such as database coordination, creating reports, setting up virtual meetings, etc.
In addition, competitive candidates will have:
• Working knowledge of community engagement and communications, issues relating to water policy, and regulatory agency functions.
• Demonstrated skill in effective oral communication before large and small groups; working with contentious audiences; expertise with social media; explaining technical subjects to lay audiences; writing clear, concise letters, memos, and reports; and understanding local government processes for enactment of regulations, ordinances, codes, and laws.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other staff and effectively represent EBMUD.
The salary range for Community Affairs Representative II is $10,578 per month increasing to $11,107, $11,662, and $12,245 after 6, 18, and 30 months, respectively.
EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws.Requirements
1. Completion of four years of college resulting in graduation or its equivalent, with a major in public administration, communications, public relations, political science, or a closely related field.
2. Four years of experience as a lobbyist, legislative analyst, community relations consultant, public relations staff member or in a related career field.
3. Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
4. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and other additional hours as needed.
Please note: EBMUD requires all employees to provide written proof of vaccination. Those employees with sincerely held religious beliefs or valid medical reasons, as determined by EBMUD, will be exempt from vaccination requirements. Contact EBMUD Human Resources, Employee Services Division, at (510) 287-0764 for additional questions.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the “equivalent combination of education and experience” provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/.The Selection Process
1. Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com by 4:30 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2023. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted.
2. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.
3. All qualified applications and supplemental responses will be competitively evaluated, with those candidates receiving a passing score to be invited to a panel interview, work sample project, and presentation tentatively scheduled for November 2023.
4. Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancies, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months.
5. The probation period for these positions is 12 months. For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months.
All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment.Supplemental Information
As the first step in the selection process, responses to the following questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of work and assignments you have personally performed. Be sure to include your title, employer, and the period of the time during which you acquired this experience. Should you respond with comments such as “see application” or “see resume” instead of addressing the questions directly, your application may not be considered.
Your responses to the supplemental application questions along with the regular EBMUD application will be evaluated on a competitive basis to determine which applicants will continue in the selection process.
Agency: East Bay Municipal Utility District
Address: 375 11th Street, MS #603, Oakland, California, 94607
Phone: 510-287-0735
Website: http://www.ebmud.com/jobs
