Westlands Water District

Fresno, CA

You are here: Home / PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPRESENTATIVE

PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPRESENTATIVE

Bargaining Unit: At Will
Salary Code: Band D
Fair Labor Standards Act Designation: Exempt
Revision Date: June 18, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under direction of the General Manager and reporting to the Deputy General Manager- External Affairs, the Public Affairs Representative plans, organizes, and participates in the performance of a variety of communications, media and other external affairs activities, in support of District’s goals; and serves as a resource to District management, land owners, and water users regarding communications, media, and external affairs; facilitates the development of cooperative working relationships; assists with development and communication of District activities and policy. This is an “at-will management” position in which the incumbent serves at the discretion of the General Manager.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The information listed below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for positions in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

  1. Writes, edits, and distributes newsletters, notices, press releases, columns, and letters as directed, and edits written materials from other departments as requested.
  2. Coordinates with District management to respond to requests for information from media, public officials, public agencies, and the public; research requested information and suggests recommendations appropriate to resolving inquiries.
  3. Conducts tours of District and facilities, and presents at trade shows, classrooms, and before community interest groups, professional associations, and the general public.
  4. Manages the District’s social media platforms, develops and curates public affairs content.
  5. Learns and comprehends District operations and maintains positive working relationships with staff, farmers, counties, local interest groups, and general public in and around the District.
  6. Develops, collects, and oversees creation of digital, printed, and video material. This includes, but is not limited to, spending time in District taking pictures, taking and editing videos of District activities, and overseeing collection of b-roll footage.
  7. Manages District’s outreach and service programs and serves as a resource to District Management and staff regarding the communication of information concerning District activities, services, and programs.
  8. Oversees work and maintains relationships with contracted and consulting partners in managing communications and brand development. Coordinates with Management progress and scope of work performed.
  9. Coordinates the implementation of communications plans and programs, engaging with agency and contracted staff as appropriate.
  10. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

Any combination of equivalent education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge required by the position. A typical way of acquiring the knowledge would be:

A bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a closely related field, and experience in public affairs, public relations or public information which required extensive written and oral communication.

Knowledge of:

  • Effective methods of preparation and presentation of facts and information for and to the public and media, including formatting of materials for publications and news releases.
  • Principles, theories, and techniques of expository writing, editing, and public speaking.
  • Principles and practices of public and community relations.
  • Issues affecting agriculture, water, and governmental affairs.
  • Desktop publishing and word processing software.
  • Websites, various social media platforms, and social media messaging.

Skills/Abilities to:

  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of employees and outside contacts in the media, communities, Federal and State agencies, and other public water agencies.
  • Possess excellent organizational and planning skills.
  • Develop and maintain business relationships with internal and external personnel.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Adjust to a fluctuating workload and work well under pressure.
  • Meet continuous deadlines with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels as well as with the public.
  • Operate a District vehicle while observing legal and defensive driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Moderate lifting of supplies and materials up to 30 pounds.
  • Possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job.
  • Work hours other than normal work schedule.
  • Moderate travel.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider is required.