Public Information Officer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in public information, marketing, communications, public administration, or a related field.
• Three years of increasingly responsible community and public relations, public information, or water conservation experience involving the development and coordination of public education programs.
• Valid California Driver’s License, maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification from the Irrigation Association, or successful acquisition within 12 months of appointment; certification must be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Water Conservationist Certification from the American Water Works Association, or successful acquisition within 12 months of appointment; certification must be maintained throughout employment.
• Knowledge of leadership, staff direction and training, collaboration, budget development and administration, contract administration, and risk management.
• Knowledge of public information and publicity programs for a water district, mass-media communications, graphic design and branding, website and social media development, public policy and public affairs, water conservation programs, and grant writing and administration.
• Knowledge of research, record keeping, report preparation, applicable laws and regulations, safety protocols, customer service, English composition and grammar, and relevant business equipment and software.
• Ability to plan, administer, evaluate, and coordinate water-efficiency, public-information, community-affairs, media, and legislative programs and projects.
• Ability to provide staff leadership, develop and administer budgets, coordinate projects, conduct strategic planning, research and document data, and evaluate program results and statistical information.
• Ability to develop effective outreach strategies; work with diverse groups; address problems and complaints tactfully; communicate clearly; prepare accurate written materials; and represent the District effectively.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards; maintain accurate records; organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound independent judgment.
• Ability to use relevant computer systems, software, and modern business equipment and to establish effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Supervisory experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, administer, implement, and oversee the daily functions and activities of public affairs, community involvement, education, and water conservation programs.
• Participate in developing program goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommend policy, service, funding, and staffing levels; and administer policies and procedures.
• Plan, design, write, and coordinate internal and external District communications, including press releases, surveys, correspondence, reports, newsletters, advertising, flyers, brochures, and presentations.
• Manage the District’s online presence, including its website and social media campaigns and platforms.
• Oversee education programs, public events, and tours for schools, businesses, public agencies, community organizations, service clubs, and the business community.
• Develop and produce annual Consumer Confidence Reports, coordinating with District divisions and external agencies to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and accessible presentation.
• Maintain media relationships and support timely, accurate information dissemination; coordinate with consultants or firms on specialized public relations campaigns as needed.
• Maintain and recommend District branding strategies and ensure consistent formatting and logo use on official materials.
• Provide public information services for routine, noteworthy, and emergency events, including water outages, shutdowns, capital projects, conservation initiatives, and water, wastewater, recycled-water, and fire services; engage with the public and stakeholders and connect customers with appropriate agencies.
• Oversee WaterSmart and other water-use-efficiency programs, including promotions, staff training, customer messaging and education, troubleshooting, customer portal administration, leak and emergency notifications, data uploads with utility billing staff, and consultant coordination.
• Research and analyze legislation, regulations, and policies for impacts on District compliance, operations, and finances; recommend and implement changes and prepare position letters.
• Research grant opportunities and support applications, administration, monitoring, reporting, compliance, audits, and closeout of awarded grants.
• Represent the District and General Manager before agencies, industry and community groups, commissions, committees, organizations, customers, and the public; address inquiries and complaints, attend meetings, and work with District staff on community and agency concerns.
• Develop, update, and implement planning and policy documents such as the Urban Water Management Plan, Drought Response Plan, and Water Conservation Ordinance; coordinate with other agencies and maintain and report required records and data.
• Provide complex staff assistance and special-project support to the General Manager and other divisions; prepare reports, correspondence, statistical reports, and program files and documentation.
• Review staff work and performance for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Participate in presentations to the Board of Directors and prepare related Board reports.
• Attend professional meetings and keep current on trends and innovations in water conservation programs.
• Provide or coordinate training for staff and Board Members on assigned programs and responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.