[Hiring] Public Affairs Associate I/II @Las Virgenes Municipal Water District

Role Description

Under general direction of the Senior Public Affairs Associate, the Public Affairs Associate I/II coordinates and conducts public affairs, communications, community outreach, and educational projects, initiatives, and activities for the district.

This is a flexibly staffed position, and employees can enter at the Public Affairs Associate I or II level depending on experience and qualifications. A Public Affairs Associate I performs most of the duties required of a Public Affairs Associate II but is not expected to perform at the same skill level. Public Affairs Associate I exercises less independent judgment and discretion and/or has a narrower scope of responsibility. Upon meeting the performance standards of the higher level as determined by the division/department, employees are promoted to the Public Affairs Associate II level. Public Affairs Associate II is the fully experienced, journey-level class.

This position leads or facilitates public tours of various facilities within and outside of the district service area which requires availability to work weekends and evenings and may require travel outside of the district service area with one or multiple overnight stays.

The recruitment process will consist of an application screening, 1st round (structured) interview, and a 2nd round (selection) interview. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail. The tentative date ranges for the interviews are listed below:

• Opening Date: August 3, 2026
• Closing Date: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when a sufficient number of qualified candidates are received to meet business needs.
• First Review of Applications: September 1, 2026, OR when 150 applications are received, whichever comes first.
• 1st Round Interview Date Range: September 14 - 17, 2026
• 2nd Round Interview Date Range: September 21 - 24, 2026

Qualifications

• Techniques and procedures for designing and implementing effective public information and outreach programs.
• Innovative methods and formats for developing effective public information materials.
• Effective writing techniques and proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• District operations, functions, programs, services, policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Utilization of computer graphic design and video/audio software such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Audition, etc.).

Requirements

• Develop and implement a variety of effective public information and community outreach programs.
• Coordinate multiple projects, activities, and events simultaneously.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Communicate accurately and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Research, write, edit, and create basic design concepts for publications and presentations.
• Understand and communicate complex technical matters to others with limited knowledge of the subject matter.
• Develop and deliver presentations to audiences with varied informational needs and concerns.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the public, other governmental agencies, community organizations, and special interest groups.
• Tailor content and delivery of communications to specific subjects and audiences.
• Deliver educational activities and presentations for school-aged children.
• Understand current social media trends, video production, and water industry needs.
• Comprehend current and future marketing, advertising, and communication trends.
• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting software.
• Use website management platform to edit and update the district website.
• Capture and create compelling visual imagery with photos and videos.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Sufficient eyesight to read fine statistical reports and standard text and data on computer terminal screens.
• Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone.
• Manual dexterity to write legibly and to use computer terminal and other general office machines.
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately twenty-five pounds; and to reach, bend or crouch to use files and records.
• Ability to travel to different sites and locations.

Training and Experience Guidelines

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, administration, education, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Public Affairs Associate I – One (1) year of experience performing professional tasks in the implementation of public affairs, community outreach, or customer service activities.
  • Public Affairs Associate II - Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience performing professional tasks in the implementation of public affairs and community outreach activities.
• Required Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations: A valid California class C driver’s license must be maintained at all times.