Public Affairs Specialist I, II, III

JOB POSTING

NOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITY

POSTING #BR-178-24E

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST I, II, III

LOCATION:
FACILITIES PLANNING DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, JOINT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

Are you passionate about fostering community connections and driving public awareness? Join the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) as a Public Affairs Specialist, where you'll be at the forefront of our mission to protect public health and the environment. In this dynamic role, you'll collaborate with a diverse network of media outlets, community groups, and government agencies to promote our innovative programs and initiatives. From crafting compelling press releases and social media content to coordinating educational events and public outreach campaigns, you'll be instrumental in shaping the narrative of our agency's critical work. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact through strategic communication and public engagement, we invite you to be part of our dedicated team at LACSD.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To perform professional work related to development, implementation and coordination of public relations and community outreach activities within the Public Information section.

JOB SUMMARY:

The major job duties are listed below, for a detailed list please see the job description.

Under the general supervision of the Public Information Supervisor, the incumbent:

• Participates in the development, implementation and coordination of assigned public relations and community outreach activities
  
• Oversees educational programs and agency events. Updates, organizes and assembles collateral materials as needed
  
• Creates, reviews and edits press releases, fact sheets, brochures, flyers, posters, employee newsletters and memorandums
  
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with news media, community groups, and non-governmental organizations
  
• Interact professionally with elected officials, regulators, schools, and other governmental agency staff
  
• Conducts tours of Districts facilities
  
• Makes presentations to Districts staff and outside parties
  
• Organizes and participates in Districts and other third-party community events
  
• Coordinates work with various Districts' departments and consultants
  
• Creates and manages internet and social media content
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified applicants must possess the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license
  
• A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, business administration, environmental sciences, engineering, or a closely related field
  

For PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST I:

• One (1) year of experience performing professional level engineering and/or professional level scientific analysis that included interacting with the public and communicating technical issues to a non-technical audience -OR- one (1) year of professional experience in public relations or public affairs
  

For PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST II:

• Two (2) years as a Public Affairs Specialist I -OR- equivalent professional experience.
  
• Note: a master's degree in a closely related field from an accredited and recognized college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience
  

For PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST III:

• Two (2) years of experience performing duties equivalent to a Public Affairs Specialist II -OR- four (4) years of equivalent professional experience
  
• Note: a master's degree in a closely related field from an accredited and recognized college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience
  

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• Relevant public and media relations experience
  
• Knowledge of the water and wastewater industries
  
• Experience with grant writing and applications
  
• Public speaking experience
  
  

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The competitive selection process for the ALL CLASSES may cover:

Knowledge of:

• Principles of project management
  
• Techniques of preparing and disseminating information to the public and media
  
• Methods and techniques of establishing and maintaining a positive public relations program
  
• General principles and techniques of environmental engineering
  
• General public agency roles and functions
  
  

Ability to:

• Manage and organize several activities at a time
  
• Focus on details and production of high-quality work product; develop public outreach plans
  
• Prepare, edit, and coordinate written deliverables for the public
  
• Speak effectively before groups
  
• Translate complex technical concepts and engineering activities into easy to understand language
  
• Interact effectively with representatives of other agencies, public officials, consultants, coworkers and the public
  
• Develop effective working relationships, and a high degree of credibility and trust
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The selection process will consist of a writing project weighted at 40%, and an interview weighted at 60%.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• The writing project is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 12.

TO APPLY:
Please apply online at governmentjobs.com within this application period. By using the online application system you will receive confirmation via e-mail that your application was received for this position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application. C heck your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications may be sent via e-mail. Please verify that your registered email address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery, add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.

NOTE:
The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related pre-employment physical, as well as a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Brandi Reyes at BrandiReyes@lacsd.org.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts converts waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 23/24 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2024, the Districts contribute $2,202.87 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

HOLIDAYS

13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 29, 2023

Closing Date/Time: 8/30/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Whittier, California United States View Map