The adventure: Are you a storyteller with an interest in water issues? Join our influential team of storytellers (aka Information Officers) who tell and shape the Department of Water Resources (DWR) story through written word, video and pictures. As part of a dynamic Public Affairs Office, you will have the opportunity to share and educate a wide audience about current water issues such as human right to water, drought, water infrastructure, climate change, and flood protection. The Department is also responsible for the State Water Project, California’s water storage and delivery system of reservoirs, aqueducts, power plants and pumping plants extending more than 700 miles, delivering clean reliable water to over 27 million Californians.

While there is no “typical day” in the exciting role of an Information Officer, in this position you can often be found:

Writing, editing, producing written and visual materials (e.g. press releases, articles/features, brochures, speeches, media kits, PowerPoint presentations)
Developing communication plans and public information outreach strategies
Developing messaging for community outreach and engagement
Supporting the Department with its goals of advancing equity and inclusion throughout the state through increased outreach to underserved communities
Serving as a Department spokesperson in response to media request for broadcast and print interviews
Working with award winning photographers and video specialists in developing multimedia content

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-449725

Position #(s):

840-411-5601-005

Working Title: Public Information Officer - Specialist

Classification: INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST)

$5,855.00 - $7,327.00 A

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Special Requirements

The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

The incumbent must be willing to travel outside or during normal business hours. Job duties may involve working in the field including work at high altitudes and/or rugged terrain under varied and sometimes difficult weather conditions and must have a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License. Periodic statewide travel may be required.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 10/15/2024

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Water Resources

Mailing Address

Attn: Division of Human Resources

P.O. Box 1079

Sacramento, CA 95812

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Water Resources

Submit in Person

Certification Desk

715 P Street, 7th floor

Sacramento, CA 95814

08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
Resume is required and must be included.
Other - Cover Letter.
Other - See Supplemental Questionnaire information under Special Instructions below.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

The ideal candidate must work effectively with other staff, the media, partners and the general public; analyze situations and data accurately; take independent action; and make sound decisions. The incumbent must be able to maintain cooperative relationships and work independently or as part of a team, depending on the situation. In addition, they must have extensive skills and experience in writing, which includes meeting tight daily deadlines and addressing technical issues. The incumbent should have knowledge of or a keen interest in, the complexities of California water issues, as well as community outreach and engagement.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:

Kari Carroll

(916) 820-8091

kari.carroll@water.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

Office of Civil Rights

(916) 653-6952

weo@water.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), Cover letter, Resume, and Supplemental Questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position #50000104 and Job Control #JC- 449725 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application. Applicants that do not submit a completed Supplemental Questionnaire will not be considered.

The Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to elicit information regarding each applicant’s abilities, knowledge, and experience in relation to the advertised position. Please limit your answers to one page per question (12 point font).

Supplemental Questions:

Describe your experience planning, writing, and editing a variety of written materials that include press releases, reports, speeches, blogs/articles, etc. Give specific examples of documents that you wrote and were printed and distributed. What feedback did you receive regarding the effectiveness of your message? Be specific.
Give us specific examples of your work with media organizations, the type of media requests you have worked on as well as the topics and type of content of the information that was provided.
Describe your experience as a spokesperson in response to media requests and your experience in planning media events intended to inform the public.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

The follow basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

California Department of Water Resources jobs

Public Information Officer - Specialist