Salary : $80,152.00 - $117,420.00 Annually
Location : WRD Headquarters, Lakewood, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: External Affairs
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
Closing Date: 10/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 100

General Purpose
The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD or District) is a California Special District responsible for managing and protecting local groundwater resources for over 4 million residents. As a local government agency, WRD ensures that a reliable supply of high-quality groundwater is available through the use of stormwater capture and recycled water.
WRD is seeking an Associate Public Affairs Representative, under direct supervision, provides support in implementing District-wide public and community relations strategies and plans to meet District public affairs goals and objectives; assists staff with the District public affairs, public education, community and media outreach and conservation programs; attends meetings with other public agencies, elected and appointed governmental officials, community and industry groups and the media; helps, organize and execute assigned public relations and education, community outreach and/or media events; writes and coordinates production of a wide variety of public relations materials; and performs other duties as assigned.

Associate Public Affairs Representative is an entry-level class in the professional external affairs job family. An incumbent is responsible for performing skilled, professional duties in support of District-wide public affairs, public education, community outreach, conservation and media relations programs, plans and strategies to meet designated District public relations goals and objectives. An incumbent is also responsible for helping coordinate public relations, media relations, community outreach, special and/or media events and represents the District in assigned public interactions.
Associate Public Affairs Representative is distinguished from Public Affairs Representative in that an incumbent in the latter class is responsible for implementing and administering District-wide public, public education, community outreach, conservation and media relations programs, plans and strategies
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
Assignments may include, but are not limited to:
1. Assist with District-wide public affairs, public education and media outreach programs, initiatives and activities; help coordinates public education programs in the areas of water awareness, watershed stewardship and general environmental awareness; visits schools to promote District educational programs; coordinate media buys for public education efforts; assist in organizing effective public tours of District facilities and projects.
2. Help implement District community outreach and communications programs; and projects; answer questions and provide information as assigned; follow up on solicitations of sponsorships for programs.
3. Participate in communicating information and messages to the public and key constituencies, as well as to internal customers, to promote the District and educate target audiences regarding the District's programs, activities and initiatives as assigned through various communication platforms including the development of engaging and educational social media campaigns; help build positive relationships with key business and community leaders.
4. Design, develop and create public relations and education materials and collaterals, including promotional pieces, annual reports, guides, brochures, charts and other print/graphic materials with approval of management; conduct background research to write materials; create and place paid advertising; help promotes events to media.
5. Assist in the implementation of District water conservation initiatives and programs.

Other Duties

1.Attends a variety of conferences, meetings and training sessions as required.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

1. Principles, methods and practices applied in design and implementation of public affairs and education, community outreach, social media, media relations and conservation programs.
2. Methods and techniques of issue and image management.
3. Methods and techniques for creating effective media and public relations materials.
4. Methods of analysis applicable to the formulation and communication of programs and policy.
Industry trends and media practices as they apply to developing and carrying out public relations programs for a water utility agency.
5. Principles, methods and techniques of graphic design, layout and print production.
6. Advertising and public relations industry practices and trends.
7. Basic principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, purchasing and maintenance of public records.
8. Research methods and analysis techniques.
9. Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

1. Analyze and make sound recommendations on media relations, community outreach and public affairs issues and assignments.
2. Develop concepts and design specific methods and techniques to improve internal and external communications.
3. Generate interest and convey messages through the development of graphic treatments and persuasive writing.
4. Apply writing style and techniques appropriate for differing business and journalistic/public relations purposes.
5. Create effective graphic designs and creative approaches for use in public information and education programs.
6. Present information, proposals and/or recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively in public meetings.
7. Operate a computer using word processing, desktop publishing and other standard text and graphics software.
8. Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
9. Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
10. Represent the District effectively in public settings and with media representatives on a variety of issues.
11. Exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with sensitive and complex issues.
12. Establish and maintain highlight effective relationships with District management, staff, elected and appointed officials of other public agencies, industry representatives, representatives of community, professional and business organizations, the media, the public and others encountered in the course of work.
Education, Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field; and two years of professional experience involving the coordination of public affairs and community outreach programs and projects similar to those administered by the District; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A valid California driver's license is required and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance policy.
Physical and Mental Demands:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk; talk or hear, in person, in meetings and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate computers and other standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee regularly lifts up to 25 pounds and frequently lifts up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus, depth perception and color vision.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe Associate Public Affairs Representative Page 5 and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with constant interruptions; work under intensive and constantly changing deadlines and interact with District management, staff, stakeholders, external agencies, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This classification is not eligible for telecommuting/hybrid work consistent with District policy and operational needs.

The employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.

This employee will split its time between the District's headquarters in Lakewood, California and the Albert Robles Center (ARC) in Pico Rivera, California.
Compensation:The salary range for this classification is $80,152.00 to $117,420.00 yearly.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:Applications will be accepted through October 23, 2026, or until 100 applications have been received, whichever occurs first. WRD reserves the right to fill or close the position at any time.

To be considered for this opportunity please complete the application process for this position located at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wrd. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which will include a panel interview and possible written exam.
Final candidates must be able to prove legal U.S. residency, pass a background check, and a physical exam
WRD offers an exceptional benefits package, inclusive of the following:

• CalPERS pension
• Deferred compensation and matching
• Social Security
• Paid medical plans through Anthem and Kaiser
• Paid dental insurance through Delta Dental
• Paid employee assistance program
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 9/80 Remote/Hybrid work schedule for eligible positions
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability
• Represented employees receive paid vacation and sick leave.
• Management employees receive paid annual leave.
• Paid holidays
• Optional, employee paid long-term care insurance

For purposes of employment, temporary employees and interns are not eligible for any benefits unless required by law. Pursuant to state law, temporary employees and interns are eligible for 40 hours of paid sick leave in accordance with the District's sick leave policy after completion of 90 calendar days of employment. Any unused hours of sick leave will be forfeited as of December 31st. A new accrual of 40 hours will be provided at the start of the calendar year. Upon completion of the internship assignment, unused sick leave will be lost.
01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

Do you possess an Bachelor's degree (B.A.) or equivalent from an accredited college or university, supplemented by college-level coursework in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

03

If you selected yes in the question above, please state your major here:
04

How many years of professional experience do you have coordinating public affairs, community outreach programs, and/or related projects?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5 or more years

05

Do you have experience working in a public agency, special district, city, county, state, or other governmental organization?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your experience coordinating public affairs, community outreach, public education, and/or communications programs or projects. Include the types of programs or projects you supported, your level of responsibility, and any communication platforms, software, or systems you used.
07

Which best describes your professional experience developing or supporting public-facing communications, including social media, public education materials, community