External Affairs Specialist I/II (DOQ) (10-Month Limited Term)

Salary : $89,892.48 - $126,782.28 Annually
Location : 6075 Kimball Ave., Chino CA 91708, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Limited Term
Job Number:
Division\Department: External & Government Affairs Department
Opening Date: 10/14/2026

THE POSITION:
THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is seeking a dynamic and creative External Affairs Specialist I/II (DOQ) (10-Month Limited Term) to facilitate our K-12 water education program, delivered outdoors in our 22-acre wetlands. This position's primary focus is bringing water education to life for students, turning curiosity about the water cycle, watersheds, and wetland ecosystems into hands-on, memorable experiences. The ideal candidate is energetic, great with kids, and passionate about making water education fun and exciting in an outdoor environment.

Under general supervision, the Specialist plans and leads field-based lessons, tours, and activities for students and teachers; assists with development of engaging, age-appropriate curriculum and materials; and builds relationships with schools and educators across the region. This position will spend a significant amount of time conducting outdoor field trips and supporting field trip assignments. In addition to the education program, this position supports the Agency's public relations, media relations, and community outreach efforts, including public presentations, community events, website and social media content, and evaluation of program effectiveness. The Specialist represents IEUA at community events and meetings, helping advance the goals of the Agency and its member agencies through storytelling and stakeholder engagement.

The I level performs entry-level professional duties with growing independence, while the II level works on a broader range of assignments with greater strategic responsibility, advanced program design and writing skills, and may provide guidance to other staff. This is an excellent opportunity for a communications or education professional who thrives outdoors, inspires young learners, and wants to build strong relationships in support of public service.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCES:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in marketing, public relations or a closely related field, and at least two years of progressively responsible experience in public information, marketing, public relations and social media; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

An External Affairs Specialist I may be considered for advancement to External Affairs Specialist II after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class. Proficiency criteria and the process for demonstrating performance at the levels established jointly by hiring authorities and the Manager of Human Resources.

Typically, an External Affairs Specialist I is expected to be capable of meeting the proficiency criteria within a 24-36 month period, depending on an individual's prior experience and progression in performing the full range of External Affairs Specialist II duties as described in the established performance criteria.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to lead engaging, hands-on water education lessons, tours, and activities for K-12 students in an outdoor setting, adapting presentations to different ages, learning needs, and interests.
• Skill in developing age-appropriate curriculum and educational materials that explain the water cycle, watersheds, wetland ecosystems, and water conservation in clear, creative, and meaningful ways.
• Ability to organize educational programs and community outreach activities, build strong relationships with schools and educators, and represent the Agency with professionalism, tact, and enthusiasm.
• Skill in developing and delivering clear, compelling written and verbal communications, including presentations, public information materials, press releases, and digital content, using AP style where appropriate.
• Ability to use social media platforms, website content management systems, and outreach tools to promote Agency programs, gather feedback, monitor engagement, and evaluate program effectiveness.

To view the full job description, please click

SELECTION PROCESS:
This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

There is one (1) vacancy in the External & Government Affairs Department.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

This position is a Limited-Term (10 Month Limited Term) employment opportunity. Limited-term employees are "AT-WILL" employees, and their employment can be terminated at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice.

A full-time, limited-term employee shall be eligible for the same insurance and leave benefits as a regular Agency employee occupying the same regular classification, pursuant to the applicable Personnel Manual or MOU, EXCEPT for the following: educational reimbursements, certification or licensing payments/reimbursements and computer loans.
Salary Range: External Affairs Specialist I UN 175 ($7,491.04 - $9,127.20 per month); External Affairs Specialist II UN 178 ($8,671.44 - $10,565.19 per month)

FLSA: Exempt
All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical and/or agility examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.
The Agency offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit and employment type. This benefits overview is a summary and is not to be considered all-inclusive or applicable to all employees.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

Retirement
California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS):
An employee who becomes a "new" member of CalPERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 (and who was not a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date) will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.0% @ 62 benefit formula with a three-year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New members (PEPRA) will be required to pay half of the normal cost (Govt. Code Section. 7522.30(c)) currently 6.75% of eligible earnings toward the employee contribution.

An employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS, or a current member of another California public retirement system, who is hired on or after January 1, 2012, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.0% @ 55 benefit formula with a three-year final compensation. Classic members shall contribute 7% of eligible earnings toward the employee contribution.

Social Security/Medicare:
Along with CalPERS retirement, the Agency also participates in Social Security and Medicare. The Agency pays 7.65% on your behalf (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare), and the employee pays 7.65% via payroll taxes.

Medical
The Agency shall make a maximum monthly contribution towards the cost of his/her health insurance as follows:
Agency Medical Contribution
Health insurance is offered through CalPERS, and enrollment is optional with a signed Completion of a Health Benefit Opt Out and Attestation Form. Eligible employees who waive their medical benefit receive a cash incentive payment* equal to the monthly rate. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following enrollment.

*Note: Per applicable MOU/Personnel Manuals, an employee must be in a paid status for a minimum of sixty (60) hours per pay period to receive the difference between the monthly insurance allotment and the actual cost of his/her health, dental, vision and/or life insurance benefits.

Dental and Vision Insurance
The Agency offers two dental plans - Delta Dental (PPO) and Western Dental (DPO). Enrollment in one of the plans is mandatory. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following enrollment.

Vision insurance is offered through EyeMed Vision Plan and enrollment is voluntary. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following enrollment.

Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Life and AD&D insurance is offered through Lincoln Financial Group. Executive Management employees are provided with 1 time their annual earnings up to $300,000. Unrepresented Management employees are provided with an Agency paid $90,000 Life and AD&D policy. Unrepresented non-management, and members of the Supervisors', Laboratory, Professional, General, or Operators' Unit are provided an Agency paid $50,000 Life and AD&D policy. Enrollment into a basic $10,000 Life and AD&D policy is required and paid by the employee. Employees may purchase dependent life, for their spouse and/or eligible child(ren), or additional Life and AD&D coverage for themselves up to $500,000. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following date of hire.

Employee Assistance Program
Agency employees are provided access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides 24/7 assistance needed to help resolve life's challenges.
Disability Insurance
Short-term disability is available through California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and the employee pays 1.2