The Modesto Irrigation District is currently recruiting to fill one full-time regular position in the Public Affairs Department, General Manager Division, to plan, organize, coordinate and implement a variety of media and public relations programs in support of District goals, mission and business plan; and to serve as a resource to managers, supervisors, and employees on a variety of public affairs matters. 

Distinguishing Characteristics

Public Affairs Specialist I: This is the entry level class in the Public Affairs Specialist series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience. The Public Affairs Specialist I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Incumbents work under general supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to direction as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Public Affairs Specialist II: This is the journey level class in the Public Affairs Specialist series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Public Affairs Specialist I: Receives direction from the Senior Public Affairs Specialist.

Public Affairs Specialist II: Receives direction from the Senior Public Affairs Specialist.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve as media relations, public relations and issues management advisor to the General Manager and senior management team.
• Serve as primary media liaison; coordinate the release of public information with all divisions.
• Develop and implement communications strategies, plans, programs and projects, including the use of advertising and marketing, in support of the District’s mission and business plan.
• Develop and administer MID public education programs.
• Plan and develop content for and manage production of video, audio and commercial artwork for a variety of print, online, and multimedia publications and work products.
• Foster good community relations through community involvement and support; create forums to promote interaction with community and business leaders; coordinate speaker requests.
• Plan, coordinate and participate in special events.
• Prepare and deliver public presentations on a variety of topics related to District activities. 
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for equipment, supplies, services, and events; monitor and control expenditures. 
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Public Affairs Specialist I

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of marketing, advertising, public relations, market research and analysis, printing and publishing.
• Effective public presentation and speaking methods to attract and inform various audiences.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Graphic design principles.
• Social media, web design and graphic presentation methods.
• Principles of technical report preparation.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Modern office equipment including the use of applicable computer applications.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.

Ability to:

• Perform professional media and public relations duties to promote and inform others regarding District matters.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• Make effective public presentations.
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports.
• Learn District policies and procedures.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible experience developing and implementing media and public relations programs.

Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.

Public Affairs Specialist II

In addition to the qualifications for the Public Affairs Specialist I:

Knowledge of:

• District organization, services and programs.
• Modern media and public relations principles and practices.
• Social media tools used to enhance the communication of District matters and programs.
• Methods of media and public relations program development and evaluation.
• Project management methods.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.

Ability to:

• Independently develop, implement and evaluate a comprehensive media and public relations program.
• Manage projects effectively.
• Recognize, identify, and resolve conflict or problems of a sensitive or political nature.
• Collect, analyze and interpret customer data.

Experience:
Five years of progressively responsible experience similar to Public Affairs Specialist I with the District.

Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.

Special Requirement:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Qualified applicants must submit a completed District application. APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application screening will begin on or after May 13, 2025. Applications received after this date are not guaranteed consideration.   

Applications will be reviewed on a comparative basis and only those most qualified will be invited to continue in the recruitment process, which will consist of an overall assessment of the individual's skills through (1) written test; (2) oral interview; and (3) contacting of references to include current and former supervisors. The applicant must perform successfully in each phase of the recruitment in order to continue in the recruitment process.

Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact Human Resources at (209) 526-7341. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-2922 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD. The Modesto Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED AND APPLICABLE HIGHER EDUCATION DEGREE, AND A COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECK PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK.

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE