Job Description

Job Description and Duties

This is an exciting, high-profile opportunity that needs the right strategic communicator! Under administrative direction of the Supervisor II within the Public Affairs Office (PAO), Communications and Outreach Branch and in coordination with the Deputy Director for Statewide Water Resources Planning and Enterprise Project Management, the incumbent will serve as the communications lead for the department’s climate resilience and adaptation efforts. The incumbent is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications and outreach to raise public awareness about the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) role in advancing the state’s long-term water supply and climate resilience initiatives to protect water resources and respond proactively to climate change through measures such as sustainable water management, modernizing infrastructure, renewable energy, etc.

The incumbent will serve as the PAO liaison with these groups to shape public understanding and foster collaboration around these efforts, providing overall strategic communication planning support. The incumbent will lead in the management of assigned projects and ensure that strategic communication planning and outreach remains current and relevant, and that communication plan milestones are completed timely, align with overall department messaging and quality standards, and support DWR's overall mission.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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.

This position requires strong leadership skills, as well as project management, communication, marketing, and public outreach and engagement experience. Incumbent will also need the ability to forge partnerships with top department managers, external and internal collaborators, and cross-functional teams.  Must be able to respond effectively to public comments and questions on issues involving strong personal interests and significant economic, political, and social implications. Must also be able to communicate clearly about a program that attracts ongoing attention and critical review from political bodies, interest groups, and the public, and that is frequently the subject of questions, misconceptions, and differing opinions. Must have a valid California driver's license as driving and travel are required. Occasional work outside of normal business hours and on weekends required.

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 would communicate complex technical information in plain language; be an exceptional and versatile writer and editor; have the ability to analyze situations and data accurately; make sound decisions; and exercise good judgment; develop and maintain productive relationships with staff, management, stakeholders, media, and the public; and effectively work both independently and collaboratively. The candidate would provide leadership in the management of assigned projects and ensure that strategic communication planning remains current and relevant and that communication plan milestones are completed timely, meet PAO quality standards, and support DWR’s overall mission.

Benefits

Your work location will be at the Natural Resources Agency building, where you will be within walking distance of nearby restaurants. The Natural Resources Agency building is the newest high-rise that features sustainable construction, plenty of natural lighting and functionally-designed work spaces including sit-stand work stations. This LEED Platinum headquarters has a full-service cafe, an onsite fitness center, and a bicycle share program. Visit our Natural Resources Agency website for more exciting information:

In addition to state-of-the-art amenities, we offer an award-winning employee recognition program, ongoing learning and development opportunities, and a new daycare facility is close by. We’re also located right next to Light Rail for an easy commute – we’ll even reimburse you for a portion of your monthly public transit pass!

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit  .

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a complete, detailed, and thorough State application (STD. 678), Cover Letter, Resume, and the Supplemental Questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position #50096434 and Job Control # JC-512151 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

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). Respond to each question separately and if there is a question regarding experience that you do not have, include examples of similar experience or coursework that would demonstrate your ability or potential to perform the specific function.

Supplemental Questions:

1. This position requires the ability to develop communication plans and outreach strategies that effectively explain complex, technical information to the public. Describe a strategic communications or outreach plan you have developed. What information was being delivered and what strategies did you use?

2. Please describe your experience serving as a spokesperson or responding to media inquiries on behalf of an organization. What were the types of media outlets you engaged with, the nature of the inquiries you handled, and the strategies you used to provide accurate, timely information?

3. Describe your experience organizing or supporting public meetings, workshops, or technical outreach events. What were your responsibilities, how did you engage relevant parties, and what was the overall impact of the effort?

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

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. If you do not include your application, cover letter, resume and supplemental question, your application package will be disqualified.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

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 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.

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