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Public Affairs Specialist I/II
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.
Any Qualified Individual May Apply. This is an exempt position and is allocated to the Management and Confidential Group. The list established as a result of this recruitment may be used to fill other Public Affairs Specialist 1/11vacancies that may occur within the District through April 29, 2026.
If there is a lack of qualified candidates at the II level, the position may be filled at the I level.
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.
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.
Application screening will begin on or after May 13, 2025. Applications received after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
