County of Alameda

Under general direction, interacts with local, regional, state, and federal legislative bodies, government agencies and coalitions on regulatory, policy and governmental relations issues; serves as the subject matter expert on governmental relations issues as they relate to the Water District; directs and implements comprehensive regional, state and federal legislative representation and policy development; represents the Water District in meetings with other public agencies, elected and appointed governmental officials, community and industry groups; provides professional and technical assistance to the General Manager; and performs related duties as assigned.    

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

This is a single-position classification located in the Zone 7 Water Agency and reporting to the General Manager, Zone 7.  This position has responsibility for the quality, quantity and timeliness of all work related to governmental relations, analyzes proposed legislative action, and determining the potential impact on the Water District. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies.  Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

NOTE:    The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Assists the General Manager and the Board of Directors with strategic planning for known and potential regulatory activities related to the Water District water supply and flood protection activities.
2. Develops, plans, and implements goals and objectives related to governmental relations.
3. Reviews, tracks, analyzes, and interprets proposed federal, state, and local legislation and regulations which could affect Water District programs and financial operations; coordinate staff reviews and responses to proposed legislation or regulation.
4. Identifies, monitors, and engages in legislative and regulatory matters that impact the Water District’s mission; coordinates the Water District’s legislative advocacy and works with Water District counter parts in efforts to influence outcomes; works to establish partnerships to enhance the influence of the Water District; maintains a presence in regional, state, and federal proceedings to protect the interests of the Water District as policies and rules are considered and adopted.
5. Serves as a liaison for the Water District with outside agencies, such as utilities, regulatory agencies, governmental bodies, planning agencies, trade and professional associations, and technical groups; attends meetings, as necessary; provides staff support to committees and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
6. Develops request for services; recommends selection of, and manages the contracts for, consulting assistance to advance the district’s interests. 
7. Prepares, reviews, and completes various reports, correspondence, and other written materials, including Board of Directors agenda reports, monthly and annual reports; assists in assembling a variety of complex information and statistical data for the presentation of reports on Water District issues; presents summaries and reports at Board meetings.
8. Provides technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures, policies, and regulations; interprets and explains rules, regulations, and procedures; answers questions and resolves concerns.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education:  

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, political science, public relations, planning, or a related field.  

AND  

Experience:  

The equivalent of five (5) years of full-time, professional level water agency experience, which includes program administration, water or flood related coordination with the community or outside agencies, and policy review.  

Physical Requirement:

• Standing and walking between work areas is frequently required.
• Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.   

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:    The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Example of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, project management, and supervision of consultant staff.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and procedures.
• Practices of researching, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Contemporary issues affecting local government and the community including relevant federal state and local programs and related laws, policies and procedures related to regional and statewide water supply and flood protection regulations and issues.
• Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to water supply and flood protection related issues.
• Contract management principles and practices in a public agency setting.
• Principles and procedures of report writing, record keeping, and general business correspondence.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Strategies for building relationships with local, state, and federal public officials and organizations.
• Techniques for effectively representing the Water District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and the Water District’s staff.  

Ability to:

• Develop strong government contacts at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Manage and monitor complex projects, on time and within budget, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Make effective and engaging oral presentations clearly, logically, and persuasively.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with the Water District’s policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the Water District in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

NewSpec 3609

DR:sa 05/25/2021

CSC Date: 06/30/2021

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.