Public Affairs Specialist - Bilingual

This examination is open only to current District employees who meet the promotional requirements.  No other applications will be considered.

Applications will be accepted only during the designated filing period for this examination.  The opening and closing dates of the filing period are listed in this announcement.  Applications must be filed by the following method:

Submitted online through the District's Online Employment Center at www.districtjobs.org.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the closing date in order to be considered.

The deadline for filing an application will not be extended due to any unavailability of the District's Online Employment Center.  The District will not be liable for the Online Employment Center being unavailable for any period of time, and it is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application form is completed and submitted in a timely manner.  Therefore, it is recommended that applications be submitted early in the filing period.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application form is completed and submitted in a timely manner by the method described above. 

Descriptions and dates of experience and any required license or certification should be very clear so that it is understood exactly how the applicant meets the promotional requirements.

Anticipation of Eligibility: An applicant who can demonstrate the likelihood of having the required year(s) of service and civil service status with the District in one of the required job classifications by the anticipation date may be admitted to the examination process.  Candidates so admitted, who are successful in the examination process, may not be appointed until evidence is provided that these requirements were fulfilled by the anticipation date. Employees may not hold civil service status in more than one classification.  Therefore, achievement of civil service status in the classification that is the subject of this announcement will result in the loss of eligibility for promotional examinations resulting from the possession of civil service status in any former classification.

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' Preference points will be added, in accordance with the District statute, to the scores of those candidates who attain a passing score in all phases of the examination.  Veterans' Preference claim forms can be obtained through the District's website, by clicking here, or requested at the test site.  An employee who receives a promotion from an eligible list on which he or she received Veterans' Preference points will not be eligible for Veterans' Preference points on any future promotional examinations.

Probationary Period: The probationary period for this classification is one year (250 days worked).

Hiring and Employment Objectives: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is committed to hiring and employment practices that base employee selection on a candidate's knowledge, skill and ability to perform effectively on the job; provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants; prohibit the entry of political reasons or factors and other improper considerations into any stage of the selection and hiring processes; and create a transparent, honest and fair hiring system.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with applicable laws.  Requests for testing accommodations are to be made within one week after the close of the filing period.  For information regarding accommodation for individuals with disabilities, phone (312) 751-5170 (voice) or (312) 751-5916 (TTY).  

Duties: Under direction, performs a variety of public information assignments including developing and writing press releases, talking points, presentations, fact sheets, and social media messages in both English and Spanish, and graphic design.

Absolute Requirement:  Written and verbal fluency in English and Spanish (bilingual).

Promotional Requirements: Possession of a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations or a closely related field. One year of service with the District as a Graphic Artist, Investigator, Legal Assistant, Senior Administrative Specialist, Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Assistant, Accounting Clerk III, Accounting Associate or Secretary; or two years of such service as an Administrative Specialist.  Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications. 

Examination: The examination will consist of a written test weighted 45%, an oral test, including a written and presentation exercise, weighted 45%, an efficiency rating weighted 5% and a seniority rating weighted 5%. The minimum passing score on the written test will be 70% unless determined otherwise by the Director of Human Resources. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test to have their names placed on the eligible list.

The written test will assess candidates' knowledge, skill and ability in areas such as knowledge of public relations and communications concepts; Spanish translation; planning and problem-solving skills; and written and oral communication skills.

The oral test will assess candidates' Spanish language fluency of written and oral communication skills.

Examination Process: All applicants will be advised by email if they have been admitted to the examination process. Applicants who do not receive a response to their application by Friday, October 29, 2021 should contact the Employee Selection Office at (312) 751-5100.

WRITTEN TEST: The written test will be administered on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at St. Rita High  School, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620.

Candidates should report at 10:00 a.m. with the approved (printed) admission letter and driver's license or other form of photo identification. Calculators will be provided. The use of books, study guides, cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops or other aids during the test is prohibited.

ORAL TEST:  The oral test is tentatively scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2021 and Saturday, December 4, 2021 (If necessary to accommodate the number of candidates).  Candidates who pass the written test will be informed by email regarding the date, time, and place of the oral test.