Staff External Affairs Specialist - South Florida Water Management District
West Palm Beach, FL
About the Job
A public affairs position that serves as a South Florida Water Management District (District) contact in Palm Beach county. Applies knowledge of local water resource issues and regional and state water management policies to help implement the District’s projects and programs in these counties.
Works collaboratively with local governments, elected officials, businesses, interest groups and the public to understand and address local water resource needs. Proactively identifies and facilitates local partnerships that support flood control, environmental restoration initiatives and water supply.
Represents the District in local government commission meetings, public hearings, interagency meetings and other group forums as well as in one-on-one interactions with business and community leaders, elected officials, local government staff, recreational groups, water utilities and others.
Coordinates as needed with District executives, administrators and subject-matter experts; serves as the local liaison for the District’s Governing Board members; supports the District’s media program on topics of local interest.
Demonstrates solid verbal and written communication skills in addressing complex or controversial topics in a clear, concise and unbiased manner. Maintains tact and diplomacy; works to resolve disagreements in group settings. Remains available and on-call 24/7 to manage District emergencies as needed.
Responds accurately and courteously to constituent questions and concerns; works collaboratively with the District Ombuds on complex or challenging issues.
Coordinates with Communications and Public Engagement colleagues on strategies that promote the District's programs, policies and services, provides photos and content for social media experts to utilize on District sites. Provides assistance in implementing educational outreach programs, including presentations, school visits and media tours. Participates in community events.
Participates in the District's emergency management operations by providing intergovernmental coordination with state, local and federal agency representatives. During emergency events, may serve at a county Emergency Operations Center as a District liaison.
Employment Guidelines
Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline such as but not limited to Government, Public or Community Relations, Political Science or Communications and 4+ years of experience that demonstrates measurable career and technical progression that can be applied to support the District's core mission of flood control, water supply and environmental restoration. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Prior experience communicating and working with local government elected officials and state policy makers is a plus. Familiarity with Palm Beach Countiy and prior experience with a governmental organization is preferred.
License
Valid State of Florida Driver's License.
Physical Requirements/Working Environment
Partly sedentary in an office environment sitting at a desk and operating a personal computer to produce work products. Some travel to conduct business in the field or at remote locations. Some evenings and weekends to participate in intergovernmental or outreach activities.
Due to the District's response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times, be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.
Veterans' Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
Works collaboratively with local governments, elected officials, businesses, interest groups and the public to understand and address local water resource needs. Proactively identifies and facilitates local partnerships that support flood control, environmental restoration initiatives and water supply.
Represents the District in local government commission meetings, public hearings, interagency meetings and other group forums as well as in one-on-one interactions with business and community leaders, elected officials, local government staff, recreational groups, water utilities and others.
Coordinates as needed with District executives, administrators and subject-matter experts; serves as the local liaison for the District’s Governing Board members; supports the District’s media program on topics of local interest.
Demonstrates solid verbal and written communication skills in addressing complex or controversial topics in a clear, concise and unbiased manner. Maintains tact and diplomacy; works to resolve disagreements in group settings. Remains available and on-call 24/7 to manage District emergencies as needed.
Responds accurately and courteously to constituent questions and concerns; works collaboratively with the District Ombuds on complex or challenging issues.
Coordinates with Communications and Public Engagement colleagues on strategies that promote the District's programs, policies and services, provides photos and content for social media experts to utilize on District sites. Provides assistance in implementing educational outreach programs, including presentations, school visits and media tours. Participates in community events.
Participates in the District's emergency management operations by providing intergovernmental coordination with state, local and federal agency representatives. During emergency events, may serve at a county Emergency Operations Center as a District liaison.
Employment Guidelines
Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline such as but not limited to Government, Public or Community Relations, Political Science or Communications and 4+ years of experience that demonstrates measurable career and technical progression that can be applied to support the District's core mission of flood control, water supply and environmental restoration. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Prior experience communicating and working with local government elected officials and state policy makers is a plus. Familiarity with Palm Beach Countiy and prior experience with a governmental organization is preferred.
License
Valid State of Florida Driver's License.
Physical Requirements/Working Environment
Partly sedentary in an office environment sitting at a desk and operating a personal computer to produce work products. Some travel to conduct business in the field or at remote locations. Some evenings and weekends to participate in intergovernmental or outreach activities.
Due to the District's response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times, be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.
Veterans' Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
Source : South Florida Water Management District
