Job Posting: Public Information Officer - Statewide Climate & Energy

Department of Water Resources

JC-512151
-
Public Information Officer - Statewide Climate & Energy
INFORMATION OFFICER II

$7,498.00 - $9,317.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 5/8/2026

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 Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-512151
Position #(s):
840-410-5595-002
Working Title:
Public Information Officer - Statewide Climate & Energy
Classification:
INFORMATION OFFICER II
$7,498.00 - $9,317.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Public Affairs Office, Communication and Outreach Branch, Sacramento

Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.

At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department.  Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.

DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect.  An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Department Website: https://water.ca.gov/

Free virtual career consultation services including one-on-one DWR career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, provided by DWR’s Recruitment and Workforce Planning section can now be scheduled via https://water.ca.gov/About/Careers.

 

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.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/8/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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 tower 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: https://thrive.cnra.ca.gov/

 

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!

 

Click here 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 Human Resources Manual - CalHR.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Kari Carroll
(916) 820-8091
kari.carroll@water.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.

 

Click here to complete DWR’s Recruitment Survey. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Examination/Assessment

For more information about the State hiring process, click here. To learn more about how to get a State job, click here.

 

List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.

 

Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link:

 


Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job