THE OPPORTUNITY:
Are you interested in a meaningful career as an integral part of our External & Government Affairs Department? The Agency is seeking a strategic and innovative individual to serve as its next Government Affairs Analyst I/II (DOQ). Reporting directly to the Grants and Government Affairs Officer, the Government Affairs Analyst I/II is responsible for researching and performing legislative and policy analysis. If you are passionate about government affairs, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency has an exciting opportunity for you as a Government Affairs Analyst I/II (DOQ)!
Here at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, we are a leader in water management and environmental stewardship. We strive to produce high-quality renewable products such as recycled water and top-quality compost to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout our region. Our values go beyond just protecting the resources and the communities we serve. We are committed to applying ethical, transparent, and environmentally sustainable principles to all aspects of business and organizational conduct. We recognize that our commitment to the community starts with our employees. To ensure that our staff are able to continue to perform at a high level and provide unparalleled services throughout our service area, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance.
Here are a few ways the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is committed to helping you feel your best, work your best, and live your best while working with us:
This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.
Under general supervision, performs responsible and complex professional and analytical work on a variety of government affairs, legislative, policy, and related activities with Agency-wide impact; performs complex analysis, researches, monitors, and provides sound professional recommendations regarding legislation and regulations; coordinates and interacts with customer agencies, stakeholders, Agency staff, and elected officials; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Government Affairs Analyst I is the entry-level class in the Government Affairs Analyst class series. Initially, under direct supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of routine to moderately complex technical professional-level research and legislative and policy analysis on behalf of the Agency. This class is alternately staffed with Government Affairs Analyst II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications for the higher-level class. Responsibilities include researching complex issues, developing strategies, and disseminating verbally or in writing pertinent research findings and information regarding current, pending and proposed legislation that may have an impact on the Agency. Additional duties include tracking and documenting the legislative process in the various stages of development.
The Government Affairs Analyst II is the professional, journey-level position in the series. At this level, the incumbent performs the most complex and specialized work while exercising broader discretion and independent judgment within established guidelines. The work involves utilizing a wide range of available resources and coordinating with Agency staff and staff from other governmental bodies with significant accountability and independent decision-making responsibilities.
Employees in the professional Government Affairs Analyst class series typically report to the Grants & Government Affairs Officer.
Government Affairs Analyst I is distinguished from Government Affairs Analyst II in that an incumbent in the latter class performs more complex work requiring broader professional knowledge, including more complex legislative and policy analysis, and higher-level communications and engagement with the Agency Board of Directors, Agency management, and staff; other agencies; elected officials; and committees.
Researches, reviews, monitors, analyzes, and interprets current and proposed federal and state legislation and regulations that affect Agency programs and financial operations; makes recommendations on the Agencys positions on legislation and action to achieve desired legislative results; proposes revisions to legislation and regulations consistent with the Agencys interests; drafts legislative summaries, position papers, policy principles, correspondence, and testimony; maintains and updates legislative database as bills move through the legislative process.
Coordinates staff reviews and responses to proposed legislation and regulations and assists the Agency Board of Directors with legislative issues as required; coordinates with customer agencies and stakeholders on joint responses to proposed legislation and regulations; coordinates and interacts with Agency staff, technical staff leads, retail agencies, other agencies, and elected officials regarding legislation and regulations; arranges meetings with legislators and their staff; contributes to the overall effectiveness of Agencys inter-governmental relations; represents the Agencys interest in multiple forums.
Reviews potential funding opportunities including State and Federal budgets and closely coordinates with the Grants Analysts to assess and match potential eligible projects/programs.
Reviews, tracks, analyzes, and interprets local agency and Board agendas for items that could affect Agency programs and operations.
Participates in the development of Board Letters and Presentations; coordinates, assists with, and presents at meetings of the Agencys Community & Legislative Committee and other Board/Committee meetings as applicable.
Assists in coordinating with consultants supporting local, state, and federal advocacy efforts; participates in the development of requests for proposals, contracts, and agreements for professional contractors, consultants, and vendor services; participates in the evaluation and selection process; coordinates department review of vendor deliverables and delivery of services for accuracy and completeness, ensuring that department needs, and requirements have been met in areas of assignment.
Analyzes data and statistics for trends and patterns; prepares and maintains a variety of reports, records, and analyses; proactively develops and presents recommendations on related programs and initiatives.
Participates on a variety of professional and industry specific committees (in person or virtually) involved in legislative, regulatory, and intergovernmental affairs; examples include, but are not limited to, Association of California Water Agencies, California Association of Sanitation Agencies, WateReuse CA, American Compost Producers, Greater Ontario Business Council Legislative Committee, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, US Water Alliance, etc.
Government Affairs Analyst I – Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in public or business administration, political science, environmental or earth sciences, engineering, or a related field; and two years of professional experience in legislative analysis, field assignment with a legislative office or policy committee, or private sector campaigns and communications; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in water and wastewater compliance in a public agency is preferred.
A Government Affairs Analyst I may be considered for advancement to Government Affairs Analyst II after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class. Proficiency criteria and the process for demonstrating performance at the levels established in the criteria are established jointly by hiring authorities and the Human Resources Department.
Typically, a Government Affairs Analyst I is expected to be capable of meeting the proficiency criteria within a 1824-month period, depending on an individual’s prior experience and progression in performing the full range of Government Affairs Analyst II duties as described in the established performance criteria.
LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency’s vehicle insurance program.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles and practices of the legislative process including legislative research, analyses, steps, and influence points.
Research methods and financial and statistical data analysis techniques.
Federal, state, and regional environmental laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to areas of assignment.
Agency ordinances, codes, policies, procedures, and practices regarding areas of assignment.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff.
Internal control and audit principles and practices.
Principles and practices of standard business software and specialized database and spreadsheet applications.
Principles and practices of sound business communication.
Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.
ABILITY TO:
Research, analyze, interpret, explain and make recommendations on environmental, legislative, and inter-governmental issues.
Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and make sound, appropriate recommendations.
Author persuasive comment letters, speaking points and other written materials.
Understand, interpret, explain and apply federal and state laws, codes, regulations, and local policies and procedures applicable to areas of responsibility.
Represent the department and Agency effectively in dealings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
Effectively and professionally work with a diverse group of staff and community members.
Exercise sound independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Operate a computer and standard business software and other standard office equipment.
Prepare clear, concise, and accurate analytical reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Develop and present presentations, proposals, and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively.
Make clear and effective oral presentations to groups and individuals.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
Be present onsite at Agency locations during normal business hours.
Be physically present at non-Agency locations including, but not limited to, member agencies, conferences, and other work-related events that occur offsite.
Travel up to 25% of the time across the state of California, and occasionally out-of-state, as necessary.
Work remotely and while traveling.
All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical and/or agility examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1645 or [email protected] at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
“The Agency’s success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences”.
This benefits overview is a summary and is not to be considered all-inclusive or applicable to all employees.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Retirement
California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS):
An employee who becomes a “new” member of CalPERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 (and who was not a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date) will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.0% @ 62 benefit formula with a three-year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New members (PEPRA) will be required to pay half of the normal cost [Govt. Code Section. 7522.30(c)] currently 6.75% of eligible earnings toward the employee contribution.
An employee who is a “classic” member of CalPERS, or a current member of another California public retirement system, who is hired on or after January 1, 2012, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.0% @ 55 benefit formula with a three-year final compensation. Classic members shall contribute 7% of eligible earnings toward the employee contribution.
Social Security/Medicare:
Along with CalPERS retirement, the Agency also participates in Social Security and Medicare. The Agency pays 7.65% on your behalf [6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare], and the employee pays 7.65% via payroll taxes.
Medical
The Agency shall make a maximum monthly contribution towards the cost of his/her health insurance as follows:
Dental and Vision Insurance
The Agency offers two dental plans Delta Dental (PPO) and Western Dental (DPO). Enrollment in one of the plans is mandatory. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following enrollment.
Vision insurance is offered through EyeMed Vision Plan and enrollment is voluntary. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following enrollment.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan
Upon completion of six months of employment, employees may participate in the Agency’s Section 125 Cafeteria Program. Participants in this program may take advantage of tax savings offered through a medical care flexible spending account, a dependent care flexible spending account, or purchase supplemental benefits including critical illness and accident insurance with pre-tax dollars. In addition, employees can purchase supplemental life insurance with post-tax dollars.
Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Life and AD&D insurance is offered through Cigna Life Insurance. Executive Management employees are provided with 1 time their annual earnings up to $300,000. Unrepresented Management employees are provided with an Agency paid $90,000 Life and AD&D policy. Unrepresented non-management, and members of the Supervisors’, Laboratory, Professional, General, or Operators’ Unit are provided an Agency paid $50,000 Life and AD&D policy. Enrollment into a basic $10,000 Life and AD&D policy is required and paid by the employee. Employees may purchase dependent life, for their spouse and/or eligible child(ren), or additional Life and AD&D coverage for themselves up to $500,000. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following date of hire.
Disability Insurance
Employees are insured by an Agency-paid long-term disability insurance, which will provide income for an employee who is totally disabled from illness, injury, or accident. The basic benefit provides for 60% of the first $10,000 of monthly salary, reduced by deductible income, after a 365-day waiting period. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Short-term disability insurance is available through State Disability Insurance (SDI). Employees covered by SDI are covered by two programs: Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave. Per applicable MOU and/or Personnel Manual, cash-out option available.
Employee Assistance Program
Agency employees are provided access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides 24/7 assistance needed to help resolve life’s challenges.
401(a) & 457(b) Deferred Compensation
Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. The Agency will contribute $25.00 per pay period to a single 457(b) account for each employee who has made an elective deferral of twenty-five ($25) or more to the plan. Also, participation in a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan is available within 60 days of hire.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Whenever possible, the Agency strives to be flexible to help employees achieve a balance between work and home responsibilities. Most employees participate in a 4/10 work week.
PAID TIME OFF
Holidays
The Agency offers nine (9) paid holidays. Additional paid floating holidays are available every fiscal year as follows:Executive Management:6 Floating Holidays per FY & 6 Executive Leave days
Unrepresented Management:10 Floating Holidays per FY
Unrepresented Non-Management:6 Floating Holidays per FY
Supervisors Unit:8 Floating Holidays per FY
Laboratory Unit:5 Floating Holidays per FY
Professional Unit6 Floating Holidays per FY
Operators Association:6 Floating Holidays per FY
General Unit:60 hours Floating Holidays per FY
Vacation Leave
Employees accrue 80 hours of vacation leave per year depending on length of employment, progressing to 200 hours per year. Executive Management employees accrue 120 hours of vacation leave per year depending on length of service, progressing to 240 hours per year. Per applicable MOU and/or Personnel Manual, cash-out option available.
Sick Leave
Employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.
Vehicle Allowance
Executive Management and Unrepresented Management employees may receive a monthly vehicle allowance.
Safety Equipment Stipend
Members of the Laboratory Unit shall be provided with safety glasses. Payment shall be on a reimbursement basis, not to exceed $250 per fiscal year. Additionally, Laboratory members will receive $300 safety equipment stipend.
Professional Development Stipend
Employees not on original probation shall be entitled to a professional development stipend of one thousand dollars ($1000) per calendar year. The professional development stipend shall be paid every twenty-fifth (25th) pay period. Refer to specific MOU or Personnel Manual for details and payment information.
Educational Reimbursement Program
The Agency may reimburse eligible employees for the cost of educational courses up to $5,250 per fiscal year for the cost of educational expenses that are related to the employee’s work. Limited Term employees are not eligible for this benefit.
Wellness Stipend
Employees not on original probation shall be entitled to a wellness stipend of five hundred dollars ($500) per calendar year. The wellness stipend shall be paid every twenty-fifth (25th) pay period.
Computer Loan Program
Eligible employees may receive an interest-free loan up to $3,000 to purchase a personal computer. Limited Term employees are not eligible for this benefit.
This benefits overview is a summary and is not to be considered all-inclusive or applicable to all employees.