Job Posting: Engagement Coordinator

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-495714
-
Engagement Coordinator
ASSOCIATE GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM ANALYST

$6,031.00 - $7,547.00 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: 11/5/2025

Job Description and Duties

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.


In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Public Engagement, Equity, and Tribal Affairs (OPEETA) has an opening for an Associate Governmental Program Analyst.

This position is available to be based in one of two locations. The selected candidate will be expected to be within commuting distance of one of these two locations. Candidate availability will determine which location they will work from.

The first location is the CalEPA headquarters building at 1001 I Street, 19th Floor, Sacramento, right in the heart of downtown Sacramento next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

The second location will be at one of two Fresno local offices, 1685 E Street, Fresno, or 265 W. Bullard Ave, Suite 101, Fresno. Both office locations are within a few minutes of downtown Fresno.

This position may require up to 25% statewide travel to perform job-related duties. Travel may include overnight and weekend stays.

This position reports to the OPEETA Staff Services Manager I. This position will work with the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) drinking water program and will work to help develop and implement outreach and engagement activities to advance safe drinking water in communities across California. This position will work with local technical assistance providers, community groups and representatives, and other Water Boards divisions, to develop and implement engagement approaches that help the community understand and evaluate their drinking water solutions, move forward from historical conflict, build their capacity to engage in water decision-making, establish equitable governance structures, and maintain forward progress on drinking water solutions. This position may also coordinate with the SAFER Advisory Group, a high-profile consultative body that provides the State Water Board with constructive advice and feedback on the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund Expenditure Plan and other related policies and analyses.

OPEETA ensures Water Boards decision-making processes involve the public and uplifts the voices of environmental justice communities and California Native American tribes. OPEETA achieves this by designing and implementing effective stakeholder involvement processes, providing resources for language access, assisting in public outreach, facilitating meetings, offering capacity building opportunities, and coordinating government-to-government consultations.

Duties:

  • Develop and implement outreach and engagement strategies to achieve safe drinking water solutions.
  • Coordinate logistics relating to meeting/workshop/event planning, implementation, and follow-up.
  • Develop plain-language public communications and outreach materials.
  • Develop relationships with local community leaders and groups.
  • Assist in developing templates, guidance, and training related to equitable engagement approaches.
  • Respond to public inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
  • Work collaboratively with team members on innovative programs and complex projects to address California’s drinking water needs, address racial and environmental justice, support community capacity building, and strengthen partnerships with California Native American tribes.
  • Plan, organize, and execute successful events or projects.
  • Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively, ensuring all deadlines are met.
  • Identify and solve problems in a timely and effective manner.
  • Facilitate discussions and brainstorming sessions.

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-495714
Position #(s):
880-230-5393-709
Working Title:
Engagement Coordinator
Classification:
ASSOCIATE GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM ANALYST
$6,031.00 - $7,547.00 A
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
State Water Resources Control Board

Department Information

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Water Boards values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

  • RPA# 25-230-014 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
  • Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).


Must have Associate Governmental Program Analyst list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1764.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.


Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.

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: 11/5/2025

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:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Nina Lopez-Arendovich
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Nina Lopez-Arendovich
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements.
  • Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included.
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:

  • Strong written, oral, and verbal communicator. 
  • Strong project management skills. 
  • Plain-language writing skills. 
  • Meeting organization and facilitation skills, both in-person and virtual, including proficiency with Zoom and using A/V equipment.
  • Knowledge of and interest in California water history and challenges.
  • Familiar with visual design principles. 
  • Able to stay calm in tense situations.  
  • Conflict resolution and/or facilitation experience or the capacity to become a strong facilitator. 
  • Experience navigating sensitive or controversial issues in a public engagement setting. 
  • Flexible and comfortable working in uncharted areas. 
  • Comfortable providing and accepting constructive criticism. 
  • Ability to trust and form relationships with diverse groups. 
  • Organized, innovative critical thinker.
  • Familiar with California water issues. 
  • Experience working with economically disadvantaged, historically excluded, and environmental justice communities, or California Native American tribes. 
  • Proficiency in foreign languages, especially Spanish, is advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates lacking this skill are still highly encouraged to apply.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected solutions.

Benefits

Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Nina Lopez-Arendovich
(916) 341-6974
nina.lopez-arendovich@waterboards.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Rachel Wittenberg
(916) 327-0434
rachel.wittenberg@waterboards.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:
Shyla Hoffman
(916) 341-5881
shyla.hoffman@waterboards.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.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial size 12 font, and normal margins.

Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following statements/questions:

  1. Describe your experience developing and implementing equitable public engagement activities, especially related to safe drinking water solutions. What specific actions did you take, and how did you ensure these activities were equitable? 
  1. Describe an example of a time when you had to navigate a sensitive or controversial issue in a public engagement setting. How did you handle this situation and what was the outcome?
  1. Provide an example of a time you led a project involving a cross-functional team. What was your role, what actions did you take, and what was the result? 
  1. Describe a time when you built relationships with community members and stakeholders to effectively gather input on an issue. How specifically did you build trusted relationships and ensure that community members and stakeholders shared their input? 

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

Additional Information

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

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