Field Information Officer (Kotzebue)

State of Alaska; Kotzebue (AK); On-site; USD 105,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Alaska’s Legislative Affairs Agency seeks a community outreach focused individual for the Legislative Information Office in Kotzebue. This exempt, seasonal position runs six months (December to May) and is scheduled for 40 hours per week, with a range of $4,126.40 bi-weekly.

Independently and as part of a team, you will provide information to the public about the Legislature, coordinate teleconferences, and support legislative communications in a dynamic, public-facing role.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: One year of college or technical school or at least one year of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitors legislative sessions and furnishes information to the public on upcoming hearings via teleconference, bills, committee action and floor proceedings.
• Schedules teleconferences, advertises the date and topic, assembles materials, operates teleconference equipment and moderates testimony.
• Maintains communication with the Juneau office during the teleconference and distributes materials to participants.
• Answers questions from constituents and provides information on statutes, legislation and actions.
• Assists legislators in efforts to communicate with the community.

Education

One year of college or technical school or at least one year of relevant work experience

Job description

• Please note: This job posting has been extended to allow for a larger applicant pool. If you have already applied for this position, you do not need to re-apply. ****

Job Description

The Legislative Affairs Agency is seeking an individual who is interested in community outreach, motivated to learn, can work independently and collaborate in a team environment to fill a vacancy in the Legislative Information Office in Kotzebue. This exempt state position will require the person hired to work on a seasonal basis (6 months - December to May) and is scheduled for 40 hours per week. The position is staffed at a range 16 ($4126.40 Bi-weekly).

• Please note: This job posting has been extended to allow for a larger applicant pool. If you have already applied for this position, you do not need to re-apply. ****

Why work for the Legislative Affairs Agency?

Working here is a chance to be a part of Alaska history. LAA employees provide essential nonpartisan support to the Legislature where vital policy and laws are created. The Agency is made up of eleven sections led by a management team with 200 years of combined legislative experience and institutional knowledge who, along with our staff, share an unwavering commitment to serving Alaskans. We work in a dynamic environment and teamwork is not just a buzzword, but fundamental to everything we do.

We Value

• Accountability. We are committed to responsible use of human, financial, and environmental resources.
• Respect. We provide services without discrimination or judgment.
• Integrity. We are honest and ethical in our work.

The Alaska Legislature values the unique contributions that candidates with diverse experiences, knowledge and backgrounds can bring to our work. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace.

Comprehensive Benefit Package

The Alaska Legislature offers health benefits including a range of coverage choices for medical, dental, and vision; a health flexible spending account; as well as other health services such as Teladoc, Hinge Health, and Lantern. In addition, there are a variety of supplemental elections: life insurance, additional accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, and both short- and long-term disability. For mental health wellness, the State of Alaska offers free, confidential help through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Financial Well-Being

The State offers savings and investment plans, paid leave, insurance options, and more to help employees meet their financial goals.

This Includes

• Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), with either a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution based on original State of Alaska hire date.
• Deferred Compensation plan with options for before or after payroll taxes.
• Supplemental Benefits System Annuity (SBS) in lieu of Social Security.
• Workers Compensation Insurance.
• Voluntary Savings Plan

Professional Development

Professional development that empowers employees to do the work they love and reach their career goals is encouraged and expected.

Work/Life Balance

Work/life Balance Is Supported Through

• Agency staff may accrue as compensatory time up to 150 hours of hours worked over the standard work week. There is no cash value to compensatory time.
• An average of 21 days per year of accrued leave. The State offers paid leave starting at 6:04 h:mm a pay period or 21 days a year. If you have previous time working for either the Executive or Judicial branch in a leave eligible position, the time will be calculated into your accrual rate.
• 12 paid State holidays.
• The Legislative Affairs Agency is a family-friendly employer.

Definition

Independently manages a legislative information office. Serves as a liaison between the legislature and the public. Distributes information to the public about the legislature and legislative proceedings via e-mail, print media, radio and personal contact. Coordinates public hearing teleconferences enabling the public to participate in legislative meetings.

Examples Of Duties

• Monitors legislative session and furnishes information to the public on upcoming hearings available via teleconference, bills, committee action and floor proceedings.
• Schedules teleconferences, advertises the date and topic, assembles materials, operates teleconference equipment and moderates testimony. Maintains communication with the Juneau office during the teleconference and distributes materials to participants.
• Troubleshoots problems with teleconference connection or equipment during the call. Maintains a log of participants. Sends written testimony and other correspondence to committees and legislators.
• Processes public information messages (POMs) by taking information by phone, e-mail or fax and relaying the message to the appropriate legislative office.
• Answers telephones and responds to questions from constituents.
• Conducts basic research on topics related to statutes, legislation and legislative actions.
• Identifies appropriate resources for public questions and provides contact information.
• Writes non-partisan press releases about legislative actions for distribution to local newspapers and radio stations.
• Writes newsletters for subscribers wishing to learn about legislative activity and upcoming teleconferences. Maintains a database of constituents interests in order to provide them with updated information throughout the legislative session.
• Assists legislators in efforts to communicate with the community.
• Procures and maintains computers and office equipment for the LIO office. Operates the office within budget and accounts for all expenditures.
• Prepares yearly inventory of office equipment and furniture.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: One year of college or technical school or at least one year of relevant work experience.

Please note: This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Additional Required Information

Additional Required Information:

Special Note

This is a fully exempt job class under AS 39.25.110(3). Positions in the Legislative Affairs Agency are required to be politically neutral.

Contact Information

Legislative Affairs Personnel

[e-mail]

[phone]

Careers With The State Of Alaska Offer MANY Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
  • AVTEC
  • Confidential
  • Correctional Officers
  • Marine Engineers
  • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
  • Supervisory
  • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
  • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
  • General Government
  • Labor, Trades and Crafts
  • Public Safety Employees Association
  • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year