Public Affairs Representative / Senior Public Affairs Representative

Helix Water District; La Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Full health benefits paid by employer

CalPERS membership

Deferred compensation matching

Education reimbursement

Paid holidays

Job summary

Helix Water District in La Mesa, CA seeks a Public Affairs Representative to engage the community, explain water services and conservation programs. The Senior role will lead major outreach initiatives and coordinate communications and media relations.

Both positions require reliability, organization and strong follow-through. Ideal candidates will have a four-year college degree in related fields, plus experience in public affairs or community outreach.

Qualifications

• Training and experience in public relations, communications or outreach.
• Four-year college degree or equivalent required.
• Experience in public information and community outreach is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support core outreach and conservation programs by assisting with events.
• Deliver educational presentations and write outreach materials.
• Maintain digital content and conduct residential surveys.
• Coordinate landscape audits and community engagement activities.

Skills

Public relations

Communications

Community outreach

Educational programs

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Education, or related field

Job description

ATTENTION: Applications received after October 14, 2026, will only be considered if the position is not filled.

HELIX WATER DISTRICT (La Mesa, CA) has an exciting opportunity for you to join a team that is passionate about storytelling, community engagement, conservation and making a meaningful difference every day. As a Public Affairs Representative / Senior Public Affairs Representative, you will play a key role in connecting with our community and helping customers understand their water, the services we provide and the programs available to them.

MORE THAN A JOB.

Helix offers support, stability and benefits you can count on! At Helix, people come first. We are committed to our values, invested in our employees and proud of a culture where collaboration, growth and meaningful work go hand in hand. Not only do we foster an atmosphere of team spirit and open communication, but we are also committed to providing compensation that is equitable and competitive. Whether you are just beginning your journey in Public Affairs or have years of experience, we have a great opportunity for you.

We offer employees:

• Competitive Pay:
  • Public Affairs Representative: $42.55 - $54.30 / hour; (non-exempt)
  • Senior Public Affairs Representative: $49.25 - $62.87 / hour; (exempt)
• 100% employee premiums paid for all health benefits.
• Annual Merit Increases. Full-time employees eligible for 5% annual increases.
• CalPERS membership.
• Deferred Compensation – matching up to $3,500 annually.
• Education Reimbursement – up to $4,000 annually.
• 12 paid holidays per year including 2 floating holidays.

The successful candidate in this recruitment will be placed in either the Public Affairs Representative or Senior Public Affairs Representative role based on their experience and qualifications.

As a Public Affairs Representative / Senior Public Affairs Representative, you will play a key role in bringing our mission to life through clear communication, community connection and strong follow-through. The successful candidate will support core outreach and conservation programs by assisting with events, delivering educational presentations, writing and designing accurate outreach materials, maintaining digital content and conducting residential surveys and landscape audits.

The Senior Public Affairs Representative takes these functions to the next level – leading major outreach initiatives, driving communication and marketing strategies, coordinating media relations, supporting Board-level messaging, managing large conservation programs, writing grants and guiding staff when needed.

While both roles require reliability, organization and exceptional attention to detail, the Senior position is geared toward candidates who excel at independent program leadership, strategic planning and coordinating efforts across teams, partners and the community.

Qualified candidates will have:

• Training and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in public relations, communications, business administration, education or a closely related field.
• A valid Class C California driver’s license.
• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience involving the development and coordination of public affairs, public information, community outreach and educational programs similar to those administered by the district.
• PLEASE NOTE: To be considered for the Senior-level position, candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience.

Ideal candidates will bring a strong sense of initiative, a commitment to accuracy and a genuine interest in connecting with the community. They will excel at organizing and analyzing information, managing multiple projects and deadlines and communicating clearly across a variety of audiences and formats. They will be dependable team players who can build positive relationships, represent the District with professionalism and approach education with curiosity and enthusiasm. Whether supporting daily program activities or contributing to larger communication and conservation efforts, they demonstrate reliability, follow-through and thoughtful approach to their work.