Outreach and Public Relations Specialist

Outreach And Public Relations Specialist

Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District (District) invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Outreach and Public Relations Specialist to join the District and the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency Team.
We are seeking a motivated Outreach and Public Relations Specialist to serve as a key member of the YSGA and District team, reporting directly to the General Manager of the District. This position will lead and coordinate public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and communications efforts to support the development and implementation of surface water and groundwater projects within the Yolo Subbasin. The role will involve building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (agricultural, municipal, environmental, tribal, and community members), developing accessible messaging about groundwater sustainability, managing YSGA Management Area Committees and associated meetings and workshops, creating outreach materials, and helping maintain transparency and trust in the YSGA and District. The successful candidate will contribute to the District's broader public engagement efforts related to water resources, recharge projects, and conjunctive use initiatives.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume via email to Jennifer Reed at jreed@ycfcwcd.org.
The deadline to apply is July 3, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Essential Functions

The primary role of the Outreach and Public Relations Specialist is to lead and coordinate outreach, public relations, and stakeholder engagement activities for YSGA's GSP implementation and support District public-facing projects and programs, including but not limited to the following:
Plan, organize, and facilitate public meetings, workshops, community events, and listening sessions with urban, agricultural, environmental, tribal, and other stakeholders.
Develop and distribute clear, accessible outreach materials (fact sheets, newsletters, website content, social media posts, infographics, presentations, and videos) explaining groundwater sustainability, SGMA requirements, and YSGA and District projects and programs.
Manage and update the YSGA & District websites and social media channels with timely, accurate, and engaging content.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with member agencies, landowners, water customers, community organizations, media outlets, and the public.
Coordinate with technical staff to translate complex hydrogeologic and water management information into plain-language communications.
Track and respond to public inquiries, comments, and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Develop and implement public involvement plans, community surveys, and feedback mechanisms to inform GSP updates and projects.
Support grant applications by preparing outreach-related sections, budgets, and public benefit narratives.
Organize and staff outreach booths at conferences, community events, farm days, fairs, and other public venues.
Prepare and support YSGA & District board agenda reports related to outreach and engagement; present updates at board meetings and committee meetings as needed.
Monitor media coverage and manage responses to press inquiries related to YSGA and District activities.
Collaborate with consultants and partners on communication campaigns and materials.
Minimum Qualifications

Experience: At least six (6) years of professional experience in public relations, community outreach, stakeholder engagement, communications, or a closely related field. Experience in water resources, environmental policy, agriculture, or public agency settings is highly desirable. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, public relations, journalism, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field. Required Licenses and/or Certifications 1. California Class C driver license