The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) invites applications for Federal Relations Representative. Applications will be considered at both the Federal Relations Representative I and II level based on applicant experience and qualifications. This is an exciting opportunity to join our organization, advocating on the federal front in Washington, D.C. for 472 member agencies. 

Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) - Who We Are

ACWA is the largest statewide association of public water agencies in the nation. Since its inception in 1910, ACWA has served as a leader in California water policy, advancing comprehensive statewide strategies to meet the state’s future water needs, and a respected voice for its members in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C. ACWA is headquartered in the heart of Sacramento, just a few blocks from the State Capitol. ACWA’s Washington, D.C. office is in the Hall of States Building, a prime location by the U.S. Capitol. 

ACWA’s member agencies deliver approximately 90% of the water distributed to California communities, farms, and businesses. Together, members play an active role in managing the State’s water resources and creating progress in groundwater management, safe drinking water, water recycling and desalination and water use efficiency.
 

Position Summary

The Federal Relations Representative reports to ACWA’s Director of Federal Relations and works within ACWA’s Federal Relations Team in Washington, D.C. The position will provide critical advocacy on issues impacting ACWA members including water quality and supply, endangered species, watershed management, water management and other related regulations. Federal Relations Representative will interpret and communicate potential impacts of federal legislation and/or regulations to member agencies and advocate on behalf of ACWA with Congress and federal agencies.

Federal Relations Representative (Level I) is the entry-level class in the Federal Relations Representative series. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate increased proficiency during the training period and are gradually given more difficult and responsible assignments and may assist experienced advocates in charge of more difficult projects.  

Federal Relations Representative (Level II) is the journey level class in the professional Federal Relations Representative series. Incumbents at this level receive less instruction or assistance and are familiar with the operating procedures and policies of advocacy. 

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with Capitol Hill or the Executive Branch, knowledge of procedures, operations and functions of federal regulatory agencies, legislative and regulatory research experience, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of western water policy is highly desirable. Desired candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, a minimum of one year of legislative and regulatory relations experience to be considered at the I Level, and four years of experience to be considered at the II Level. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze and advocate regarding new and ongoing policy and regulations on issues assigned within the regulatory portfolio for impact on member agencies.
• Write and submit  letters and speak on regulatory and legislative issues.
• Develop and implement effective regulatory and legislative strategies.
• Serve as liaison to ACWA’s policy committees and subcommittees as assigned. 
• Create ideas for and write articles for ACWA News, e-news, and other ACWA social media and communications products regarding legislative and regulatory issues. 
• Write regulatory updates and status updates on policy issues and programs for Board of Directors’ Reports.
• Create, plan, and execute multiple programs for ACWA’s conferences on legislative and regulatory issues. 
• Create, plan, and execute programs for the annual Regulatory Summit.
• Update content of legislative and regulatory issue papers for ACWA’s Washington D.C. conference. 
• Serve as ACWA’s representative on specific boards and task forces as assigned.
• Provide advanced administrative support for the federal legislative and regulatory services of the Association.
• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal Executive and Legislative branches, laws, rules, policies, and regulations.
• Knowledge of procedures, operations, and functions of state and federal regulatory agencies, including processes for the promulgation of regulations.
• Knowledge of environmental or natural resource policy.
• Skills to work collaboratively and effectively with senior-level staff.
• Skills to provide assistance to other staff, committees, subcommittees, and work groups.
• Ability to assist with planning and coordinating programs related to regulatory issues.
• Ability to learn to identify and interpret policy implications of regulations or laws.
• Ability to gather, summarize, and distribute a variety of technical, legal and policy information.
• Ability to analyze and prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive, comments, reports, and articles.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prioritize workload to meet deadlines, exercise good judgment and work well under pressure of deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To meet the minimum qualifications of this position, an incumbent must meet both of the following requirements:

Federal Relations Representative I 

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience and a minimum of one year in legislative and regulatory interpretation, impact analysis and program implementation. 

Federal Relations Representative II

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience and a minimum of four years in legislative and regulatory interpretation, impact analysis and program implementation.

Salary Range

Federal Relations Representative I: $105,613-$137,297/year 

Federal Relations Representative II: $116,438-$151,369/year

License or Certificate

Moderate travel may be required. Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required at time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is part of a series and candidates with experience at the Federal Relations Representative I and Federal Relations Representative II level will be considered. Placement at level I or level II will depend on qualifications. Our total reward package includes CalPERS retirement, 457 plan, employer paid medical, dental, vision plans, disability and life insurance and a robust suite of personal well-being benefits to support your mental health. This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least two days per week in the Washington D.C Office.

How to apply

To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, please upload your updated cover letter and resume, include email addresses for three work-related references (who will not be contacted until after an interview takes place). The deadline to receive applications is November 18, 2024, at 5:00PM ET. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACWA Human Resources at Janeo@acwa.com or (916) 441-4545.