Public Works Government Affairs Officer

The County of Riverside Department of Waste Resources  has an opportunity for a Public Works Government Affairs Officer in Moreno Valley. 

The Public Works Government Affairs (PWGA) Officer will serve as the primary liaison between the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources (RCDWR), internal County departments, and external agencies. This role is responsible for leading public relations, government affairs, and community engagement efforts to advance the department’s strategic initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing social media platforms, brand strategy, and content development to effectively communicate departmental initiatives.
• Overseeing recycling and community outreach programs, including supervising staff and coordinating public education efforts.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and key stakeholders to support RCDWR’s objectives.
• Managing grant proposals and administration, including writing and overseeing the preparation and submission of grant applications, tracking and administering grant activities and expenses, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.

The department seeks experienced government professionals with exceptional writing and public speaking skills, a strong understanding of waste resource management, and the ability to navigate complex political and stakeholder landscapes. The PWGA Officer must be politically astute, proactive, and skilled in fostering productive partnerships that align with RCDWR’s mission.

The Government Affairs Officer reports to an appropriate supervisor or manager level position depending on the area of assignment within the department and performs the full range of complex legislative analysis and public relations duties, which may require frequent public speaking responsibilities for the department. The Government Affairs Officer is characterized by the responsibility for the management, planning and coordination of departmental programs that are of a highly visible, controversial or sensitive nature. 

This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311 of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.



• Manage Recycling and Community Outreach programs, staff, budget, and activities for the Department, ensuring compliance with State mandated laws including AB 939 (California Integrated Waste Management Act), AB 341 (Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law), and AB 1826 (Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling), as well as assisting in the implementation of SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants: Organic Waste Methane Emission Reduction).

•  Oversee Department social media platforms, branding, content, and messaging.

•  Write and/or manage the preparation, development, and submission of grant proposals for Department programs; track and administer grant activities and expenses; develop expense and activity reports in compliance with terms and conditions of awarded grants.

• Prepare a variety of reports and correspondence on behalf of the department; make presentations to governmental, departmental, interagency, and administrative commissions, and associated community agencies/groups. 

• Track, research and analyze new and revised legislation, and state and federal programs to evaluate impact on department programs; conduct issue analysis and report on findings for presentation and decision-making. 

• Represent the department at local, regional and statewide meetings, conferences, committees, and workgroups; coordinate and/or participate in special community events; may perform public speaking duties as required. 

• Study and evaluate the public's knowledge and interest in different program areas and develop or modify programs or projects to meet public needs. 

• Act as a liaison to other departments, local, state, and federal agencies, public officials, and community groups in matters relating to special programs or projects. 

• Facilitate coordination with cities, agencies and the public on various technical or legal aspects of program implementation. 

• Plan, organize and coordinate with department management and supervisors to develop policies, procedures, program specifications, and strategic goals. 

• Develop, coordinate, implement, and maintain long-range public awareness plans to communicate the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the department and its programs. 

• Continually assess and evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements as needed. 

• Coordinate with staff to implement operational or administrative procedures; act as a consultant to department staff and other interested parties regarding program policies and procedures; communicate with various leaders across the department to develop intimate knowledge of program operations, needs and legislation’s impact on each program across the department.

• Administer program budgets; prepare budget estimates and program justifications; analyze funding options and recommend alternative methods of financing for program implementation.

• Assist in the preparation of annual reports of department operations; help prepare informational brochures on departmental activities and special programs, initiatives, or projects; establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the media. 

• May interview, hire, train, and evaluate the performance of subordinate staff. 

• May supervise subordinate staff.Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in business administration, public administration, social sciences, or a closely related field to the assignment. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)

Experience: Two years of working within a governmental, non-profit or private organization performing at least two of the following functions: collecting and organizing data; researching, planning, analyzing, reviewing, or interpreting legislation/regulations; or evaluating and recommending programmatic best practices. 

Knowledge of: Principles of government organization; applicable laws, rules, and regulations of department-related matters; program evaluation methods; principles of effective supervision, motivation, organization, training methods, and techniques; principles of planning, research and analysis of department issues and supporting legislation; familiarity with structures and functions of local, state and federal government.

Ability to: Plan, organize, develop, administer, and evaluate local, state and federal programs; communicate effectively and negotiate in oral and written form with individuals and groups of various organizational and socio-economic levels; establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other agencies and departments, community organizations, media, public officials, staff members, and the general public; effectively interpret laws, rules and regulations to members of the public, news media, County departments, and other agencies; perform difficult or complex analysis and evaluations involving independent judgment and initiative; prepare comprehensive, clear, and concise reports and correspondence; communicate effectively in situations requiring sensitivity, tact, persuasion, and the communication of technical programmatic instructions; analyze programs, generate and evaluate alternatives, reach practical conclusions, formulate recommendations, and institute effective solutions. 

Other Requirements

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

This recruitment is open to all applicants.

Contact Information:
For questions regarding this recruitment contact, Angela Tavaglione at atavaglione@rivco.org or at (951) 966-3590.

Salary : $81,496 - $129,195