Senior Legislative Representative

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Legislative Representative position is responsible for assisting with the implementation of Metropolitan’s state or federal advocacy program by helping secure support from legislators and stakeholders for Metropolitan’s positions on legislative and policy issues of high importance. The Senior Legislative Representative plays an important role in helping inform federal, state, and local legislators and stakeholders about legislative proposals and their effects on Metropolitan programs, facilities, operations, and activities. This classification performs work that requires maintaining confidentiality and is routinely privy to matters that either involve confidential information, sensitive personnel issues, or exposure to confidential and sensitive strategic corporate information. These positions are located at either the Sacramento or Washington D.C. offices.

This classification is an alternative to the management track for advancement and is consistent with the concept of a dual career path. This classification includes two categories:

1. A Technical Specialist within a defined area of specialty, or
2. A Project Manager for projects of large or above average complexity.

This individual ensures that the level of service and support provided meets the Metropolitan Water District standards.

Technical Specialist: Acts as a lead and provides technical expertise for a major functional area or a specialized field for projects that are complex or involve multiple smaller projects. Recognized as technical specialists in their field or discipline, they provide technical advice and policy recommendations to project teams and Program Managers.

Project Manager: Acts as a lead and is responsible for project management for projects of large or above average complexity, involving negotiation of agreements or discussions of technical issues with peer and senior-level contacts outside of the District. These projects are of moderate to high visibility and sensitivity to Metropolitan in the area of its core business initiatives. The Project Manager is responsible for identifying major project decisions and policy recommendations to be brought to management’s attention.

OVERSIGHT

Oversight Received: Receives direction from the Executive Legislative Representative.

Oversight Given: Acts as a lead. Coordinates and reviews general work assignments of employees performing at the same level or below as the lead on a day-to-day basis. Oversight responsibilities may involve assisting employees in solving problems and providing instructions on work procedures.

JOB DUTIES

1. Advocates for Metropolitan’s interests before the executive, legislative, and regulatory branches of the state or federal government to promote and protect Metropolitan’s near and long-term legislative policy objectives and programs.
2. Analyzes and monitors state or federal legislative and administrative actions that affect water supply availability, water quality, hydroelectric power, financing, and other key issues to ensure that Metropolitan’s strategic goals and objectives are met.
3. Participates in activities involving the dissemination of information and materials to state and federal elected officials to ensure that they are well-informed in an effective and timely manner.
4. Prepares presentations and reports on legislative issues to ensure that interested parties, including management, member agencies, and the Board of Directors, are well-informed on state or federal legislative and regulatory issues impacting Metropolitan.
5. Testifies at state or federal legislative hearings as needed. Represents Metropolitan at official meetings to enhance Metropolitan’s standing and acceptance of legislative regulatory issues and policy programs.
6. Assists the Executive Legislative Representative in the development and implementation of external programs, plans, and strategies to ensure that a consistent and coordinated message is presented to state or federal elected officials.
7. Participates in the development of an effective legislative and public outreach program in MWD service areas to ensure Metropolitan’s positions are communicated in a consistent, timely, and effective manner.
8. Maintains contact with trade associations, other utilities, and business groups by representing Metropolitan at meetings of those groups to promote and protect Metropolitan’s goals and objectives.
9. Provides transportation support as needed for Metropolitan-sponsored tours or visits to the Sacramento and/or Washington D.C. offices.
10. Performs other related duties as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field
• Six years of relevant experience

Certificates:
None

Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license from the state of residency equivalent to a California Class C that allows driving in the course of employment.

Registrations:
None

Required Knowledge of:

• Federal and/or state legislative processes
• Federal and/or state elected officials
• Regulations and laws applicable to the area of responsibility
• Local government planning and permit processes

Required Skills and Abilities to:

• Analyze legislative or regulatory issues and present information succinctly in written and oral reports
• Prepare correspondence and reports to advocate for Metropolitan’s positions
• Communicate effectively and persuasively
• Organize and manage a complex portfolio of legislative issues and processes

Desirable Qualifications:
Knowledge of urban, agricultural, and environmental water issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT/VISION REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands:
The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as paper, books, or small parts, and driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required.

Work Environment:
The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and residences or commercial vehicles. Normal safety precautions, such as safe use of office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, are expected. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Vision Requirements:
No special vision requirements.

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