State Relations Assistant

The Association of California Water Agencies is seeking qualified candidates for the position of State Relations Assistant.

This posting will close on December 5, 2025 at 11:59pm. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

The new State Relations Assistant will join a team of professionals who work in a collaborative environment with respected water leaders across the state to develop and advance critical water management policy priorities on behalf of California's public agricultural and urban water agencies and water users. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and proactive individual to gain a wealth of experience in California water policy and advocacy by being an integral part of ACWA's State Relations Department.

ACWA is the largest statewide association of public water agencies in the nation with approx. 470 members. 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 member agencies are responsible for 90 percent of the water delivered 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 use efficiency, water recycling and desalination.

The Position:

The State Relations Assistant is full time, non-exempt position responsible for performing in a key support capacity for the State Relations Department, State Relations Advocates and Analysts, and other members of the Government Relations team. The position will be responsible for tracking legislative and regulatory initiatives, submitting legislative and regulatory letters and comments, responding to member and committee questions, as well as general administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings and logistics, maintaining files and records, performing research, and assisting Advocates and Analysts.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The salary range is $35.05-$46.56/hour with placement within the range based on experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. (COLA increase to the salary range is expected to be effective January 2026).

In recognition of the value its employees deliver to the organization, ACWA offers a generous compensation and benefits package which includes: 

• Health Insurance: 100% employer-paid for employees plus 75% of dependent premium up to the lowest cost plan. 
• Dental and Vision: 100% employer-paid for employees and their dependents.
• Retiree Medical Insurance: Matching contribution to a Retiree Health Savings Account.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid life insurance coverage for employees. Supplemental employee-paid coverage is available.
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Program.
• Retirement: CalPERS, Classic Members: 2% at 55 benefit formula. New Members: 2% at 62 benefit formula.
• CalPERS 457 employee deferred contribution plan.
• Paid Vacation: 12 days, 1st year, additional day each year at anniversary to 27 days max at 16 years. 
• Paid Holidays: 12 paid holidays plus 2 personal holidays per year.
• Sick Leave: 7.5 hours per month. Carries over each year and can be used as service credit for CalPERS when applying for retirement pension.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Longevity Pay.
• Technology Stipend.
• Car Allowance.
• Hybrid work schedule with employees required to work in-person at least three days per week in the Sacramento Office.
• Free Office Parking.

How to apply:

To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, please upload your updated cover letter and resume. Please also include email addresses for three work or education related references (who will not be contacted until after an interview takes place).

Questions:

If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACWA Human Resources at or

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate:

The department is seeking someone with strong organizational skills who pays close attention to details, enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues, is excellent at tracking multiple deadlines simultaneously, asking questions, and demonstrates initiative in a challenging and rewarding environment. Candidates must possess an equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have some knowledge or experience with legislative or regulatory processes. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and assign state legislation introduced each year that is of interest to ACWA's members to Analysts/Advocates.
• Track state legislation and prepare related bill lists and produce capitol track software reports during legislative session.
• Track state regulatory activities and prepare monthly publication on ACWA's engagement for membership.
• Finalize and submit state legislative and regulatory position letters and related documents.
• Prepare ACWA committee and subcommittee meeting agendas and meeting packets throughout the year.
• Coordinate meetings throughout the year for ACWA's legislative and regulatory policy discussions. 
• Manage and organize the State Relation's Team's efforts toward ACWA's biannual conference.
• Serve as lead administrator for legislative and regulatory databases and maintain and organize data.
• Provide key administrative support for the Director of State Relations and staff, including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings, conference calls and appointments, preparing and proofreading documents, and managing calendars.
• Respond to legislative or regulatory agency staff or member inquiries or request or forward the inquiries or requests to appropriate State Relations Department staff.
• Assist with ACWA website updates pertaining to Government Relations and ACWA policy committee material as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability

• Have a general understanding of state regulatory and legislative processes. 
• Able to shift gears quickly and enjoy working as part of a team. 
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong software skills.
• Have the ability to learn about policy issues important to the water industry.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and communicate with a team regarding prioritization and completion of tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with major course work in a job-related field and have previous experience or knowledge of State legislative or regulatory processes.