Stakeholder Management & Communications Student Assistant

Job Description and Duties

Under close supervision, and in a learning capacity, by the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Supervision II, Central Valley Engagement Manager, the Graduate Student Assistant supports the Stakeholder Management and Communication team by assisting with the execution of a stakeholder and public outreach program in the Central Valley, focusing on outreach to high school and college students, and underserved or untapped communities. The Graduate Student Assistant assists with development of outreach materials, outreach presentations, and attends and monitors public meetings.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Telework is not available for this position based on the requirements of the position. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. The incumbent must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Special Requirements

A response to the supplemental questions is required for this position. The response must be two (2) pages, single-spaced, size 12 Arial font, organized and numbered as reflected below, and you must respond to all of the following questions. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the response to these supplemental questions.

1. Describe your background, experience, education, and/or training that makes you the best candidate for this position.

2. Describe your experience working with others in a team environment. Explain how you developed productive working relationships with peers and management. Explain your personal work style and the tools you use in this type of work setting.

3. Describe a difficult situation that you have dealt with in your professional career or educational background, how you handled it, and what the outcome was.

Applications received without the SOQ may not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Understanding of general outreach and communications concepts.
• Ability to perform basic analytical tasks related to public and stakeholder management, and apply knowledge learned in the classroom to work situations (in subject areas such as transportation planning, writing, communications, environmental, public service, etc.).
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of people in the assigned work environment.
• Thoroughly and accurately follow written and oral instructions.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and/or community outreach.
• Customer service and administrative support experience.
• Experience using a personal computer, including operating systems, software, and basic Microsoft Office programs such as Power Point, Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-531999 and Stakeholder Management & Communications Student Assistant, 311-142-4872-901 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. 

Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.

Note: This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, a formerly incarcerated youth, or a victim of human trafficking as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating “preference under Government Code section 18220”. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.
• Other - Provide unofficial transcripts if you meet minimum qualifications based on education. If you are using foreign transcripts, you must provide a transcript evaluation. Organizations that provide foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at If selected for this position, official transcripts may be required.