Public Works Program Specialist I

Salary: Public Works Program Specialist I: $36.46 - $43.69 Hourly
Public Works Program Specialist II: $41.74 - $50.15 Hourly

Depending on the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the department, the selected candidate(s) may be appointed at the I or II level.

About the Role

Under close supervision, coordinates, implements, and monitors water resources or integrated solid waste recycling and diversion programs; provides information and/or technical assistance to educators, government agencies, and the general public; and performs related duties as required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will enjoy working both independently and as part of a team and exhibit the following characteristics and skills:

• Experience conducting education and outreach programs, or related research, for diverse audiences, using various types of media and outreach tools, particularly in sustainable landscaping or resource conservation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to stay organized while managing multiple projects and deadlines at once.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools, such as Excel, and online editing tools such as Canva.
• Familiarity or experience with social media account management, such as Facebook, Twitter, and BlueSky.
• Bilingual in Spanish (both verbal and written) is a plus.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry-level class in the series. Incumbents receive close supervision and training while administering ongoing programs and are expected to obtain sufficient knowledge and proficiency to progress to the journey level within a reasonable length of time. Incumbents may be assigned to either the Solid Waste or Water Resources Divisions of the Public Works Department but may transfer between the two divisions.

Public Works Program Specialist I is distinguished from Public Works Program Specialist II in that the latter is the journey-level class in the series and is responsible for performing moderately difficult project and/or contract administration assignments in either a water resources or solid waste specialty. Promotion/appointment to the journey level class depends upon both the assignment of level II duties and experience in the required specialty.

About the Public Works Department

The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of six divisions: Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Water Resources Division & Flood Control District, Laguna County Sanitation District, the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. The County's Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating, and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities, and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, implements, directs, and monitors a variety of established environment-sensitive and/or water conservation programs, such as demonstration gardens, water use and production surveys, and Santa Barbara Earth Day, to improve and enhance community management of natural resources.
• Conducts water usage surveys to determine conservation needs of businesses or organizations; performs general evaluations of programs to assess effectiveness, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitors program budgets and receives, approves, and codes related invoices.
• Researches, compiles, analyzes, and interprets information and data to assess resource management needs and assist in developing programs; prepares narrative and technical reports to meet internal, state, and federal reporting requirements.
• Implements and coordinates regional public information and/or award programs, such as the Green Business Program, Green Gardener Program, High School Video Contest, Garden Recognition Contest, and Shows That Teach school assemblies.
• Distributes educational materials to the community and presents community lectures, classes, and workshops; provides general information to the public about programs, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates and processes application materials for contests; develops educational materials for schools and trains teachers on curriculum.
• Writes public service announcements and press releases; plans and executes media campaigns, and prepares promotional fliers, informational brochures, and advertisements for local programs, events, and contests.
• Represents the Public Works Department at local events, on committees, and to other governmental jurisdictions, outside agencies, contractors, and the public; writes articles for County and other professional newsletters and responds to inquiries and resolves program complaints from the public.
• Maintains Internet Websites, including determining appropriate content, updating new information, and removing outdated information, and assuring consistency between division and department websites.

Applicants to this position may be considered for future vacancies in the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department.

About the Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division

The mission of the Division is to protect the public health and environment of our community by efficiently managing solid waste with a focus on resource conservation. The Division oversees the Tajiguas Landfill, the ReSource Center, four recycling and transfer stations, and the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center. It also administers a wide range of customer service-oriented community solid waste management programs and prepares all engineering and geologic plans and reports to support the County's solid waste management facilities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Designs and implements community outreach plans and regional public information programs; conducts educational forums and represents the Division at community events; provides general information to the public about programs, policies, and procedures.
• Writes public service announcements and press releases; produces an annual Less Is More waste reduction guide; and prepares promotional flyers, informational brochures, and advertisements.
• Administers the County’s regional Used Motor Oil Recycling Grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle); coordinates with partner agencies and submits annual application; creates and monitors budgets and receives, approves, and tracks related invoices.
• Provides support and resources to local certified collection centers and do-it-yourselfers; conducts annual public education campaigns; collaborates with consultants to provide recycling education to English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) students; and prepares annual report to CalRecycle.
• Leads the Division’s food recovery efforts; works with local businesses, schools, and non-profits to divert edible food to those in need; oversees the County’s food recovery responsibilities under SB 1383; tracks food donations and reports to CalRecycle; coordinates education and outreach efforts to increase awareness about food waste prevention.
• Provides support for the Division’s LessIsMore.org and Public Works websites, including content management, webpage development, and correspondence with web developers.
• Tracks solid waste-related legislation and analyzes impacts to the County; helps prepare letters of support and/or opposition for pertinent bills.
• Supports the Division’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Special Waste Collection Programs; responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance to residents and businesses using the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center (Center); regularly meets with and invoices businesses at the Center; coordinates temporary HHW collection events.
• Oversees the Home Generated Sharps Collection Program in collaboration with the County Health Department; and coordinates the Division’s Electronic Waste Recycling Program.

Requirements

• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR, a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Requirements

• Independent travel may be required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Research methods.
• Basic math, including fractions and percentages.
• Standard English grammar, usage, and syntax.

Ability to:

• Read, understand, and interpret technical information.
• Gather and analyze information, draw valid conclusions, identify resulting consequences of actions, and make recommendations.
• Conduct research and studies.
• Prepare effective written correspondence, technical reports, and promotional materials using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
• Perform basic math computations involving fractions and percentages.
• Prepare and give public presentations before small and large groups.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Organize multiple projects simultaneously and set priorities to meet deadlines.
• Learn state and federal law, regulations, and policies related to environmental resource management.
• Learn basic environmental science.
• Learn County environmental management policies, rules, and regulations.
• Learn the complaint resolution process.
• Use keyboards and personal computers, including word-processing, database, spreadsheets, and the Internet.
• Learn the principles and techniques of contract management, the competitive bid process, budgeting, and public relations.