Public Works Program Specialist I/II

Full Job Description

Medical Benefits will be offered once Extra Help employees reach Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility. Eligibility for other benefit programs may vary based on eligibility rules.

THE POSITION: 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.

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 typesof 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 Agency 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, Flood Control & Water Resources, 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. To learn more about us, visit www.countyofsb.org/pwd/.

Requirements

1. Coordinates, implements, and monitors a variety of established environment-sensitive and/or resource-related programs, such as landfill tours, demonstration gardens, and Santa Barbara Earth Day, in order to improve and enhance community management of natural resources; conducts usage or waste audits to determine recycling needs of businesses or organizations, and to confirm proper separation and weighing of recyclables; 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; and prepares narrative and technical reports to meet internal, state, and federal reporting requirements.
2. To improve public awareness and understanding of the management of natural resources, implements regional public information and/or award programs, such as the Green Business Program or the Green Gardener Program; depending on assignment, may present community lectures, classes, and workshops; provides general information to the public about programs, policies, and procedures; develops educational materials for schools and trains teachers on curriculum; writes public service announcements and press releases; and prepares promotional fliers, informational brochures, and advertisements for local programs, events and contests.
3. 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.
4. Maintains Internet Websites, including determining appropriate content, updating new information and removing outdated information, and assuring consistency between division and department websites.

Qualifications

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 of: research methods; basic math, including fractions and percentages; and 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; and learn the principles and techniques of contract management, the competitive bid process, budgeting, and public relations.

Additional Information APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a doctor or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementThe County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance.

The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates.

The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Friday, April 10, 2026, by 4:59 p.m. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.



Leza Patatanian, LPatatanian@countyofsb.org