Public Works Program Specialist I/II

Benefits: Click here for more information on County benefits which includes:
Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
Holidays: 13 days per year.
Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
Health Plan: Choice of medical (with vision care) and dental plans. County contributes toward the employee's premium.
Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rat

We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule 1414* and Extra-Help Public Works Program Specialist I/II vacancies.

NOTE: Positions vacated as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. *BENEFITS: The 1414 position is eligible for Full-Time benefits.  

THE POSITION: Under general supervision, develops, implements, and coordinates community solid waste management programs; provides information and technical assistance to educators, government agencies, businesses, 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:

1. Specific education in environmental studies, education/training, or natural resources.
2. Relatable experience (paid or unpaid) in environmental programs, or projects.
3. Knowledge of state and federal solid waste related regulations.
4. Familiarity with organic waste reduction programs, with particular emphasis on food waste.
5. Experience conducting education and outreach programs for diverse audiences, using various types of media and outreach tools.  
6. Strong written and oral communication skills.

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.

The Resource Recovery and Waste Management Specialty emphasizes the planning, development, and implementation of solid waste recycling and diversion programs in Santa Barbara County. Journey-level assignments involve a higher and more independent level of program and contract administration.
 
ABOUT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of five divisions:  Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Flood Control & Water Resources, 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/.

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 waste products and utilities with a focus on resource conservation.  The Division operates  the Tajiguas Landfill and the South Coast and Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Stations.  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.

• 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; annually updates the Division’s Less Is More Recycling 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 and Special Waste Collection Programs; responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance to residents and businesses using the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center (Center); occasionally meets with and invoices businesses at the Center; coordinates the Home Generated Sharps Collection Program in collaboration with the Public Health Department; and helps coordinate the Division’s Electronic Waste Recycling Program.

• 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.APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: 

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking – Responses to the required examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than [11] qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

NOTE: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this position (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department when you complete your application, and (3) pass all phases of the Application & Selection process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

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. The ability to perform physical tasks of moderate difficulty may be required for some positions in this class.  

The appointee must satisfactorily complete a twelve-month probationary period. 

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) Statement
The 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: May 14, 2025, by 4:59 p.m. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Kim Clark, Public Works Human Resources Coordinator, kiclark@countyofsb.org

Salary : $71,833 - $86,079