Sonoma County, CA
Santa Rosa, California, United States
May 14, 2024
Full Time
Position Information Do you have experience managing and implementing water and energy related education programs? Apply to be a Water & Energy Principal Programs Specialist! The Water & Energy Principal Program Specialist develops, implements, and oversees Sonoma Water’s Water and Energy Education Program, which includes classroom and outdoor educational curricula, and educational initiatives directed toward specific student populations and subject areas. They supervise up to ten full and/or part-time educators and are responsible for achieving goals related to education and community engagement in Sonoma Water’s strategic plan. As a Water & Energy Principal Program Specialis t, you will develop strong working relationships with peers and executive management at Sonoma Water, as well as with community organizations and water suppliers. You will have the opportunity to support the Lake Sonoma Visitor’s Center and numerous outreach events. In this supervisory position, you will also coach and mentor staff members and build a highly motivated team of professional educators. The ideal candidate will possess: Experience developing and implementing environmental education programs with public or private schools Knowledge of the local water supply, wastewater and energy systems, and related impacts on natural resources The ability to communicate with children and adults in a positive and effective manner The ability to lead an effective team of educators that excel in meeting team objectives A California teaching credential or comparable knowledge of state and federal educational standards What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including: Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education *Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory . About Sonoma Water Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs. Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma. We are currently recruiting to fill a Water & Energy Principal Program Specialist position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment . The formal title for this position is Water Agency Principal Programs Specialist. APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience: Any combination of education and training which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, a Bachelor's degree with major course work in water related science, environmental studies, environmental law, education, political science, communications, public relations, or a closely related field; and four years of progressively responsible experience in the implementation of water-related programs, including expertise in water use efficiency, government affairs, or media relations which includes the preparation, implementation, and management of water use efficiency or water education programs, including at least one year of experience at the level of Water Agency Senior Programs Specialist, or equivalent. One year of lead or supervisory experience is highly desired. License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of: principles, practices and methods of water use efficiency and natural resource conservation; strategies and methods for effective educational programs; methods of conservation program implementation and monitoring, including plumbing efficiency, landscaping and turf, and urban and non-urban water reuse; principles and techniques of establishing and maintaining effective public relations; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; fundamentals of mass communication, public speaking, journalism, and social media; principles of graphic design and production; and techniques and methods of research, report writing and preparation of informational materials. Considerable knowledge of: environmental principles and operation of water supply facilities and distribution systems; methods of water treatment and recycling, landscape design and installation practices; California State Science Standards; California Water Codes and related laws; Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions including water law, water rights, environmental compliance process, species and habitat protection, and water efficiency use and education; methods, and techniques of legislative process and implementation; environmental regulations and environmental enhancement and restoration methods related to operation and construction of water supply, flood control, renewable energy, recycled water, and wastewater treatment facilities; forecasting and statistics and their application in analysis; group dynamics as it relates to public organizations; modern office methods, procedures, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Working knowledge of: management and leadership styles and techniques designed to train, supervise, motivate and lead a group of employees, which includes understanding employee behavior and performance standards; effective supervision; techniques and methods of training employees in work procedures; interviewing techniques; modern personnel and fiscal administration; modern principles and practices of budget preparation and control; and legislative budgeting and funding process and programs. Ability to: lead, assign, prioritize, train, and monitor the work of others; communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; investigate, assess, and evaluate data and develop an effective course of action; work independently in performing most work assignments, and in resolving problems and deviations; plan, organize and direct the activities of the water use efficiency or water education programs; train, develop and motivate staff; schedule, manage, and direct the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of water use efficiency programs and projects; collect, compile and analyze water use and supply data and assess the cost effectiveness of water use efficiency, public outreach and water education programs; negotiate agreements with various agencies and special interests to facilitate program activities; speak effectively in public before diverse groups including boards, councils, commissions, community groups, and student groups; establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons possessing a wide variety of divergent views; plan, organize and coordinate a comprehensive water use efficiency public relations program; compile clear and concise reports, letters, newsletters and other written materials; coordinate educational and informational seminars and workshops; communicate verbal and written ideas clearly and logically; and use personal computers and appropriate software applications to perform duties. Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process. You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions. You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately. Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification. Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process. APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored. The selection procedure will consist of the following examination: An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants. Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position. HOW TO APPLY Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted. The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. HR Analyst: JT HR Technician: KK IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions. COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT* These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers: Paid Time Off : Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment. Health Plan : Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County paid premium contribution. Retirement : Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired . IRS 457 Plan : Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum. Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits. Student Loan Debt Relief : County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education. Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more. For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900. *IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Closing Date/Time: 5/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific