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Job Description
SOUTH COAST AQMD AND JOB OVERVIEW
South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the Nation. We serve a four-county region that includes large areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley, which is home to more than 17 million people. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 850 employees, an annual budget of $211.4 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment. South Coast AQMD is an organization you can be proud to work for -- we make a difference in the quality of life in Southern California!
South Coast AQMD’s mission requires diverse perspectives, talents, and life experiences to solve some of the most complex technical air quality issues. We are committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique contributions of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. South Coast AQMD respects the distinct ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and works to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Senior Public Affairs Specialist will participate in the development and coordination of public information related to South Coast AQMD program activities, policies, rules, and regulations and serve as a liaison for South Coast AQMD with the general public, public agencies, and business communities.
This position will report to our Public Affairs Manager.
PLEASE NOTE:
Depending on the operational needs of the department, this position will require attendance at evening and weekend meetings or events.
CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
This class is also distinguished from the Public Affairs Specialist class by the degree of responsibility for the development and implementation of comprehensive media liaison or public information, public participation, and community liaison programs.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The general Example of Duties for this classification are highlighted below, for full description of duties please refer to this link here- Supervises and coordinates the activities of the Advertising, Outreach, Publications, Notification, Small Business, or Public Information sections of the Public Advisor's Office.
- Acts as media liaison, responding to media inquiries on subjects relating to South Coast AQMD's activities; prepares press releases or arranges press conferences on such subjects as public hearings, rule and legislative changes, and announcements of air quality conditions.
- Coordinates and reviews the work plan for an assigned section; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities and projects; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
- Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; establishes schedules and methods for providing assigned services; implements policies and procedures.
- Prepares unreviewed correspondence in reply to inquiries, general complaints, and suggestions relative to the South Coast AQMD programs and activities; consults with other professional and technical staff members for pertinent facts and information.
- Assists small business in applying for Permits to Operate and Variances from South Coast AQMD Rules and Regulations; develops and maintains a data base on the economic impact and cost-effectiveness of South Coast AQMD rules on small business, which includes providing information on low-cost financing for control equipment.
- Supervises and participates in South Coast AQMD wide public information, public participation, and community liaison programs in order to advise and disseminate information to the general public, school South Coast AQMD, public agencies, small business, and private organizations on South Coast AQMD programs, activities, regulations, and administrative proceedings.
- Writes and edits various South Coast AQMD publications, such as brochures, fact sheets, pamphlets, and newsletters for distribution to the public, employees, private organizations, and small businesses.
- Participates in the selection of assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct performance deficiencies; implements discipline procedures.
- Speaks at presentations, such as workshops, panel discussions, fairs, and other similar events, tailoring information to the subject and particular audience.
- Plans, designs, and arranges for the production of posters, signs, exhibits, and displays, and arranges exhibits at meetings, workshops, and other community and civic programs
- Identifies, creates, and places communications targeted to key audiences, including speeches, speech reprints, testimony, videos, slideshows, and mobile exhibits; writes speeches for South Coast AQMD senior management staff and Board members; researches material for use in speeches; analyzes emerging issues.
- Designs and presents South Coast AQMD films, slide shows, and other audio visual programs, and operates related equipment.
- Plans and arranges for special conferences, workshops, public hearings, and coordinates visitor tours; assists in the preparation of the annual budget.
MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to the Minimum Qualifications, which follow, the most competitive public/government relations professionals will possess the following:
- Professional experience working for a government agency or in a highly political environment.
- Professional experience working with stakeholders who reflect a broad diversity of backgrounds and concerns.
- Ability to clearly communicate (verbally and in writing) technical and complex information to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to create positive working relationships with community based organizations and/or causes and creating partnerships that resulted in effective solutions relative to air quality concerns of non-technical audiences.
- Ability to diplomatically and persuasively deal with sensitive and controversial issues.
- Ability to interact easily with all levels of South Coast AQMD staff, the Executive Officer, and the Governing Board.
- Ability to thrive in a high-energy work environment where there are constant deadlines and rapidly changing and competing priorities.
- Excellent written communications skills, necessary to prepare a wide variety of correspondence, recommendations, and reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience as a Public Affairs Specialist with South Coast AQMD OR four years of progressively responsible experience conducting research; writing and editing brochures, articles, and/or news releases for publication; and preparing and making public presentations before groups.
EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, business or public administration, political science, or a related field may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive public information program; principles and practices of public information, media relations, journalism, and public relations; principles of graphic design and photography; principles, techniques, and methods for the dissemination of information and development of public participation programs; principles used in writing, composition, layout, and production of educational, informational, and promotional materials; principles of video production, and the operation of video equipment; correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; techniques of event promotion and advertising; general characteristics and mission of public agencies.
ABILITY TO:
Deal tactfully and effectively with the public, the media, and representatives of the business community; speak in public and before groups; write clear and understandable educational and informational materials and news releases; plan, assign, supervise, and review the work of employees engaged in public information activities; maintain records and prepare reports; create appropriate informational and promotional materials; recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient media liaison, public relations, and promotional programs for the South Coast AQMD; prepare clear and effective press releases and advertisements; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including South Coast staff, government officials, community groups, members of the media, and the general public.
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a good driving record is required. and informational materials and news releases; plan, assign, supervise, and review the work of employees engaged in public information activities; maintain records and prepare reports; create appropriate informational and promotional materials; recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient media liaison, public relations, and promotional programs for the South Coast AQMD; prepare clear and effective press releases and advertisements; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including South Coast AQMD staff, government officials, community groups, members of the media, and the general public.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
A completed employment application covering at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience), and your entire South Coast AQMD employment history if you are a South Coast AQMD employee.Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is a form of written test and will be evaluated as such. Your responses should be well written, clear, concise, and directly responsive to the question. Up to four references which include the names and phone numbers of your present and past supervisors or managers, and/or college professors or persons for whom you have directly provided services, not peers .An unofficial copy of your transcripts (or equivalency evaluation if your education was obtained outside the U.S.), documenting all qualifying education claimed, submitted as an attachment to your online application* .
*You MUST submit acceptable documentation for all education claimed on your application. Acceptable documentation consists of an unofficial copy of your transcripts/equivalency evaluation attached to your application . At a later date, candidates under final consideration will be required to arrange for original, official transcripts (or equivalency evaluation, if applicable) to be mailed directly from their college/university to South Coast AQMD, documenting all education claimed on their application.
Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot be substituted for the required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant coursework that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Application packages, including responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, will first be screened, and the most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to the next step of the process, which may include a writing exercise, oral assessment and/or panel interview (weighted at 100%).
Following the assessment process, a ranked eligible list is expected to be created, from which the current vacancy may be filled, during the 6-12-month life of the list. Only those who demonstrate at each successive step of the selection process that they are among the most competitively qualified will be advanced to the next step. (Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.)
Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work full time in the United States: If you currently, or will in the future, require sponsorship (i.e., H1-B Visa) in order to maintain your right to work in the United States, please be aware that thisposition is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
South Coast AQMD reserves the right to add, delete, and modify any elements of the selection process as deemed appropriate, based on the number and quality of applicants at each step.
Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must call the Human Resources Department at least one week prior to any test dates.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Human Resources Department at (909) 396-2800.
TECHNICAL & ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OVERVIEW
BENEFIT
DESCRIPTION
Monthly Benefit Allotment
$1,912, to purchase medical, dental, and life insurance, with unused portion paid to you as cash. Your insurance coverage becomes effective on the first of the month following completion of 30 dyas of continuous service. Dependent children may be covered to age 26 on medical, dental and vision plans.
Medical Health Plans
Blue Shield PPO
Blue Shield PPO Savings Plus 2250 (High Deductible Plan)
Blue Shield HMO
Kaiser HMO
Kaiser HSA HMO 1500 (High Deductible Plan)
Dental Plans
Delta Dental PPO (without orthodontic benefits)
Delta Dental PPO (with orthodontic benefits for children only)
DeltaCare (PMI) Dental
Vision Plan
EyeMed - Optional
Life Insurance
$10,000 Term Life Insurance
(Optional additional life insurance, paid by you, at 1X, 2X, or 3X your salary)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Claremont EAP, powered by Uprise Health. EAP benefits are available to all employees and their familes at no cost to you. The EAP offers confidential advice, support and practical solutions to real-life issues. Confidential Therapy, 24-hour crisis help and online peer support groups.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Optional
Section 125
Optional Plans (Medical Reimbursement; Dependent Care)
Work Schedule
Four 10-hour days, Tuesday through Friday
Vacation
80 hours per year, increasing to 120 after five years
Holidays
13 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave
100 hours per year
Other Leaves
Bereavement; Jury Duty; Military; Witness
Tuition Reimbursement
Reimbursed up to $5,000 per year
Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
Optional (Employee may contribute up to the IRS maximum). South Coast AQMD matches, dollar for dollar, up to $300 per year for the regular plan.
Retirement
2.5% @ 67 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who, at time of hire, were not members of the San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA) or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
2.0% @ 55 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees who, prior to January 1, 2013, were active members of SBCERA or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
Employees pay only the Medicare portion of Social Security.
1/1/2024
Closing Date/Time: 5/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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South Coast Air Quality Management District
Show moreSouth Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the nation. We serve a four-county region that includes all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, home to more than 17 million people. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 750 employees, an annual budget of $170.9 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthful environment.
Mission
To clean the air and protect the health of all residents in the South Coast Air District through practical and innovative strategies.
What is the South Coast AQMD?
South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. The region is home to more than 17 million people–about half the population of the entire state of California.
Despite significant improvements to air quality, more work needs to be done to protect public health through innovative and practical strategies. Air pollution can cause or worsen many health problems, including asthma attacks, heart disease, certain types of cancers and premature death. South Coast AQMD has been at the forefront of the nation’s air pollution reduction efforts for more than eight decades.
What South Coast AQMD Does
South Coast AQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources of air pollution. These can include anything from large power plants and refineries to the corner gas station. There are about 28,400 such businesses operating under South Coast AQMD permits. Many consumer products are also considered stationary sources; these include house paint, furniture varnish, and thousands of products containing solvents that evaporate into the air. About 25% of this area's ozone-forming air pollution comes from stationary sources, both businesses and residences. The other 80% comes from mobile sources–mainly cars, trucks and buses, but also construction equipment, ships, trains and airplanes. Emission standards for mobile sources are established by state or federal agencies, such as the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than by local agencies such as the South Coast AQMD.
How South Coast AQMD Controls Pollution
South Coast AQMD develops and adopts an Air Quality Management Plan, which serves as the blueprint to bring this area into compliance with federal and state clean air standards. Rules are adopted to reduce emissions from various sources, including specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents, even consumer products. Permits are issued to many businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. South Coast AQMD staff conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with these requirements.
The test of whether these efforts are working is the quality of the air we breathe. South Coast AQMD continuously monitors air quality at 38 locations throughout the four-county area. This also allows South Coast AQMD to notify the public whenever air quality is unhealthful.
South Coast AQMD’s Sources of Revenue
To meet its financial need, the South Coast AQMD utilizes a system of evaluation fees, annual operating fees, emission fees, Hearing Board fees, penalties/ settlements and investments that generate approximately 73% of South Coast AQMD’s revenue. The remaining 27% of its revenue is from federal grants, California Air Resources (CARB) subvention funds, and California Clean Air Act Motor Vehicle fees.
Progress So Far
Air quality in this area has continually improved despite an enormous increase in population and cars. For example, maximum levels of ozone, one of our worst smog problems, have been cut to less than one quarter of what they were in the 1950s, even though today we have nearly three times as many people and four times as many vehicles.
In recent decades, we have eliminated Stage I smog alerts, which used to occur 100-120 times a year. We have not reached Stage II levels since the 1980s.
The Job Ahead
The clean air effort still has a long way to go. In 2005, the federal 1-hour standard was replaced by a stricter 8-hours standard that was further strengthened in 2008. Even though recent years have been the cleanest on record, our air in the South Coast Air Basin still exceeded the federal health 8-hour standard for ozone on 113 days in 2009. Maximum levels are almost twice as high as the federal standard for clean air.
State and federal law requires this area to meet existing clean air standards by the year 2015 for annual PM 2.5; and by 2023 for the 8-hour average ozone standard. However, tougher federal air quality standards for particulates and ozone issued in 2006 and 2008 require reductions above and beyond those already planned. South Coast AQMD estimates it will take until at least 2020 to meet the new 24-hour average particulate standard, and until 2030 to meet the new ozone standard. This may seem like a long time to continue to live with smog. But the cleanup effort is enormous. Even though we already have the strictest pollution control requirements in the nation, we still have to reduce some types of pollution by up to 90% if we are to rid the area of smog.
The war on smog began in this region more than a half century ago. With continued commitment and sensitivity to the impacts of efforts to control smog, residents can be assured that public health standards for air quality will be achieved.
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