Economic Development Specialist

Introduction

Placer County is one of the fastest-growing counties in California. We routinely rank as one of the healthiest and best Counties for quality of life. Our variety of places to live, top-rate schools, outdoor wonderland, amazing weather, plentiful arts and history, and outstanding offerings for dining, shopping, and entertainment, all help to explain our attraction of people and business. The Office of Economic Development enhances and maintains Placer County's exceptional quality of life by leveraging resources that encourage an economy that is vibrant and diverse.
Placer is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! For more information about Placer County, please visit www.placer.ca.gov

POSITION INFORMATION

The Economic Development team is looking to fill one Economic Development Specialist position with an experienced person who likes a variety of tasks and making an impact in a fast-growing County. This team designs programs to help businesses and uses data to guide decisions, with a splash of social media and marketing too. Do you like writing? Do you like numbers? Either way, it works. Economic Development is a priority in Placer County, so this team works together to make things happen.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of analytical and technical duties in support of the County's economic development policy; to provide information and assistance to developers and the public; and to provide assistance to the Director of Economic Development.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Economic Development Specialist is the journey level class within the Economic Development Specialist series and is assigned the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating policies and procedures of the Office of Economic Development.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision and direction from the Director of Economic Development and may receive technical and functional supervision from the Senior Economic Development Specialist.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collect, compile, and analyze data regarding economic conditions, film program, and other economic development projects and programs; prepare informational and promotional reports, illustrative charts, tables and graphs, and press releases.
• Research, establish, and maintain various files and databases regarding economic development, organize and analyze market conditions, program information, and other economic development programs; propose development implementation plans.
• Develop grant applications and reports; compute, collect, monitor, and track grant data on an ongoing basis; provide statistics as appropriate.
• Administer, monitor, and evaluate contracts; participate in negotiating contracts with outside vendors, consultants, or organizations; monitor fiscal and legal liabilities of the same; assist with contract management and administration.
• Respond to inquiries from County staff, developers, prospective businesses, and the general public; determine focus/needs of inquiries and respond as specifically as possible; make referrals and/or introductions as appropriate.
• Act as liaison with businesses and public/private agencies; assist in arranging meetings, conferences, site visits, and public information programs; make presentations as directed.
• Participate in tradeshows throughout the state representing the Office of Economic Development.
• Develop and update marketing materials for all Economic Development programs, including maintenance of website, social media platforms, and other outreach methods.
• Work with local county and city officials for retention and expansion of existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses.
• Prepare a variety of comprehensive studies, proposals, and reports related to program activities and assigned projects.
• Prepare appropriate agenda reports, informational materials, and other written materials regarding the County’s Economic Development program and related activities.
• Coordinate film program permitting within Placer County, including the requirement to secure certificates of insurance on behalf of Placer County regarding necessary coverage as it relates to film permits.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions. Position may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One year of responsible professional economic development experience or one year of experience compiling and analyzing data and/or program information.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, economics, government, political or social science, finance, or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Research methodology, including statistical evaluation and presentation and the use of surveys and questionnaires.
• Preparation and presentation of reports and other informational and promotional materials.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Inter-agency relationships, including recognition of overlapping and/or complementary requirements.
• Basic principles of economics and economic development, including relationship with real estate, land development, and financing.
• Basic principles of land development process and commercial building codes.
• Intra-governmental structure and dynamics, including the roles of local, regional, state, and federal jurisdictions in the development process.
• Community-based organizations interested in the promotion of industry, business, and private-public partnerships.
• Computer software, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, and database applications.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures; recall and utilize a variety of information; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks; and focus on a single task for long periods of time.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; occasionally walk and stand for long periods of time; intermittently twist, stoop, kneel, squat, and reach to access equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, write, or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see with sufficient visual acuity to perform essential job functions; and lift light weight.
• Prepare informational and promotional reports and materials, including press releases.
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  Compile, analyze, and present statistical data in a meaningful way.
  
• Perform mathematical and statistical calculations accurately.
• Analyze grants, reports, and various proposals.
• Establish and maintain a wide network of public and private resource contacts.
• Understand and interpret the County's economic development policy as directed by the Board of Supervisors and carried out by the Director of Economic Development.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Obtain information through interviews; work with interruption; work firmly and courteously with the public.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
• Use modern office equipment and computers.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Occasionally work overtime, as needed.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Lindsay Baer, Administrative Technician, at LBaer@Placer.ca.fov or (530) 886-4667.

Closing Date/Time: 12/3/2025 5:00:00 PM

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• Placer County