Public Works Program Specialist I

Public Works Program Specialist I

Salary

$75,836.80 - $90,879.36 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations- See Job Description, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-6355-02 (O)

Department

Public Works

Division

Public Works-SBC Water Agency

Opening Date

08/18/2026

Closing Date

9/8/2026 4:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Salary:

Public Works Program Specialist I: $36.46- $43.69Hourly

Public Works Program Specialist II: $41.74- $50.15Hourly

NOTE: Depending on the candidates qualifications and the needs of the department, the selected candidate(s) may be appointed at the I or II level.

We are currently accepting applications to fill one (1) Public Works Program Specialist I/II vacancy in Santa Barbara for the Water Agency's Water Conservation division of the Public Works Department.

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 types of 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 Resources 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, Water Resources Division & Flood Control District, Laguna County Sanitation District, the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. The Countys 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/.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, coordinates, implements, directs, and monitors a variety of established environment-sensitive and/or water conservation programs, such as demonstration gardens water use and production surveys, and Santa Barbara Earth Day, in order to improve and enhance community management of natural resources; conducts water usage to determine conservation needs of businesses or organizations; 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.
• To improve public awareness and understanding of the management of natural resources, implements and coordinates regional public information and/or award programs, such as the Green Business Program, Green Gardener Program, High School Video Contest, Garden Recognition Contest, Shows That Teach school assemblies; depending on assignment, may distribute educational materials to the community and present community lectures, classes, and workshops; provides general information to the public about programs, policies, and procedures; coordinates and processes application materials for contests; develops educational materials for schools and trains teachers on curriculum; writes public service announcements and press releases; plans and executes media campaigns, and prepares promotional fliers, informational brochures, and advertisements for local programs, events, and contests
• 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.
• Maintains Internet Websites, including determining appropriate content, updating new information and removing outdated information, and assuring consistency between division and department websites.

Applicants to this position may be considered for future vacancies in the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department.

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 solid waste with a focus on resource conservation. The Division oversees the Tajiguas Landfill, the ReSource Center, four recycling and transfer stations, and the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center. 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 Countys 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; produces an annual Less Is More waste reduction 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 (HHW) and Special Waste Collection Programs; responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance to residents and businesses using the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center (Center); regularly meets with and invoices businesses at the Center; coordinates temporary HHW collection events; oversees the Home Generated Sharps Collection Program in collaboration with the County Health Department; and coordinates the Division's Electronic Waste Recycling Program.

Employment Standards

• Possession of a bachelors 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.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking:Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking 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.

Veterans Preference Points: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (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 on or before the online financial office professional examination test date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination 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 may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year 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 Medical Provider 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: September 8, 2026, by 4:59 p.m. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Kim Clark, HR Specialist, kiclark@countyofsb.org

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Posting or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• Possession of a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• None - I do not qualify for the position.

02

Applicants who are currently in their final quarter or semester of study leading to the required degree are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may compete in the examination process but may not be considered for appointment until they have attained the required degree. If you are in your final quarter or semester of study leading to the required degree, please provide the name of your pending degree (including major and minor, if applicable), college or university attended, and anticipated date of completion. Failure to provide this detailed information may lead to disqualification. You may write "N/A" if you are not in a final quarter or semester of study leading to the required degree.

03

If you selected the second option in Question 1, A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standards listed..., then please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience that qualifies you for this position. If you did not select this option, please put "N/A"

04

If you have an international degree, please attach your documentation from an evaluation service that shows you meet the U.S. education standards and your transcripts. Below is a link to a list of evaluation services you can use: http://www.naces.org/members.html. You are required to attach your evaluation service documents to your application. This is your only opportunity to provide such documentation. You may skip this question if you do not have an international degree.

• I DO NOT have an international degree, and this question is not applicable to me.
• I have an international degree and have attached the required documentation.
• I have an international degree, but do not have the required documentation. I understand that I may not be considered for this position.

05

Please check which division(s) you would want to be considered to work for. Please keep in mind that during the life of the employment list, some of these divisions may not have vacancies that arise. This is your only opportunity to make your selection.

• Water Agency
• Resource Recovery and Waste Management

06

The following questions are a civil service examination. Your responses will determine your placement on the employment list. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see civil service rules 612 and 613: https://www.Countyofsb.Org/1444/civil-service-rules

• I understand

07

EXAMINATION QUESTION: How many years of experience do you have coordinating, leading, and evaluating public outreach, education, or community engagement programs directly related to environmental science and education?

• 5+ years of experience coordinating, leading, and evaluating public outreach, education, or community engagement programs directly related to environmental science and education
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience coordinating, leading, and evaluating public outreach, education, or community engagement programs directly related to environmental science and education
• 3 years but less than 4 years of experience coordinating, leading, and evaluating public outreach, education, or community engagement programs directly related to environmental science and education
• 2 years but less than 3 years of experience coordinating, leading, and evaluating public outreach, education, or community engagement programs directly related to environmental science and education
• 1 year but less than 2 years of experience coordinating, leading, and evaluating public outreach, education, or community engagement programs directly related to environmental science and education
• 0 years but less than 1 year of experience coordinating, leading, and evaluating public outreach, education, or community engagement programs directly related to environmental science and education
• No experience in outreach or education programs for environmental science or environmental education

08

How many years of experience do you have coordinating, leading, and working on water conservation or water efficiency programs?

• 5+ years of experience coordinating, leading, and working on water conservation or water efficiency programs
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience coordinating, leading, and working on water conservation or water efficiency programs
• 3 years but less than 4 years of experience coordinating, leading, and working on water conservation or water efficiency programs
• 2 years but less than 3 years of experience coordinating, leading, and working on water conservation or water efficiency programs
• 1 year but less than 2 years of experience coordinating, leading, and working on water conservation or water efficiency program
• 0 years but less than 1 year of experience coordinating, leading, and working on water conservation or water efficiency program
• No experience working on water conservation or water efficiency programs

09

How many years of experience do you have of administration and project management where you worked on multiple projects simultaneously?

• 5+ years of experience with administrative or project management where you worked on multiple projects simultaneously
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience with administrative or project management where you worked on multiple projects simultaneously
• 3 years but less than 4 years of experience with administrative or project management where you worked on multiple projects simultaneously
• 2 years but less than 3 years of experience with administrative or project management where you worked on multiple projects simultaneously
• 1 year but less than 2 of experience with administrative or project management where you worked on multiple projects simultaneously
• 0 years but less than 1 year of experience with administrative or project management where you worked on multiple projects simultaneously
• No experience with administrative or project management where you worked on multiple projects simultaneously

10

Do you have a degree(s) in any of the following related fields relevant subjects?

• Master's Degree in Environmental science, Environmental studies, Environmental Conservation, or Environmental Policy, Biology, Biochemistry, Geochemistry, Earth sciences, Geography, Water resources, Water Conservation, Hydrology, or Watershed Management
• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental science, Environmental studies, Environmental Conservation, or Environmental Policy Biology, Biochemistry, Geochemistry, Earth sciences, Geography, Water resources, Water Conservation, Hydrology, or Watershed Management
• No relevant degrees

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty