Sonoma Water Education Program Specialist I

Salary : $86,156.31 - $104,731.68 Annually

Location : Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: -OWA

Department: Sonoma County Water Agency (WTR)

Division: SCWA - General (7210)

Opening Date: 10/16/2024

Closing Date: 11/6/:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit: 05

Position Information

Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) is looking for an experienced educator to join their team as a Water Education Program Specialist.

Multiple positions available.
As a Water Education Program Specialist I you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating water-related educational programs for students and teachers. You will work to enhance water literacy and foster a deeper understanding of water conservation through dynamic and interactive learning experiences. You will also be supporting community engagement efforts and the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center. Additional responsibilities include:

• Planning, developing, and facilitating Next Generation Science Standards based environmental programs (content topics include water-use efficiency, water quality, storm drain pollution prevention, climate change, renewable energy, fishery restoration efforts, watershed awareness, and how our community gets drinking water)
• Marketing programs to eligible teachers through various methods such as social media, flyers, and newsletters
• Creating, marketing, and implementing professional development opportunities for teachers
• Training team members on the curriculum and best teaching practices for the educational programs
• Planning outreach activities for community events and creating and implementing contests
• Assessing the success of educational programs and making changes to improve student learning, teacher satisfaction, equity, effectiveness, and relevancy
• Preparing program reports and public-facing documents
• Developing or modifying curriculum

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with a collaborative, team-focused mindset and will also possess many of the following:

• A teaching credential and experience working in classroom and outdoor settings
• A Bachelor's degree with coursework in education, environmental studies, science, public relations, or a related field
• Working knowledge of curriculum development, child development, Next Generation Science Standards, basic environmental science principles, marketing and graphic design, and public outreach programs
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud
• Website editing and content development skills
• The ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking and writing skills are highly desirable

About Sonoma WaterSonoma 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.

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
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Water Agency Programs Specialist II (annual salary up to $114,395)
• 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 $500 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 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 and our

We are currently recruiting to fill multiple Sonoma Water Education Program Specialist I positions. 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 Program Specialist I.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include college level course work in water related science, environmental studies, environmental law, education, political science, communications, public relations, or a closely related field; and one year of experience in the implementation of water-related programs in one or more of the following areas: community relations, public outreach, media, water use efficiency technology, teaching methods consistent with state-wide educational standards, and/or legislative processes at the federal and state level.

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

Working knowledge of: principles, practices and methods of water use efficiency and natural resource conservation; strategies and methods for effective educational program 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.

Some 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; 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.

Ability to: plan, develop, organize, and implement a wide variety of water-related programs; negotiate agreements with various agencies and special interests to facilitate program activities; speak effectively and persuasively before diverse groups; establish effective working relationships with other staff and with persons possessing a wide variety of divergent views; write and edit written materials for publication; compile concise reports, letters, newsletters and other written materials; coordinate educational and informational seminars and workshops; prepare and disseminate information to media and others; prepare a wide range of clear, concise, and informative reports, correspondence . click apply for full job details