Lake Sonoma Visitor Center Community Outreach Ambassador - Extra Help



Lake Sonoma Visitor Center Community Outreach Ambassador - Extra Help

Salary

$25.51 - $31.02 Hourly

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Extra Help

Job Number

23/01-0913-EH

Department

Sonoma County Water Agency (WTR)

Division

SCWA - General (7210)

Opening Date

01/10/2023

Closing Date

2/1/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

05

Position Information

Join Sonoma Water's Community and Government Affairs Division as a Lake Sonoma Visitor Center Community Outreach Ambassador! Multiple positions are available!
The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) is currently hiring multiple temporary, extra-help Lake Sonoma Visitor Center Community Outreach Ambassadors. As an Ambassador you will work at the Lake Sonoma Visitors Center assisting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Sonoma Water staff on community engagement programs and providing information on the function of our water supply system including the fish hatchery. These positions will report to Sonoma Water's Community and Government Affairs Division. Ambassadors will work at the Visitor Center Monday thru Friday between 10 am - 4 pm.

The Lake Sonoma Visitor Center and Fish Hatchery are located in Geyserville, CA. Lake Sonoma Park is open to visitors year-round. Here, exhibits tell the story of Warm Springs Dam, explain the natural and early history of Dry Creek Valley, and offer a variety of audio-visual and ranger-led programs.

The Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery is located behind the Visitor Center and was built to replace and enhance salmon and steelhead spawning grounds. Here, visitors can observe the operation of the hatchery and see displays that describe the life cycle of the coho salmon, chinook salmon, and steelhead.

As a Community Outreach Ambassador, you will be responsible for: 

  • Opening and closing the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center
  • Creating a welcoming and educational experience for guests
  • Engaging with visitors and sharing facts about Lake Sonoma and its facilities
  • Coordinating tours and fielding questions about Lake Sonoma, Sonoma Water functions, and other related topics
Ideal candidates will have exceptional customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills to engage with members of the public. Additionally, they will possess:

  • Education, training, and experience related to public and/or community relations, education, and natural and water resources.
  • Experience delivering presentations and/or conducting public tours 
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 seven divisions including Engineering and Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Community and Government Affairs, Water/Wastewater Operations, Maintenance, Emergency Management and Security, and Administrative Services. 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.
 
The Formal title for this position is Water Agency Resource Programs Technician I.

EXTRA-HELP EMPLOYMENT

Extra-help employees relieve or augment permanent staff. Temporary, extra-help employees are not in the classified civil service and do not have property rights to permanently allocated positions. In addition, they do not receive most employee benefits such as long-term disability insurance coverage; accrual of vacation; participation in the County retirement program; or eligibility to take promotional examinations. Temporary, extra-help employees are limited in their employment to a maximum of one calendar year. These employees must be off of work for three months before they can be re-employed on an extra help basis. Extra-help employees who meet the eligibility requirements may qualify for a County contribution toward medical coverage.

This employment list may also be used to fill future extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include some course work in planning, engineering, water related science, environmental studies, environmental law, natural resource or watershed management, education, political science, communications, public relations, or a closely related field; and some experience working with water-related programs in one or more of the following areas: community relations, public outreach, media, water transmission systems, water treatment systems, water reclamation and recycling, wastewater sanitation, water use efficiency, biological monitoring or surveying, 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

Some knowledge of: principles, practices, and methods of water and natural resources management; methods of water use efficiency program implementation, and savings verification and monitoring; environmental principles and operation of water supply facilities and distribution systems; methods of water treatment and recycling, landscape and restoration design and installation practices; California Water Codes and related laws; basic statistics and their application in analysis; group dynamics as it relates to public organizations; communication theory and environmental education concepts; principles of graphic design and production; establishing and maintaining effective public relations; fundamentals of public speaking; techniques and methods of research; English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and composition; and office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to: collect and analyze data; speak effectively and persuasively before diverse groups; establish effective working relationships with persons possessing a wide variety of divergent views; write and edit written materials; compile reports, letters, newsletters and other  outreach materials; help coordinate educational and informational seminars and workshops; prepare and disseminate information to media and others; operate office equipment including computers, copiers, and fax machines.

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.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (pass/not pass) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's combination of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position to ensure satisfaction of the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications for the position will be placed on an extra-help employment list and referred to the department. The department may contact candidates from the employment list who possess the most appropriate job-related qualifications for further consideration.

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: BH
HR Technician: KK

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 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 contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.

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.

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.

01
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
02
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • BC Water Jobs
  • CA Water Jobs
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Conservation Job Board
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Waterdistrictjobs.com
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
03
Please describe your paid, volunteer, or intern work experience working in environmental or classroom education. Detail your role, duties, and the nature of the program(s).
04
Please list your water-related education, training, and/or experience. Highlight:
  • Experience working in water-related programs and include the position title and primary responsibilities
  • Completed coursework and training in the areas of environmental education, communications, water and natural resource conservation, water science, watershed dynamics, and/or water-use efficiency
05
Please describe your experience delivering presentations and/or conducting public tours.

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331