Deputy Director Environmental Services (Community Services)

Deputy Director Environmental Services (Community Services)

Salary

$98,389.31 - $125,572.46 Annually

Location

Arcata, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

262700006

Department

Environmental Services

Division

Community Services

Opening Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

10/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to providing top-quality municipal services in a prime Northern California location, consider a career with the City of Arcata and apply today! We are currently recruiting for the position of Deputy Director Environmental Services (Community Services).

Please note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 15th. Please hold this date.

Enjoy GREAT BENEFITS including: the City currently pays the majority of the medical coverage premium for employees (and their dependents) and 100% of the premium for dental and vision coverage. If applicable, the City also offers a $400/month health insurance opt-out option. Additionally, the City offers this position 14 days of Management Leave annually; vacation accrual increases with service; immediate City contribution to deferred compensation, increasing with service; longevity pay, etc. See more in the "Benefits" tab.

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction of the Director of Environmental Services, plans, organizes, coordinates, manages, and supervises assigned personnel, programs, and activities within the Parks, Recreation, Environmental Programs (including Forest Management, Energy, Stormwater, Solid Waste ), City Buildings/Facilities, and Natural Resources Divisions of the Environmental Services Department; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Director of Environmental Services in areas of expertise; and performs all other related duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties

• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned Divisions; develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Division programs and activities; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Parks, Recreation, Facilities, Natural Resources and Environmental Programs Divisions, including construction, maintenance and operational activities of City parks, facilities, and natural resource areas; and development and implementation activities for a variety of environmental, recreation and community programs, events, and services; manages and coordinates the work plan for the assigned Divisions; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
• Manages and participates in the development, coordination and implementation of the Department's planning documents such as; Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Arcata Creeks Management Plan, Stormwater Management Plan, Source Reduction and Recycling Element, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, Open Space Management Program, Forest Management Plan, Urban Water Management Plan, and Emergency Response Planning; interprets related permits and other environmental documents, as well as developing compliance assurance plans and inspection procedures.
• Participates in the selection, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of assigned Division budgets.
• Applies for, coordinates, and administers grants and other funding sources, including tracking expenditures, monitoring grant or funding budgets, preparing and processing related financial activities, and preparing reports on activities as required by the funding agency.
• Responds to inquiries, requests, and complaints as it relates to division and department functions, and takes appropriate action; ensures the public is kept updated and aware of programs, projects, and other related activities through the department's public notification policies and procedures.
• Prepares and presents reports to City Council; serves as liaison between assigned Committees/Commissions and City, including attending meetings, and preparing and presenting reports and recommendations.
• Performs the duties of Director, as assigned, during his/her absence.
• Remains current on industry trends, principles, practices and regulations, including attending meetings and workshops and review of industry publications.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

See job description for full list of duties.

Typical Qualifications and Requirements

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

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

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in public, recreation or park administration, natural resources management, or related field, and at least five (5) years progressively responsible experience in park, recreation, or natural resources management, including at least three (3) years related supervisory and budgetary experience.

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, regulations and techniques related to Parks, Recreation, Environmental Programs (including forestry, stormwater, energy and solid waste), City Buildings/Facilities, and Natural Resource operations and management; principles and practices of personnel and program management, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, project management, and supervision, training, evaluating, and disciplining of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision; principles and practices of public sector budget development and administration; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations concerning the operation of Parks, Recreation, Environmental Programs, City Buildings/Facilities, and Natural Resources Divisions; policies, rules, and other risk management regulations governing the conduct and safety of parks, recreation, and natural resource area programs and facilities; principles and practices of contract administration, including public bidding requirements; principles and practices of grant administration; report writing principles and practices; business mathematics; standard office computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, database and electronic reporting programs; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to: Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with City policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances; evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques; analyze, interpret, summarize and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner; plan, organize, schedule, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff; prepare and administer assigned budgets; write and administer grants; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials; conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; operate a computer and necessary software applications, and other applicable standard office equipment; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Additional Information

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a valid California Driver's License.
• Other certificate(s) or license(s) specific to functional area of assignment may be required. (Examples may include: Qualified Stormwater Developer; Wetland delineation; 404 Permit training; arboriculture/forestry; pesticide application; playground safety inspection as required to operate City projects and programs.
• A commitment to understand and support diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Willing and available to attend meetings after normal work hours; to travel for trainings and/or meetings; and to work extended hours, nights and/or weekends as necessary to complete assigned tasks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in a general office and field environment. Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job, including sitting for periods of time, operating standard office equipment, including a computer; visit various City sites, including traversing uneven terrain; climbing ladders, crawling in confined areas, bending and stooping; operating a motor vehicle; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs.; occasionally working outside in varying weather conditions, with occasional exposure to dust, pollen and heavy equipment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Arcata employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATON:

The City of Arcata is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability or on any other non-merit factors in its process of recruitment, selection, promotion or other conditions of employment. In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act reasonable efforts will be made during the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If special accommodations are necessary, please contact the Personnel Department (707-825-2114) prior to the testing date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

• In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.
• All potential City employees must complete a required pre-employment physical examination, receive DOJ fingerprint clearance, and have a satisfactory driving record (if required to drive for city business).

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED.

The City of Arcata is proud to offer the following benefits:

Retirement:

CalPERS Program:

• 2% @ 55 for "CLASSIC" members. Currently, employees pay 10% (7% member rate and 3% of employer rate).
• 2% @ 62 for "NEW" members. Currently, employees pay 10.75% (7.75% member rate [subject to actuary change annually] and 3% of employer rate).

For vacancies filled by a current City of Arcata employee who is already a CalPERS member, the employee will remain at his/her current CalPERS formula. For existing employees who are 2.7% @ 55 members: currently employees pay 11% (8% member rate and 3% of employer rate).

Medical:

The City currently pays the majority of the premium for employee and family for medical, dental, and vision. The City offers a choice of five different CalPERS medical plans: Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO, Blue Shield Access + HMO, Western Health HMO, PERS Gold PPO, and PERS Platinum PPO. Employee/dependent contribution is fully paid by the City for dental (Ameritas); and vision (VSP) coverage. City offers $400/mo. health insurance opt out option.

Vacation:

Accrues at 8 hours per month upon employment and increases with time in service.

Sick Leave:

Accrues at 8 hours per month with no limit. 48 hours of Family Illness Leave are also allowed per year and are deducted from employees accrued Sick Leave. This is not accruable.

Bereavement Leave:

An employee may be granted up to 40 hours per year bereavement leave with pay. This is not accruable.

Management Leave:

10 or 14 days (dependent on position) leave per year.

Holidays:

The City provides 13 fixed holidays per year, in addition to 32 hours floating holidays.

Life Insurance:

The City pays the premium on a $50,000 term life insurance policy for eligible employees.

Longevity Pay:

Employee receives an additional 3% of base pay after 5 years of continuous service; an additional 3% after 10 years; and an additional 3% after 15 years.

Deferred Compensation:

One Deferred Compensation plan available; with City contribution upon employment and increases with time in service.

Other Benefits:

Other benefits include City-paid membership in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and eligible dependents; an education and training reimbursement program; a physical fitness reimbursement program; optional participation in supplemental health coverages through AFLAC; optional participation in pre-tax Unreimbursed Medical and Dependent Care Assistance programs; Tobacco Cessation and Adoption incentive plans; and free bus service on all routes operated by Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) for employee and immediate family members.

Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.

01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. This section must be completed. Applications may be rejected if you write, "see resume", "see attached" or anything similar.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

Please describe your work experience related to developing, coordinating and managing Community and Recreation programs & services for varied ages and diverse groups of community members. [In your answer, make sure you clearly identify 1) the specific programs/services; 2) employer where you obtained the experience and your title; 3) the total amount of experience - i.e. months, years; and 4) level of overall responsibility.]

03

Please describe your work experience related to planning and managing Natural Resource and Environmental programs such as stormwater management, watershed restoration, forest management, solid waste management and climate adaptation strategies. [In your answer, make sure you clearly identify 1) employer where you obtained the experience and your title; 2) the total amount of experience for each area - i.e. months, years; and 3) level of overall responsibility.]

04

Please describe your work experience related to managing the planning, construction and maintenance activities related to Public Parks, Open Spaces & Trails, and Government Facilities. [In your answer, make sure you clearly identify 1) employer where you obtained the experience and your title; 2) the total amount of experience for area - i.e. months, years; and 3) level of overall responsibility.]

05

Please describe your work experience related to coordinating the preparation of budgets and grant administration. [In your answer, make sure you clearly identify 1) the type of budget and your scope of responsibility; 2) the dollar amount responsible for; 3) employer where you obtained the experience and your title; and 4) the total amount of experience - i.e. months, years.]

06

Describe your experience supervising, training, and coordinating the work of others. [In your answer, make sure you clearly identify 1) the number and type of positions supervised; 2) specific experience training, evaluating, motivating, and disciplining; 3) employer where you obtained the experience and your title; and 4) the total amount of experience - i.e. months, years.]

Required Question

Employer City of Arcata

Address 736 F Street

Arcata, California, 95521

Phone 707-825-5953

Website http://www.cityofarcata.org