Public Works Program Specialist, Senior

Public Works Program Specialist, Senior

Salary

$99,602.88 - $119,891.20 Annually

Location

County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-6357-01

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

08/19/2026

Closing Date

9/9/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Salary: $99,602.88- $119,891.20Annually

The County of Santa Barbaras Public Works Departments Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time vacancy in Santa Barbara.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW!

Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.

Holidays: 13 days per year.

Sick Leave: 12 days per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.

Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employees premium.

On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15.

Click here for more information on County benefits. In addition, applicants from other public sector employees may qualify for:

Retirement reciprocity

Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

THE POSITION: Under general direction, performs complex and specialized water resources or solid waste contract administration duties; coordinates, implements, and maintains assigned programs; provides information, expertise, and technical assistance to staff, educators, government agencies, and the general public; may act as a lead worker; and performs related duties as required.

The Resource Recovery and Waste Management Specialty emphasizes the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of solid waste collection, diversion, and recycling programs in Santa Barbara County.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: The ideal candidate will enjoy working both independently and as part of a team and exhibit the following characteristics and skills:

• Highly professional and ethical

• Excellent problem solver

• Strong communicator, both orally and in writing

• Ability to analyze complex documents and data

• Experience with managing solid waste franchise agreements

• Familiarity with municipal rate setting procedures

• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and stick to deadlines

• Exceptionally organized

• Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations

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

Coordinates, implements, and monitors a variety of new and established, complex, environmentally-sensitive or resource-related programs and/or service contracts, such as franchise agreements for the collection of solid waste, recyclables, and green waste for all residential and commercial customers in the unincorporated areas of the County; evaluates programs and service providers and follows through on contract enforcement; monitors program budgets and receives, approves, and codes related invoices; researches, compiles, analyzes, and interprets information and data; calculates solid waste collection rates; and prepares narrative and technical reports to meet internal, state, and federal reporting requirements.

Assesses the need for new programs; conducts surveys; develops grant proposals and explores funding options; writes project work plans and scope of work for professional services; negotiates contracts and budgets; prepares and distributes Requests for Proposals; and evaluates, ranks, and participates in the selection of contractors.

Prepares reports on projected costs, revenues, and tonnages of different material types for County and external entities.

Reviews existing and proposed legislation for impact on programs; writes, publishes, and/or distributes guidelines, policies, and manuals; performs special projects; prepares Board letters; and makes presentations before the Board of Supervisors.

Represents the Public Works Department at professional conferences, on committees, and to other governmental jurisdictions, outside agencies, contractors, media representatives, and the public; writes articles for County and other professional newsletters, publications, and Internet Websites; and responds to inquiries and resolves program complaints from the public.

Acts as an internal consultant to Public Works staff and other County departments; assigns and reviews the work of staff; provides training for entry-level program staff; and interviews, selects, trains, and evaluates the performance of interns.

Employment Standards

Possession of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university; AND:

• Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in research, planning, or implementation of solid waste recycling or diversion programs; OR,

• Two years of experience performing solid waste recycling or diversion program duties equivalent to the class of Public Works Program Specialist II with Santa Barbara County; OR,

• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Candidates whose four-year degree is in a field related to the specialty assignment, e.g., environmental studies, biological sciences, natural resource management, or urban or regional planning, may substitute the specialized education for one year of the required experience.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License is required.

Knowledge of: contemporary environmental issues; principles and techniques of contract administration, budgeting, and public relations; research methods; basic math, including fractions and percentages; standard English grammar, usage, and syntax; local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies related to solid waste management; principles of solid waste management, including waste reduction, handling, processing, diversion, and disposal; resource recovery and source reduction programs; and composting technology, techniques, and materials.

Ability to: represent the department with tact and diplomacy; conduct oneself professionally during tense or controversial situations; interact appropriately with representatives of the media; read, understand, and interpret technical information; gather and analyze information, draw valid conclusions, and make decisions; 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 cost/benefit analyses; prepare and give public presentations before small and large groups and decision-making bodies; lead public meetings, facilitate discussions, and keep discussions focused; identify concerns, and report back to management; establish and maintain effective working relationships; resolve citizen complaints; organize multiple projects simultaneously and set priorities to meet deadlines; design new programs, including timelines and budgets; prepare, negotiate, evaluate, and monitor contracts; work independently; administer a contract budget; identify resulting consequences of actions; use keyboards and personal computers including word-processing, database, and graphics software and the Internet; assign and review the work of others; and train and evaluate staff.

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 examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than [11] qualified candidates.

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

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 9, 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 four-year degree from an accredited college or university; and three years of progressively responsible professional experience in research, planning, or implementation of solid waste recycling or diversion programs
• Possession of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university; and two years of experience performing solid waste recycling or diversion program duties equivalent to the class of Public Works Program Specialist II with Santa Barbara County
• Possession of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university; and a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• None - I do not qualify for the position.

02

If you selected option number three (3), 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"

03

Your responses to the following questions will be read and scored by a rater. The rater WILL NOT have access to your application/resume, while reviewing your responses. You will need to answer the questions completely. In order to give the rater the best opportunity to evaluate your responses, please make sure you read the question carefully and fully answer all the questions asked. This is your only opportunity to provide detailed information. Failure to provide full and complete answers may affect the outcome of your score and rank on the employment list. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: http://cosb.countyofsb.org/hr/csrules.aspx

• I understand

04

Please describe in detail your work experience with solid waste programs including any contract management duties. Include, your employer, title, and years of experience performing the duties.

05

Please describe your experience analyzing complex numerical data, including samples of tasks that you performed and the software that you used. Include, your employer, title, and years of experience performing the duties.

06

Please describe your experience with preparing written reports for governmental agencies, including the types of reports and the agencies for which they were prepared. Include, your employer, title, and years of experience performing the duties.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

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