Communications Specialist
Salary $33.30 - $40.47 Hourly
Location 91342, CA
Job Type Regular Full-Time
Job Number 2024-15
Department Communications
Job Summary
NOTE: A resume must be submitted along with an application.
DEFINITION
Under direction, educates and spreads awareness of the District’s mission to combat mosquitoes which pose a public health threat to the communities and cities of Los Angeles County; identifies and builds relationships with key community groups, leaders, businesses, and other organizations within assigned zones; educates stakeholders regarding the District’s services as a resource for mosquito control efforts; utilizes oral, written, and digital communications to raise awareness and motivate lasting behavior change designed to reduce mosquito populations and vector-borne disease risks; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Communications Manager. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to less experienced staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing a wide variety of outreach and public messaging functions for the District. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Job Functions
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Conducts research and identifies key community groups, leaders, businesses, and other organizations within assigned zones to initiate contact regarding the District’s services as a resource for mosquito control efforts; learns and adapts to multi-cultural and socioeconomic challenges and barriers within assigned zones; maintains a zone database with city and community demographics and contact information of key community groups and leaders.
Builds and maintains partnerships with and conducts outreach to key community groups including cities, other municipal agencies, local communities and community leaders, businesses, chambers of commerce, faith-based groups, civic organizations, PTAs, homeowner associations, property management companies, health agencies, and residents; partners with community members to increase awareness and to encourage behaviors designed to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases; provides input on decision-making processes and evaluates impact of outreach activities.
Publicizes the District’s message during mosquito season regarding mosquito control, repellent usage, and inspections; focuses outreach efforts on neighborhoods with an abundance of mosquitos and potential vector-borne disease outbreaks.
Conducts outreach and disseminates outreach materials which may include visual displays, written documents, news articles, advertisements, graphics, photographs, and videos; implements outreach initiatives designed to increase adoption of disease prevention measures by constituents.
Researches demographics of target audiences for conducting presentations; checks internal database for previous presentations conducted; collaborates with GIS staff to create tailored presentations; coordinates, schedules, and conducts presentations and workshops for various grassroots organizations, community groups, and constituents at City recreation centers, senior centers, and libraries.
Creates online messaging to promote public awareness of the District’s mission, activities, and functions for public and private agencies to adopt key behaviors for reducing risk of vector-borne diseases; creates graphics and social media content regarding District-related and mosquito-related issues, vector control, and public health information; communicates and educates the public through various social media platforms.
Prepares for outreach events by gathering outreach materials including literature, display items, and giveaways; assists with set up of tables, canopies, and chairs prior to event; creates visual displays for disseminating information at booths or for presentations; coordinates, schedules, sets up, and staffs information booths at City events, health fairs, Earth Day events, and other community events; collaborates with District staff to coordinate staffing for events when needed.
Serves as project leader as assigned; schedules meetings, discusses projects, and assigns work to fellow team members; keeps manager apprised of project status; ensures team members complete their assignments within deadlines and provides feedback on their performance.
Attends meetings and training events; learns and applies professional standards, ethics, and discretion when communicating with the public, governmental officials, the media, and others.
Checks and responds to emails from District staff and partner agencies; schedules phone calls and coordinates meetings with partner agencies.
Assists other departments with field or laboratory activities as assigned; performs door-to-door inspections with operations staff for investigation of mosquito issues as directed; evaluates, reports on activities, and coordinates efforts with coworkers and other departments as needed.
Provides administrative services by answering emails and phone calls from the public.
Interacts with co-workers at all levels in the District in a collaborative and customer service-oriented manner.
Assists with providing programs both in the classroom and via the District’s mobile education unit (Standing Water Action Team (SWAT) Laboratory) as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Practices for writing and/or designing public information materials such as brochures, flyers, and articles for public dissemination.
Common outreach and community relations strategies and principles.
Graphic design, video editing, and web development software.
Photography, video production and editing, digital design, digital and social media platforms, and advertising.
Data analysis and evaluation, report writing, and creation of documents including correspondence, presentations, spreadsheets, memos, business letters, and reports.
Principles of providing functional direction and training.
Digital and social media platforms to reach diverse stakeholders.
Basic business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Knowledge of Spanish or other language designated by the District is preferred.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
Demonstrate understanding of common outreach strategies and principles, community relations, and sound judgment when dealing with different cultures and community groups.
Conduct research and programmatic evaluation, think creatively to address challenges, and adapt new tactics accordingly.
Evaluate community knowledge, develop and implement outreach strategies, set priorities and timelines, continually reassess programmatic efficacy, and implement new strategies as needed.
Effectively prepare and deliver presentations to a live audience.
Schedule, set up, and staff information booths and/or presentations at community events.
Learn public health and vector control concepts and terminology.
Assess multi-cultural and socioeconomic challenges and barriers, and target outreach accordingly.
Assist with field outreach and operational and surveillance campaigns in district neighborhoods.?????
Be willing to adapt to changing activities and/or priorities.
Work collectively within an agency and between agencies towards joint objectives.
Maintain a standard and organized filing system related to correspondence, outreach activities, written or transcribed data which is collected or processed and associated with the District’s outreach programs.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Ability to speak, write, or read effectively in Spanish or other languages designated by the District is preferred.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
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:
Education:
Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public relations, communications, public administration, environmental health, public health, or a related field.
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in public health, governmental public relations, communications, public relations, education, community outreach, or a related field. Experience, or expressed interest, in driving large vehicles (i.e., motor homes, RVs, or truck-trailer combinations) is desired but not required.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment. Employees in this position will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving records during the course of employment with GLACVCD. Must be insurable with the district’s insurance carrier.
Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of appointment, a valid certification in Public Health Vector Control Categories “A” and “B,” as required by the California Department of Public Health, to be maintained throughout employment.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; and to safely operate a motor vehicle for long distances and extended periods to visit various sites. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
When assigned to field work, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; vision to observe biological and environmental conditions. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to provide surveillance and environmental analysis, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and may be exposed to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, vermin, insects, parasites, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
APPLICATION PROCESS
This recruitment may close at any time without notice. Any incomplete applications or candidates that do not meet the position's minimum requirements will not be considered further.
Application packages will be reviewed and only those that demonstrate the best combination of qualifications and experience to the position's requirements will be invited to participate in the examination process. The examination may consist of a written exam and an oral interview. The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
Select District appointments are contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer medical examination with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., including a 9-panel drug screening to comply with our Drug-Free Workplace policy, a background check including references and employment history, and a Live Scan fingerprint check through the Department of Justice.
The successful candidate must provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, in compliance with all applicable federal and State laws, does not discriminate based on age (40 or older), disability, equal pay/compensation, genetic information, harassment, national origin, pregnancy, race/color, religion, retaliation, sex, and sexual harassment in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.
GLACVCD will maintain compliance with the paid sick leave law, Healthy Workplace, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (AB 1522) effective July 1, 2015.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Agency
Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
Address
12545 Florence Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, California, 90670
Phone
562-944-9656
Website
