Career Center

Basic Function

Under the direction of the Environmental Services Manager, design, develop, implement, and manage public education and outreach focusing on: municipal solid waste management; surface water protection; water quality programming; and general Public Works Department information. This position’s duties include program budgeting, program planning, staff supervision, procurement, vendor relationships, volunteer management, and stakeholder engagement and coordination. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research, write, edit, update, and distribute educational outreach materials such as brochures, fact sheets, pamphlets, social media, webpages, and displays. 

Manage outbound communications and social media content for the Public Works Department. 

Supervise assigned staff, including assigning and coordinating projects and tasks, providing support to ensure progress of day-to-day tasks, and managing priorities and workloads.   Mentor, coach, and train staff.   Set performance standards and evaluate staff performance.  

Foster a work environment focused on teamwork, enthusiasm, professionalism, timely response, and high-quality work products. 

Facilitate regular coordination meetings with staff.

Coordinate the production and distribution of outreach materials with City staff. 

Provide technical assistance within the organization regarding outreach programs, working to ensure inclusivity and equity are factored into communications and outreach. 

Actively engage the community to ensure messaging reaches diverse audiences, and create measurable outcomes to track compliance with Title VI goals and standards. 

Interpret regulations, policies, plans, procedures and information for the general public, other agencies, and business/industry representatives.   

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: 

Develop and implement community outreach plans and activities. Coordinate and plan education and outreach programs with employees, managers, contractors, community leaders and the general public.  

Serve on coordinating groups and committees to research and develop educational/outreach activities.   

Ensure outreach services reach historically underrepresented populations.  Track and report on outcomes resulting from outreach services.

Present solid waste/recycling, surface water quality and related environmental information to various groups such as community organizations, teachers, students, businesses, staff, City Council, City committees, and the community at large.  

Proactively engage the public, including representing the City at various community events and seeking input on outreach program elements. Procure, maintain, and distribute informational materials and related educational and promotional supplies. 

Manage and lead the Public Works Department communications team, using the collective input to coordinate communication and outreach planning. 

Effectively utilize computer-based and video-based systems for designing outreach materials and media, and tracking/reporting information. 

Effectively communicate with the public through a wide range of media, including websites, social media platforms, developing electronic newsletter content, and creating presentations. 

Develop and distribute impactful educational/motivational material (brochures, signs, social media, mailers) suitable for the subject matter and intended audience. Proofread various written and graphic materials such as reports, presentations, letters, contracts, and brochures.  Develop forms, letters and reports as required. 

Procure service providers/vendors and materials, following City purchasing policies and budget system to achieve the most cost-effective and impactful outcomes. 

Plan and implement education and outreach activities and special events including coordinating vendors, locations and staffing.  Develop budgets for these activities in accordance with available funding conforming to grant and program budgets. Track expenditures and prepare grant reimbursement requests. 

Maintain contact and follow up with area residents, business, and property managers.  Troubleshoot issues and devise solutions. Coordinate with contracted service providers including haulers, vendors, and community groups. 

Perform various clerical duties such as maintaining grant records, making arithmetic computations and securing information from clearly indicated sources.  Develop and implement record keeping procedures.  Maintain assigned records, logs and files. 

Perform related duties as assigned.

Required: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Communications, Behavioral Psychology, or related disciplines; AND any combination equivalent to: five (5) years of experience in public relations, education and outreach, or similar communications work; AND two (2) years of supervisory experience is required.  

Preferred: Expertise in municipal solid waste and recycling management and municipal surface and stormwater management and related regulations (NPDES) is preferred. Expertise in program budgeting, program planning, procurement, vendor relationships, volunteer management, and stakeholder engagement and coordination is preferred.  

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

• Municipal solid waste management services and systems, waste reduction and recycling practices, composting practices, and moderate risk waste management practices.
• Municipal stormwater management services and systems, and corresponding practices.
• Motivational outreach techniques that are impactful to diverse audiences. 
• Special event planning for events such as workshops, webinars, collection events, open houses, etc.
• Social media content creation and account management.
• Strategies for managing and working with volunteers.
• Efficient record-keeping techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication techniques including correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

 
 
Ability to:

• Positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish common goals.
• Learn, apply and explain policies, procedures, objectives, rules and regulations.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to detail.
• Take initiative and work independently to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Operate a computer terminal to write, enter data, maintain records and generate reports.
• Operate office equipment such as calculators, fax machines and copiers.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Understand and follow oral and written direction.
• Maintain records and files.
• Communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.