About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

  • Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in public, recreation or park administration, natural resources management, or related field
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Possess a valid California Driver’s License
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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).

Nice To Haves

  • 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.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

Benefits

  • 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.
  • 14 days of Management Leave annually
  • Vacation accrual increases with service
  • Immediate City contribution to deferred compensation, increasing with service
  • Longevity pay
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