Job Details
Public Works Program Specialist I/II
2026-03-23 County of Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara,CA
Description:
Public Works Program Specialist I is distinguished from Public Works Program Specialist II in that the latter is the journey-level class in the series and is responsible for performing moderately difficult project and/or contract administration assignments in either a water resources or solid waste specialty. Promotion/appointment to the journey-level class depends upon both the assignment of level II duties and experience in the required specialty.
ABOUT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of six divisions: Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Flood Control & Water Resources, Laguna County Sanitation District, the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. The County's 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
Examples of Duties
Employment Standards
Knowledge of: research methods; basic math, including fractions and percentages; and standard English grammar, usage, and syntax.
Ability to: read, understand, and interpret technical information; gather and analyze information, draw valid conclusions, identify resulting consequences of actions, and make recommendations; conduct research and studies; 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 and give public presentations before small and large groups; establish and maintain effective working relationships; organize multiple projects simultaneously and set priorities to meet deadlines; learn state and federal law, regulations, and policies related to environmental resource management; learn basic environmental science; learn County environmental management policies, rules, and regulations; learn the complaint resolution process; use keyboards and personal computers, including word-processing, database, spreadsheets, and the Internet; and learn the principles and techniques of contract management, the competitive bid process, budgeting, and public relations.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
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 doctor 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) StatementThe 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: Friday, April 10, 2026, by 4:59 p.m. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at .
Leza Patatanian, LPatatanian
Retirement Plans
*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?
02
If you selected the second option in Question 1, '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
If you have an international degree, please attach your documentation from an evaluation service that shows you meet the U.S. education standards and your transcripts. Below is a link to a list of evaluation services you can use: You are required to attach your evaluation service documents to your application. This is your only opportunity to provide such documentation. You may skip this question if you do not have an international degree.
04
Please describe your experience managing projects and handling administrative tasks, including how you organize work, track progress, and ensure timely completion. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
05
Please describe your experience in environmental science or environmental education, including your role, key contributions, and any impact on communities or audiences. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
06
Please describe your experience with water efficiency and water conservation projects or programs, including events, classes, or organizations. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
07
Please describe your experience with sustainable landscaping, particularly water-efficient landscape practices. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
Required Question
Salary : $73,987.68 - $88,662.08 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-6355-01 (EXH/PW)
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 03/20/2026
Closing Date: 4/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Salary:
Public Works Program Specialist I: $35.57 - $42.63 Hourly
Public Works Program Specialist II: $40.73 - $48.92 Hourly
NOTE: Depending on thecandidate's qualifications and the needs of the department, the selected candidate(s) may be appointed at the I or II level.
We are currently accepting applications to fill one (1) *Extra-Help Public Works Program Specialist I/II vacancy in Santa Barbara for the Water Agency's Water Conservation divisionof the Public Works Department.
This is a Civil Service Rules (CSR 905) Extra Help Appointment. An extra help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. These positions are not subject to the Civil Service Provisions.
Medical Benefits will be offered once Extra Help employees reach Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility. Eligibility for other benefit programs may vary based on eligibility rules.
THE POSITION: Under close supervision, coordinates, implements, and monitors water resources or integrated solid waste recycling and diversion programs; provides information and/or technical assistance to educators, government agencies, and the general public; and performs related duties as required.
The IDEAL CANDIDATEwill enjoy working both independently and as part of a team and exhibit the following characteristics and skills:
- Experience conducting education and outreach programs, or related research, for diverse audiences, using various typesof media and outreach tools. ?Particularly in sustainable landscaping or resource conservation.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to stay organized while managing multiple projects and deadlines at once.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools, such as Excel, and online editing tools such as Canva.
- Familiarity or experience with social media account management, such as Facebook, Twitter, and BlueSky.
- Bilingual in Spanish (both verbal and written) is a plus
Public Works Program Specialist I is distinguished from Public Works Program Specialist II in that the latter is the journey-level class in the series and is responsible for performing moderately difficult project and/or contract administration assignments in either a water resources or solid waste specialty. Promotion/appointment to the journey-level class depends upon both the assignment of level II duties and experience in the required specialty.
ABOUT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of six divisions: Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Flood Control & Water Resources, Laguna County Sanitation District, the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. The County's 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
Examples of Duties
- Coordinates, implements, and monitors a variety of established environment-sensitive and/or resource-related programs, such as landfill tours, demonstration gardens, and Santa Barbara Earth Day, in order to improve and enhance community management of natural resources; conducts usage or waste audits to determine recycling needs of businesses or organizations, and to confirm proper separation and weighing of recyclables; performs general evaluations of programs to assess effectiveness, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance; monitors program budgets and receives, approves, and codes related invoices; researches, compiles, analyzes, and interprets information and data to assess resource management needs and assist in developing programs; and prepares narrative and technical reports to meet internal, state, and federal reporting requirements.
- To improve public awareness and understanding of the management of natural resources, implements regional public information and/or award programs, such as the Green Business Program or the Green Gardener Program; depending on assignment, may present community lectures, classes, and workshops; provides general information to the public about programs, policies, and procedures; develops educational materials for schools and trains teachers on curriculum; writes public service announcements and press releases; and prepares promotional fliers, informational brochures, and advertisements for local programs, events and contests.
- Represents the Public Works Department at local events, on committees, and to other governmental jurisdictions, outside agencies, contractors, and the public; writes articles for County and other professional newsletters and responds to inquiries and resolves program complaints from the public.
- Maintains Internet Websites, including determining appropriate content, updating new information and removing outdated information, and assuring consistency between division and department websites.
Employment Standards
- Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR,
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Knowledge of: research methods; basic math, including fractions and percentages; and standard English grammar, usage, and syntax.
Ability to: read, understand, and interpret technical information; gather and analyze information, draw valid conclusions, identify resulting consequences of actions, and make recommendations; conduct research and studies; 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 and give public presentations before small and large groups; establish and maintain effective working relationships; organize multiple projects simultaneously and set priorities to meet deadlines; learn state and federal law, regulations, and policies related to environmental resource management; learn basic environmental science; learn County environmental management policies, rules, and regulations; learn the complaint resolution process; use keyboards and personal computers, including word-processing, database, spreadsheets, and the Internet; and learn the principles and techniques of contract management, the competitive bid process, budgeting, and public relations.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
- Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.
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 doctor 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) StatementThe 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: Friday, April 10, 2026, by 4:59 p.m. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at .
Leza Patatanian, LPatatanian
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: and
- 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:
- 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)
- 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:
- 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:
*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 bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to 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 the second option in Question 1, '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
If you have an international degree, please attach your documentation from an evaluation service that shows you meet the U.S. education standards and your transcripts. Below is a link to a list of evaluation services you can use: You are required to attach your evaluation service documents to your application. This is your only opportunity to provide such documentation. You may skip this question if you do not have an international degree.
- I DO NOT have an international degree, and this question is not applicable to me.
- I have an international degree and have attached the required documentation.
- I have an international degree, but do not have the required documentation. I understand that I may not be considered for this position.
04
Please describe your experience managing projects and handling administrative tasks, including how you organize work, track progress, and ensure timely completion. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
05
Please describe your experience in environmental science or environmental education, including your role, key contributions, and any impact on communities or audiences. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
06
Please describe your experience with water efficiency and water conservation projects or programs, including events, classes, or organizations. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
07
Please describe your experience with sustainable landscaping, particularly water-efficient landscape practices. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
Required Question