SALARY

$68,240.48 - $81,762.93 Annually

THE POSITION

Are you an experienced naturalist or science docent who is looking to spend most of your day outdoors sharing your knowledge? Then don't miss this opportunity! This full-time position is located at Cachuma Lake and is responsible for leading twice-daily 2-hour Lake Cruises for visitors, promoting programs, developing and conducting natural science and historical interpretive programs, and more!

Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding. To learn more about Cachuma Lake and the programs offered, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/334/Parks

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Experience presenting to groups about the natural environment, biology and drought issues
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), experience writing press releases a plus
• Background of working in a park or campground environment
• History of working with all age groups from child to adult
• Solid computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience supervising/coordinating volunteers and junior staff

• Plans, develops, coordinates, and conducts historical and natural science education programs such as nature hikes, audio-visual shows, fireside programs, fishing clinics, habitat improvements for fish and wildlife; coordinates special projects and programs such as an annual fishing derby; conducts and narrates Lake Tour trips while operating an engine-propelled pontoon boat or watercraft.
• Plans and directs a docent program; trains and supervises docents, summer student interns, volunteers, and staff on natural science education programs and activities; and attends Nature Center Foundation and Docent meetings as a Parks liaison.
• Develops and recommends plans to promote park programs; compiles information and writes or edits natural science articles, advertising copy, press releases, and other program or Parks related materials; prepares scientific and historical displays and exhibits; solicits commercial sponsors and conducts fundraising activities for park programs; reports to Park Operations Manager on current programs and recommends developing or modifying interpretive programs and activities.
• Presents natural science and conservation programs to schools and community organizations; represents the Park Department to the public, news media, service clubs, state agencies, and other groups; stays current on all Parks-related activities, projects, and incidents in order to respond to media questions or concerns; collaborates with local citizens to maintain accuracy of classes on Native American history; and maintains a library of slides and materials for audio-visual presentations.

• Completion of 30 semester units or 45 quarter units from an accredited educational institution in animal, plant, and/or environmental biology or related science and one year of experience teaching science or conducting public education programs in the sciences; 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.

Within the probationary period, incumbents must successfully complete US Coast Guard Boating Safety, and AED.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid and current California State For-Hire Vessel Operator's License from the Division of Boating and Waterways at time of application
• Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Level-1 Watercraft Inspector certification at time of application
• CPR/First Aid Certification. Candidates may be appointed before receiving the CPR/First Aid certificate. As a condition of continued employment, however, appointees must obtain the required certificate within twelve months of their appointment.

Knowledge of: natural and biological sciences; plant and animal life of California and its distribution; audiovisual techniques, including photography and basic exhibit concepts; methods of collection, identification and preparation of specimens; administrative skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint; research methods; public relations; and standard English grammar and usage. Spanish speaking is a plus but not required.

Ability to: speak before groups; analyze and interpret data, develop solutions, and make recommendations; write articles and reports; interpret historical and natural science concepts to laypeople; develop and teach natural science workshops, seminars, or lectures; represent County parks to the media; exercise tact and independent judgment in dealing with the public; establish and maintain working relationships with coworkers, representatives of other organizations and agencies, and the general public; organize park educational activities; supervise staff; learn to operate an engine-propelled pontoon boat or water craft and learn related safety practices.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants 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 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.

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.

Working Conditions: Incumbents will be required to work weekends, holidays, and shifts, wear a uniform, and work outdoors under varied weather conditions.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates may be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Benefits: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, click on Benefits Tab above or click here to view more information. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Disaster Service Worker: 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.

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.

Statement of Commitment

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 28, 2024; at 4:59p.m. PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Chanel Turner, Employment Analyst - cturner@countyofsb.org