POSITION SALARY GRADE CLASSIFICATION Community Programs Manager 207 Full-time, exempt, salaried DATE October 8, 2018 ABOUT THE DISTRICT Chino Basin Water Conservation District (District) and its associated Waterwise Community Center are recognized throughout the state as an innovative, fast paced, energetic, and effective water conservation organization. The District is dedicated to the protection of the Chino Groundwater Basin to ensure that the current and future water needs of the region will be met. Its core business is two-pronged: (1) increase water supply through groundwater percolation; and (2) decrease water demand through conservation education, workforce training, and services. Through the Waterwise Community Center, the District provides no cost programs, services, demonstration landscapes, and resources to audiences of all ages and backgrounds to cultivate a community-wide conservation ethic and build regional capacity for water resilience. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Community Programs Department seeks to: o Demonstrate best practices in conservation education in collaboration with strategic partners across the region; o Educate to activate a community-wide conservation ethic for all ages by providing programs and resources that support awareness and knowledge of our water resources to promote watershed stewardship and adoption of achievable conservation behaviors; and o Provide interpretation and education of percolation strategies in the Chino Groundwater Basin to sustain a long-term water supply. The Community Programs team develops, implements, and evaluates culturally-relevant community programming, hosts symposia, coordinates community science projects, and is responsible for the District and Center s public communications. ABOUT THE POSITION This is an advanced position. The Programs Manager guides achievement of the Community Programs Department s goals through program development, strategic partnerships, targeted communications, program evaluation, and professional trainings that increase watershed literacy and environmental education best practices within the service area. Community Programs Manager P. 1
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE Under the administrative direction of the Deputy Executive Director, the Community Programs Manager is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of the District s general public outreach, education, and community science efforts. This includes working closely with a wide variety of constituents of all ages. Related responsibilities include, but are not limited to, promoting sustainable landscapes, raising awareness and supporting watershed health, and conducting public outreach and education activities and general administrative functions, as needed. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Primary duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Working with Management team and Board members and committees in strategic planning, policy development, and program and project evaluation, Leading the Community Programs Team in goal setting, and developing, implementing and evaluating programs; Overseeing the coordination of District community events and professional symposia; Creating collaborative and innovative water conservation programs in partnership with public, private, non-profit, professional, and research entities; and Identifying and pursuing partnerships and grants to extend District programming throughout the District s sphere of influence; Identifying and pursuing partnerships to strengthen the region s conservation workforce through workforce development, volunteer programs, internships, and fellowships. Collaborating with resource managers and stakeholders to engage community members in relevant research and conservation activities as citizen scientists and volunteers; Developing curriculum and delivering education and community science programs for youth, community members, and professionals; Developing high quality research-based resources, events, and trainings on timely mission-aligned issues for professionals and the public; Developing culturally relevant outreach strategies to ensure high levels of participation in District programs by targeted audiences; Collecting data and reporting program effectiveness; Maintaining regular contact with news outlets, advertising venues, and others to identify opportunities for the District to expand public knowledge of programs, resources, and services; Providing oversight for the implementation of the agency s brand, marketing, web development, public outreach campaigns, and social media outreach methodologies. COMPETENCIES The Community Programs Manager possesses: Community Programs Manager P. 2
Knowledge and Experience Working understanding of watershed science, water conservation best practices, and knowledge of stakeholder networks and applicable laws and regulations. Significant knowledge of science education pedagogy and education standards including California Framework, Common Core, Environmental Principles and Concepts, and Next Generation Science Standards. Knowledge of conservation behavior theory and working understanding of principles, methods, and practices of culturally relevant environmental communications, community outreach, and advertising programs through digital and print media. Understanding of pertinent local, state and federal water laws, ordinances rules and regulations. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, social media channels, Adobe Creative Cloud tools and familiarity with basic website maintenance. A passion for community engagement and a track record of working well with staff, professional educators, water agencies, conservation organizations, the private sector, and the public. Skills Collaborative team work Organizational skills and time management Verbal, written, and public communication skills Classroom management Behavior management Event coordination Public outreach Networking Meeting facilitation Partnership development Staff development Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with a focus on results Exceptional organization, project management, contract accounting, benchmark tracking, report and grant writing skills Possesses cultural sensitivity and is politically astute Passionate and committed to getting projects done Must be able to read, write and speak English proficiently Spanish language communication skills is desirable Abilities A collaborative, proactive and driven leadership style that engages stakeholders and empowers and motivates District staff. An ability to think creatively about new projects and programs and to bring together stakeholders. Ability to take ownership of projects from conception to implementation and evaluation. Community Programs Manager P. 3
Ability to read, interpret and write about complex issues and information related to water, conservation, horticulture, education, communications and sustainability. Ability to oversee and quality control work of staff, contractors and consultants. Ability to communicate effectively in English with District Board members, coworkers, and the public in various settings. Build trust and rapport with communities, partners, and professionals Ability to create supportive and safe learning environments. Project professional and positive image and deal tactfully, collaboratively, and courteously with internal and external contacts of all ages. Coordinate work schedules with others. Prepare clear, concise, well-organized, engaging, and interactive presentations and deliver to a wide variety of audiences having varying levels of knowledge. Use flexibility and problem-solving skills to create a friendly and welcoming environment while meeting constituents needs and balancing competing priorities. Apply best practices and current trends for digital communications. Demonstrate and model best practices in environmental education. Create effective graphic designs and creative approaches for culturally relevant public communications and education programs Demonstrate curiosity and desire to learn about topics relevant to the District mission such as water, conservation, landscaping, watershed science, science education pedagogy, and trends, etc. Plan and execute field study programs and watershed and facilities tours. Actively seek out collaboration among staff or partners when necessary. SUPERVISION Reports to: Deputy Executive Director Supervises: Community Programs Assistant, Coordinator, Educator, Specialist, youth volunteers, interns, environmental education fellows. POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK FULL time. Position requires occasional evening and weekend work and responds to emergencies as necessary. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Candidate will have significant background in developing and implementing environmental programs and community outreach; will have work experience in a management or administrative position in education, a public agency or non-profit organization, with at least three years of progressively responsible experience in environmental, conservation, or resource education and outreach. Required: Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and Bachelor s degree related to: (1) environmental studies, regenerative studies and/or sustainability, ecology, resource management, hydrology, geology, horticulture, AND/OR (2) communications, journalism, public relations, business, public administration, education studies Community Programs Manager P. 4
3-5 years of work experience in a management or administrative position in education, a public agency or non-profit organization with at least three years of progressively responsible experience in environmental, conservation, or resource education and outreach OR three years as Community Programs Coordinator or Community Programs Educator OR two years as Community Programs Specialist. Preferred: Master s Degree in education, sustainability, or environmental science related programs. WORK ENVIRONMENT Indoor and outdoor work, year-round, in all weather conditions. Must be able to work outdoors in heat, direct sun, wind, rain, and cold. Must be able to thrive in collaborative, face-paced environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Communicates orally in English with District Board members, co-workers, and the public in face-to-face, one- to-one, group, and classroom settings. Must be able to exchange information in these settings and promote a positive and collaborative image. Regularly operates a telephone for communication. Operates office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, projectors, and FAX machines. Travels frequently by vehicle to conduct District business. Sometimes works in an outdoor environment in the sun, wind, rain, etc. Frequently positions self to address a classroom setting, assist students at tables and on the floor, inspect materials (plants, compost, etc.) on the ground, on tables/counters, and on shelves. May be required to move/position supplies and materials of up to 50 Lb. Intermittently moves materials, shifts items up to 25 lbs. for brief to moderate durations of up to 5 minutes. Traverses over uneven terrain. Works with soil, water, compost, plants, critters (composting worms, tortoises, etc.) and other teaching elements on a regular basis in garden, riparian, and classroom settings. Possible exposure to communicable diseases, blood, bodily fluids or tissues as a part of working with youth on a regular basis. Uses a variety of hand tools, cleaning solutions and equipment in the performance of light janitorial and office type work to support programs ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid driver s license is required and a good motor vehicle driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration. Must complete within the first year of hire: Formalized training in Project WET facilitation OR EEI/NGSS Workshop; must attend a minimum of two (2) Districtfacilitated water wise landscaping seminars; CPR and First Aid training OTHER DUTIES Community Programs Manager P. 5
This job description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. WORK SCHEDULE Full-time, 40-hour work week; evening and/or weekend work may be required to complete required duties and projects. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS UPON HIRE Must pass a physical exam including a screening for the use of illegal substances to meet the District s zero tolerance policy. Must undergo a background check including fingerprinting at the employee s expense and be cleared by the Department of Justice prior to beginning employment. No person shall be employed if they have been convicted of any sex offense, a controlled substance offense, or any violent or serious felony. Must demonstrate ability to legally work in the United States and possess appropriate documentation. Community Programs Manager P. 6