Castaic Lake Water Agency Memorandum To: Finance and Administration Committee April 13, 2016 From: Subject: Valerie L. Pryor Administrative Services Manager Recommend Approval of Lead Water Education Specialist Classification SUMMARY As part of the Agency s practice of ongoing, small-scale organizational reviews to ensure the Agency s organization, classifications and staffing are up to date, staff reviewed the Water Conservation Education program. The program currently includes up to 10 part-time Water Conservation Education Specialist positions and staff recommends one be converted to a new classification of Lead Water Education Specialist. DISCUSSION The Agency s Water Conservation Education Program provides education to school children at all levels (kindergarten through high school) to over 11,000 school children and 350 teachers per year. The parttime Water Conservation Education Specialists also work in the Agency s outreach programs and public events on an as-needed basis. This program has been supervised by the Water Resources Manager. The creation of a new classification of Lead Water Conservation Education Specialist will allow the Water Resources Manager to focus on other water resources activities and will also provide more dedicated guidance to the Education Program. Staff developed the attached proposed classification for Lead Water Conservation Education Specialist and recommends that this classification be placed at range 28, which is two ranges (10%) above Water Conservation Education Specialist. The recommended salary range is based on the Agency s current payscale. The Agency has piloted this arrangement through an Acting assignment and finds this to be an effective organizational situation. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS The recommended actions would cost approximately $4,000 per year. RECOMMENDATION That the Finance and Administration Committee recommends the Board of Directors approve the new classification of Lead Water Conservation Education Specialist and assign it to Range 28. VLP Attachment 1
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CASTAIC LAKE WATER AGENCY LEAD WATER CONSERVATION EDUCATION SPECIALIST FLSA: NON-EXEMPT Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position. DEFINITION To provide supervision to the Water Conservation Education Specialist Team to set and achieve goals related to student education, water conservation; provide employee performance guidance and oversee scheduling; other areas. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direction from the Water Resources Manager; Supervises water conservation education specialists EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Oversees scheduling of classes and teacher assignments Oversees scheduling of work days Provides K-12 classroom instruction Develops and manages action plans Provides feedback to other team members Schedules and leads staff meetings Prepares and delivers employee performance evaluations Attends weekly Water Resource department meetings Coordinates with other Agency water conservation and outreach staff Researches and convey water related information relevant to education programs Participates in special projects as assigned Performs other duties as assigned PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various agency and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is a sedentary office classification as well as classification that works in the agency s service area conducting and education sessions. Standing in work areas and walking between work areas, and in the community, may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer 3 Lead Water Conservation Education Specialist April 2016 Page 1 of 3
keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and outdoors being exposed to a variety of weather conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principles of supervision Water industry Principles of presentation preparation and delivery Methods of communicating with people of varying ages Education principles, practices, and techniques State of California Education Curriculum Framework and standards Ability to: Supervise and provide feedback to others. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Agency staff, outside organizations, and the public Plan, organize, and implement a variety of environmental educational services and programs. Speak effectively before groups of varying size and age Analyze and respond to feedback regarding program and presentation Identify needs for program and curriculum modification; address and implement modifications Read, analyze, and interpret general water industry periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, spreadsheet, and other software applications. 4 Lead Water Conservation Education Specialist April 2016 Page 2 of 3
Experience and Training: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Five years of experience preparing and presenting educational material to children. Training: Possession of a teaching credential or successful completion of the CBEST. License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver s license may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 5 Lead Water Conservation Education Specialist April 2016 Page 3 of 3
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