Program Specialist (Lab) Jobs

THE POSITION

The City of Sacramento requires all newly appointed employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Candidates seeking an accommodation from this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the State of California with the ability to report to Sacramento-based physical worksites daily if required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The position is in the Water Division, Water Quality Laboratory and R&D (WQLRD) section where the incumbent will consolidate planning, coordination, and administration of WQLRD programs with Department and Citywide impact such as Water Division regulatory reporting, administration of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), administration of the Water Information Management System (WIMS), production of the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), and implementation of the Federal Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Program. In addition, the Program Specialist will supervise the Administrative Analyst (Laboratory QC Officer), Administrative Technician, and Office Specialist within WQLRD.

As regulatory monitoring and reporting requirements continue to increase for drinking water agencies like the City, so does the need for advanced program and data management in the WQLRD section. The ideal candidate has previous experience in a drinking water utility setting, including interpretation and application of drinking water quality regulations, a proven background in data system administration, and previous supervisory experience including knowledge of the principals of supervision and management. Previous experience in a public-facing customer service role is highly desirable.

The work performed by the Program Specialist benefits the City’s 500,000+ water customers through management and optimization of critical WQLRD programs as part of the Water Division’s goal to ensure that the City’s drinking water supply is safe and reliable.

Under general direction the Program Specialist plans, directs, and supervises all of the activities of a major department or Citywide program or project with moderate visibility and impact; conducts studies and makes recommendations; monitors program compliance; represents the department in contacts with media, internal and external agencies, and organizations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This advanced journey level class in the professional series is populated with multiple incumbents. The Program Specialist is distinguished from the next lower class of Program Analyst in that the Program Specialist manages multiple programs or moderately visible programs with greater department or Citywide impact. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Program Manager in that the Manager is responsible for administration and management of programs and projects with high visibility and substantial Citywide impact.

This class is distinguished from the class of Administrative Officer in that the latter is responsible for all internal administrative functions for a department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General direction is provided by a department or division head. Some assignments require responsibility for direct or indirect supervision of lower level professional, technical, and clerical personnel. Some positions function as internal consultants and require coordination among multiple divisions in a department.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conducts studies and surveys, performs research and analysis and prepares recommendations for department management; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and outcomes; creates and implements program policies and procedures; develops guidelines, forms and related documents.
• Identifies program, project or system enhancements; selects and coordinates installation of new and revised programs and systems.
• Plans, coordinates, and administers, a project or program with department or Citywide impact; supervises, trains and evaluates the work of professional, technical and clerical staff.
• Confers with department heads, division managers, members of professional staff, and other officials concerning the administrative needs and requirements related to the program or project; represents the program in contacts with news media, business and civic organizations, other City departments, and various outside public and private agencies.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.
• Reviews grant opportunities; compiles and analyzes information for preparation of grants, contracts and agreements; negotiates terms; implements, monitors and prepares reports on conduct and performance of grants.
• Provides exceptional customer service to those contacted in the course of work.
• Interprets new policies, procedures, and regulations, and develops new or amended programs or projects as need dictates, monitors program objectives to assure compliance with State and administrative regulations and program guidelines.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Technical report writing.
• Procurement methods.
• Methods of analysis.
• Research techniques, methods and procedures.
• Methods and practices of modern office management.
• Principles and practices of program management and administration.
• Principles and practices of public administration and governmental finance, budgeting, and accounting.
• Principles and practices of supervision.

Skill in:

• Use of computers, computer applications, and software.
• Managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Customer service, including dealing with people under stress, and problem solving.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Make program or project changes based on analysis of results, new legislation, or departmental changes.
• Prepare technical and analytic reports.
• Effectively plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive program with a broad scope and high degree of complexity.
• Supervise and direct professional, technical, and clerical staff.
• Make effective presentations to public officials, committees, and outside agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
• Meet multiple deadlines.
• Analyze fiscal problems and make sound policy and procedural recommendations.

Experience

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Four years of progressively responsible professional-level administrative experience.

• AND-

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration or a closely related field.

Note: It is highly desirable the required years of professional-level experience be attained in a governmental jurisdiction.

Substitution

Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

Special Qualifications

Driver License:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment. 2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office by the final filing deadline ;3. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) - All applications received by the final filing deadline will be forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

• Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• Possession of the minimum qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee for further advancement in the selection process.
• If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
• If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726
• Interview Process: Human Resources will forward applications to the hiring department. Those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.
• Send an email to [email protected] ; or
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at http://www.cityofsacramento.org/HR/Career-Opportunities ;
• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
• Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass LiveScan/fingerprinting and provide proof of receiving a complete COVID-19 vaccination. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline ;