Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District

Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District

San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District

1145 North Azusa Canyon Road

West Covina, CA 91790-1048

(626) 814-9466

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is announcing an opening for the position of Public Information Officer.

POSITION: Public Information Officer

FILING PERIOD:January 27, 2014 through February 21, 2014

SALARY RANGE:$5,968/month to $7,460/month, based on qualifications and experience

BENEFITS:Full benefit package (retirement, health insurance, vacation, sick leave, holidays, etc.)

PROBATION:The position is subject to a one year probationary period.

STATUS:FLSA Exempt Regular Full-time

APPLICATION:Filing Location:

San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District

1145 North Azusa Canyon Road

West Covina, CA 91790-1048

Attn: Rose Alba, Office Manager

Definition

The Public Information Officer plans and administers all aspects of the District’s public education/outreach program, supervises the Education Specialist, and works together with the Office Manager, Operations Manager, and Scientific Program Manager to assist the District Manager with planning, directing, and evaluating the District's overall operations.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Implement and coordinate elementary education programs.

Establish and maintain a working relationship with learning institutions and governmental agencies to promote and represent the District’s interests.

Plan and conduct orientation programs, workshops, and education programs for Board members, District staff and staff of other agencies regarding vector control services provided by the District.

Plan, prepare, and evaluate instructional material such as pamphlets, exhibits, and audiovisual presentations.

Plan, erect, and staff exhibits at fairs and community events.

Prepare news releases, feature articles, public service announcements, reports, and newsletters to disseminate information about vector control and District services.

Develop and maintain the District’s web site and other electronic/social media to promote District services and rapidly distribute accurate and timely information.

Design layouts, and create or obtain illustrations and video for use in the education program; develop and maintain a catalog of photographs, slides, digital images, and other illustrative material that are pertinent to vector control.

Prepare annual budget for the educational program; procure supplies and services within limits of the budget.

Prepare clear and concise written correspondence, reports, and recommendations suitable for distribution without significant revision.

Answer questions from the public and the media regarding vector control.

Develop and maintain presentations for use at District functions.

Evaluate annually in writing the effectiveness of the education program.

Assist in coordinating professional and technical training sessions and preparing visual aids for professional, technical, and Board meetings.

Assist in planning training sessions for acquiring and maintaining state certification, compiling and distributing training materials for examinations, and keeping track of continuing education units obtained by staff.

Attend training sessions; keep informed of policies and procedures and latest developments in vector control.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

-Principles and techniques of individual and mass communication.

-Principles of public and community relations.

-Entomology and parasitology, including the ecology of vectors.

-Principles of composition and report writing.

-Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

-Methods, materials, and equipment used in drawing and lettering.

-Operation and use of equipment including computers, printers, scanners, calculators, copiers, cameras, slide, computer, and overhead projectors.

-Computer software including word and graphics processors, spreadsheets, scanners, desktop publishers, and databases.

- Website design and maintenance, social media, electronic information distribution.

-Graphics layouts.

-Interrelationships of governmental agencies.

-Methods to prevent and control vector-borne disease.

-Federal, State, and local laws pertaining to vector control.

-Effects of vector borne diseases on public health and the environment.

-Safety.

-Principles of supervision.

Ability to:

-Work cooperatively and effectively with other employees and the public.

-Communicate effectively orally and in writing; understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

-Implement reasonable assignments.

-Plan, develop, administer, and evaluate vector control education programs.

-Speak before a variety of audiences.

-Identify and obtain support from community leaders and other resources in order to define and solve problems concerning vector control.

-Be creative.

-Use a variety of art and drafting instruments and media.

-Design, prepare, and produce displays.

-Design and produce and/or contract services to produce radio and television public service announcements.

-Use a variety of computer software applications including word processors, scanners, desktop publishers, spreadsheets, and databases.

Education and Experience

The Public Information Officer serves as the District’s liaison in the community. The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent written and verbal skills, has experience working in the field of vector control, public health education, and/or in public relations, and possesses the ability to assess programmatic needs and develop strategies to address them. A Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and at least one year of experience working directly with the public, private industry, governmental agencies, or the academic community is required. A strong background in education, communications, and/or graphic arts is highly desirable.

Certification

The Public Information Officer must be certified by the California Department of Public Health as a technician in mosquito, terrestrial invertebrate, and vertebrate control within one year of employment and the certification must be maintained throughout employment.

Driver’s License

A valid California driver license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. The Public Information Officer must be insurable with the District's insurance carrier.

Post-Offer Physical Examination

A medical doctor must certify that a candidate is physically able to perform the duties of the position and is free of illegal substances as determined by a drug screen. A medical doctor and/or laboratory designated by the District shall perform the post-offer physical examination and drug screen and the District shall pay all costs.

Functional Requirements

Minimum of single eye corrected vision with the ability to demonstrate measurable depth perception

Minimum of single ear aided hearing

Speak and write effectively in English

Regularly* sit for extended periods of time

Regularly* perform repetitive motion associated with computer use and other office equipment

Occasionally* operate a motor vehicle

Occasionally* bend at the knees and waist

Occasionally* reach overhead

Periodically* traverse uneven ground such as fields, dirt banks, streambeds, and shallow ponds

Periodically* lift objects weighing 30 pounds

Periodically* manipulate and examine small objects

Periodically* climb ladders

*Periodically -Activity or condition exists up to 25 percent of the time.

Occasionally -Activity or condition exists from 25 to 50 percent of the time.

Regularly - Activity or condition exists from 50 to 75 percent of the time.

Frequently - Activity or condition exists 75 percent or more of the time.

Applications: Interested individuals must submit an application and complete the supplemental questionnaire (available on line at in writing to the Office Manager. Applicants must also include a current official report from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The closing date for this position is February 21, 2014.

Examination Information: Applicants will be selected for interviews based on an initial evaluation of training, education, and experience included in the application. Those candidates selected for interviews will receive a written examination and an oral interview by a panel to assess training, experience, and ability to perform the duties of the position. The selected candidate must agree to a background check via Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) consumer report and a DOJ/FBI fingerprint LIVE SCAN.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked. Acceptance of an application does not mean qualification for an interview.

An Equal Opportunity Employer