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The San Mateo County Libraries seeks an experienced, reliable, and motivated Communications Specialist to join our Library Communications Team.

The successful candidate is an enthusiastic team player who is able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Reporting to the Communications Manager the Communication Specialist will plan, organize, and coordinate public and internal communications activities for San Mateo County Libraries. The Communication Specialist is expected to be a strategic thinker who develops and executes integrated communications, media and marketing plans for the library system- leveraging multi-communication channels (traditional and online), promotional materials such as, but not limited to, library signage/collateral, web content, press releases and fact sheets- with the goal of advancing outreach and library engagement to community stakeholders and library users.

Under the supervision of the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist will provide support to the libraries by ensuring the system’s branding strategy and guidelines are adhered to across all libraries and divisions, and may occasionally serve as a media relations contact/spokesperson for the libraries. The individual selected for this position should possess excellent organizational skills, work well under pressure and be capable of performing under fast deadlines to support key messaging, design and branding needs.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Create, develop, distribute and maintain library print and digital assets (e.g., brochures, reports, website, social media, and website) via multiple channels.
• Support the management of all digital and print marketing channels (e.g. digital asset management system, website, blogs, newsletters, social media, flyer creation) to ensure brand consistency.
• Provide copywriting and editing support to the libraries’ print and digital platforms.  
• Develop and implement communication/marketing strategies that include design work, patron messaging, and social media content creation. Adhere to the company’s style guide, ensuring that libraries produce high-quality designed collateral and error-free copy. 
• Under the direction of the Communications Manager, research, design and draft press releases, media pitches and responses, content for library system initiatives, infographics, blogs, library signage, newsletters and internal messaging. 
• Support media relations by serving as a media contact, as needed. Research and draft talking points, occasionally answer reporter inquiries, create content for executive speeches, op-eds, etc.
• Arrange, coordinate and support library events and programs in a virtual and in-person setting. 
• Support and evaluate results of communication campaigns with the team.
   

Education and Experience:  Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in mass media communication, marketing, public relations, journalism, business or public administration or a closely related field; AND four years of professional experience with responsibility for public relations, media relations, communications, marketing or a closely related field and directly involved in the preparation and dissemination of information to the general public and press.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate comprehensive communications programs to meet library needs, values and priorities. 
• Strategically develop programs and tools to increase and maintain public awareness of library programs, services and achievements. 
• Principles and practices of effective public communication, media relations and marketing.
• Techniques of effective interviewing, copy writing, layout, editing, and multimedia productions.
• Principles and practices of government and public libraries.
• Information dissemination techniques and methods.
• Strategically develop programs and tools to increase and maintain public awareness of department programs, services and achievements.
• Write and edit effective press releases, articles, speeches, scripts and other correspondence.
• Produce accurate information and meet deadlines.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with other program managers and staff, other agencies and the community.
• Enlist and mobilize community support for programs.
• Prepare complex and detailed written reports, program policies, procedures and contracts.
• Principles of effective written communication.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytic and research skills.
• Creativity, curiosity, and a sense of humor.

~ TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~ 
Final Filing Date: June 30, 2021
Application Screening: July 12 - 13, 2021
Panel Interviews: July 26 and/or 27, 2021

A completed application packet will include the following: 

1. Completed application 
2. Cover letter expressing the following: 
   1. Your interest in the position; 
   2. Why you desire to work for San Mateo County Libraries; and 
   3. Why you believe your skills and experience meet our qualifications. 
3. Resume 
4. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire 

**ALL WORK HISTORY MUST BE IN THE EXPERIENCE SECTION OF THIS SYSTEM - DO NOT USE RESUME AS A SUBSTITUTE**

RECREATION SUPERVISOR

$4,677 - $5,686

PLUS EXCELLENT BENEFITS

Completed supplemental required

Summary Description

Under direction, develops, plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises community and recreation programs; provides technical staff assistance in the field of community and recreation programming.

Representative Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Develop, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate a variety of community services and recreation programs, including special events and contract services.
2. Establish schedules and methods for providing recreation services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
3. Participate in the development of goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; participate in the implementation of approved policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
4. Prepare community event and recreation publicity; coordinate referral systems and the publication of seasonal brochures; coordinate the dissemination of recreation and community service publicity.
5. Identify community needs and recommend appropriate programs related to area of assignment.
6. Prepare periodic reports; maintain files and records.
7. Conduct and supervise special events; develop contracts and hire contracted instructors.
8. Maintain and design the online recreation registration program; process reservation requests for City parks and other City-owned facilities.
9. Serve as staff liaison on various City recreation or community related committees and sub-committees as assigned by the department director.
10. Prepare purchase requisitions; order supplies and materials.
11. Participate in the selection of part-time recreation staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
12. Participate in the preparation and administration of the recreation program budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures.
13. Respond to complaints and requests for information.
14. Coordinate community services activity programs with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, and service providers.
15. Coordinate the reservation of Ceres Unified School District facilities with outside organizations.
16. Meet with public groups, clubs, organizations, and agencies to explain and promote community services, activities, and programs that encourage community participation.
17. Select, supervise, train, and evaluate assigned part-time staff.
18. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the recreation field; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
19. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Methods, techniques, principles, and procedures used in the planning, development and administration of community service programs.

Common recreational and social needs of various age groups.

Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Principles and procedures for implementing and directing a wide variety of community services activities.

Principles and practices of budget development.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Various sports equipment used in recreation programs.

Ability to:

Develop and administer a community services and recreation programs suited to the needs of the community.

Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the development and implementation of community services program.

Analyze, interpret, and explain section policies and procedures.

Supervise, train, and evaluate employees and volunteers.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation administration or a related field.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible community service or recreational program administration experience.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid C.P.R. Certificate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and at indoor and outdoor recreational facilities; travel to different locations; incumbents may be exposed to inclement weather conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and recreation facility setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other recreation sites; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

EXAMINATION PROCESS   Those who meet the employment qualifications and whose strengths and background most closely match the needs of the position will be contacted through the CalOpps email system and invited to an Interview Panel test.  Candidates who achieve a passing score on the Interview Panel will be certified on an Employment List, from which the top 3 scores will be referred to the Recreation Department for a final selection interview.     

SELECTION PROCESS  A contingent offer of employment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check, fingerprint clearance, and a physical examination.  The required I-9 verification form designated by the USCIS is required to certify eligibility for employment in the United States.

NOTE:  The City reserves the right to alter, adjust or change any portion of the examination process without notification.   The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract or employment expressed or implied.  Any provision contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

If you are a qualified individual with a disability as defined by the ADA and you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the examinations administered by the City of Ceres, you must notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date for the specific job.  Official documentation of your functional limitations to support your request may be required.

THE CITY OF CERES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

PLEASE SEE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT LINK BELOW

Public Safety Dispatcher I is the entry level class in the Public Safety Dispatch series.  Performs a variety of duties involved in receiving, evaluating, prioritizing, and relaying calls for emergency and non-emergency public safety assistance; dispatches appropriate units and coordinates response of emergency personnel; operates a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer aided dispatch systems; and performs a wide variety of specialized clerical duties involved in the preparation, maintenance, and release of materials related to law enforcement activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.
Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.
Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Functions of the Public Safety Department and other City departments.
Geographic features and locations within the area served.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette.
Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Ability to:
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
Speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.
Hear and distinguish radio voice traffic within normal levels and over background noise.
Make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.
Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
Think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations.
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.
Operate specialized public safety computer systems and applications.
Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.
Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations including police records retention and dissemination policies and procedures.
Maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
Compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public reporting emergencies and seeking information or filing a report.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Dispatcher I

Education/Training:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by successful completion of the basic dispatcher course within specified time period.

Experience:  Two years of increasingly responsible clerical experience that includes customer service in an environment with frequent interruptions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in an office and emergency services dispatch center setting with extensive public contact; incumbents are required to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts; incumbents may be called back or held over to maintain staffing levels. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.  The office is a low-light environment.  The type and nature of calls can create periods of extended stress.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and emergency dispatch center setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Communications switchboard, including computer-aided systems, desktop and laptop computers including word processing software, copy machine, fax machine and two-way radio system.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application Evaluation:  The qualifications of each applicant, as set forth in the application, will be continuously reviewed by the Police Department and Human Resources. Applicants who pass the initial Application Evaluation Test will advance to the next testing phase, the Interview.   Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process.  

Those candidates who successfully pass the Interview phase of testing will be certified to a Hiring Eligibility List and the top three (3) scorers will be referred to the Police Department for a selection interview with the Chief of Police.  A select number of candidates will be authorized by the Chief to advance to the Background Investigation, including Fingerprinting. 

Conditional Offer of Employment:  Candidates who pass the Background Investigation will receive a Conditional Employment Offer and will advance to the pre-employment medical examinations, which will include medical psychiatric and physical examinations, including drug testing.

NOTE: Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and is subject to change without notice.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT     

If you are a qualified individual with a disability as defined by the ADA and you need reasonable accommodations to participate in any of the examinations administered by the City of Ceres, you must notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date or review date for the specific job. Official documentation of your functional limitations to support your request may be required.

THE CITY OF CERES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY

“This is a continuous recruitment which can be closed at any time without notice.”

THE POSITION Under general supervision, this non-sworn, non-peace officer position performs assignments involving responsible public contact work in crime prevention and delivers non-emergency police services; also performs related duties as required.

Prerequisites / Qualifications 

This is the entry-level position.   Applicants must be 18 years old at time of application, have no felony convictions, have the ability to learn and understand radio and statue codes, understand policy and procedures written in English, function without close supervision, work a variety of shifts including weekends and holidays, and lift and transport various objects.  

Education / Experience

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school plus one (1) year of experience in a clerical of similar position; college credits in criminal justice or communication preferred. 

Licenses / Registrations / Accreditation / Etc. 

Possession of a Valid Class C California Motor Vehicle Operator License; A 35 WPM Typing Certification (Needs to be attached to application); and achieve within one year of appointment the completion of a P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate, completion of D.O.J. training for full access operator, and standard CPR and First Aid Certificates issued by the American Red Cross. 

**THIS IS A LATERAL RECRUITMENT - OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT or RECENT POLICE DISPATCHERS**

Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral) is the full journey level class within the Public Safety Dispatcher series performing the full range of dispatcher duties. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I level by independent performance of the range of duties, applying well developed program area knowledge, training new employees, and implementing new procedures. Positions at this level are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are generally filled by advancement from the “I” level or when filled from the outside, require prior experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.
Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.
Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Functions of the Public Safety Department and other City departments.
Geographic features and locations within the area served.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette.
Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Ability to:
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
Speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.
Hear and distinguish radio voice traffic within normal levels and over background noise.
Make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.
Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
Think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations.
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.
Operate specialized public safety computer systems and applications.
Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.
Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations including police records retention and dissemination policies and procedures.
Maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
Compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public reporting emergencies and seeking information or filing a report.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Dispatcher II

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by successful completion of the basic dispatcher course.

Experience: Two years of experience comparable to that of a Dispatcher I with the City of Ceres.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate.

EXAMINATION PROCESS 

Those applicants who meet the employment qualifications will be contacted via email regarding the next step in the recruitment process, an initial interview. Those candidates who achieve a passing score on the initial interview will be invited for a Chief's interview.  Successful candidates from the interview will be placed on an eligibility hiring list for hiring consideration.

SELECTION PROCESS 

Offers of employment will be subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check, fingerprint clearance, physical examination, psychological evaluation, including a drug test.  An additional condition of employment includes employment verification and authorization to work in the United States, by completing the I-9 verification form designated by the USCIS.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Communications switchboard, including computer-aided systems, desktop and laptop computers including word processing software, copy machine, fax machine and two-way radio system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods, talk and hear radio and telephone conversation without aid.  The employee is occasionally required to walk.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.  The office is a low-light environment.  The type and nature of calls can create periods of extended stress.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT     

If you are a qualified individual with a disability as defined by the ADA and you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the examinations administered by the City of Ceres, you must notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date or review date for the specific job. Official documentation of your functional limitations to support your request may be required.

THE CITY OF CERES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY

The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of Dispatcher I. 

This is a continuous recruitment.  Applicants are added to the employment list as they meet the minimum qualifications. 

Experience:

Some telephone or dispatcher experience is highly desirable. 

Bi-lingual skills are highly desirable.

Training:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Currently Dispatcher’s hours are scheduled under the 4-10 work schedule.  Employees work ten hours per day, four days per week and shift work is required.  Work schedules will vary and overtime may be required.

Please note: This is a DISPATCHER II LATERAL OPPORTUNITY for those EXPERIENCED in PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH (911). ONLY those with PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH experience need apply.

This is a continuous recruitment.  Applicants are added to the employment list as they meet the minimum qualifications?

Experience:

· One year of public safety dispatch experience comparable to that of a Dispatcher I in the City of San Mateo. 

· Experience within the last three years is highly desirable.

· Completion of the California POST Basic Police Dispatch Academy is highly desirable.

· Bi-lingual skills are highly desirable.

Training:

· Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade 

The San Mateo Dispatch Center is a division of the Police Department and dispatches for 118 officers in two agencies.  The San Mateo Dispatch team is known throughout the County for its professionalism and desire to serve the public.  San Mateo dispatchers handle in excess of 50,000 calls for service each year, 300,000 telephone calls, 40,000 9-1-1 calls, while also handling over 2 million radio transmissions.

The Department has implemented an on-line reporting system and is continually evaluating other progressive alternative reporting forms to optimize technology.  The Dispatch Center provides contract dispatch services to the City of Brisbane and is currently seeking to expand that role as a regional dispatch services provider.  With a new police building, the City of San Mateo’s dispatch center is  the County’s newest state-of-the-art dispatch center.