Placer County

Economic Development Specialist (#15593)

$35.18-$43.95 Hourly / $6,097.87-$7,618.00 Monthly / $73,174.40-$91,416.00 Yearly


DEFINITION

To perform a variety of analytical and technical duties in support of the County's economic development policy; to provide information and assistance to developers and the public; and to provide assistance to the Director of Economic Development.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Economic Development Specialist is the journey level class within the Economic Development Specialist series and is assigned the full range of duties.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating policies and procedures of the Office of Economic Development.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision and direction from the Director of Economic Development and may receive technical and functional supervision from the Senior Economic Development Specialist.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 
  • Collect, compile, and analyze data regarding economic conditions, film program, and other economic development projects and programs; prepare informational and promotional reports, illustrative charts, tables and graphs, and press releases.
  • Research, establish, and maintain various files and databases regarding economic development, organize and analyze market conditions, program information, and other economic development programs; propose development implementation plans.
  • Develop grant applications and reports; compute, collect, monitor, and track grant data on an ongoing basis; provide statistics as appropriate.
  • Administer, monitor, and evaluate contracts; participate in negotiating contracts with outside vendors, consultants, or organizations; monitor fiscal and legal liabilities of the same; assist with contract management and administration.
  • Respond to inquiries from County staff, developers, prospective businesses, and the general public; determine focus/needs of inquiries and respond as specifically as possible; make referrals and/or introductions as appropriate.
  • Act as liaison with businesses and public/private agencies; assist in arranging meetings, conferences, site visits, and public information programs; make presentations as directed. 
  • Participate in tradeshows throughout the state representing the Office of Economic Development.
  • Develop and update marketing materials for all Economic Development programs, including maintenance of website, social media platforms, and other outreach methods.
  • Work with local county and city officials for retention and expansion of existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses.
  • Prepare a variety of comprehensive studies, proposals, and reports related to program activities and assigned projects.
  • Prepare appropriate agenda reports, informational materials, and other written materials regarding the County’s Economic Development program and related activities.
  • Coordinate film program permitting within Placer County, including the requirement to secure certificates of insurance on behalf of Placer County regarding necessary coverage as it relates to film permits.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions. Position may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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: One year of responsible professional economic development experience or one year of experience compiling and analyzing data and/or program information.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, economics, government, political or social science, finance, or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Research methodology, including statistical evaluation and presentation and the use of surveys and questionnaires.
  • Preparation and presentation of reports and other informational and promotional materials.
  • Basic mathematical principles.
  • Inter-agency relationships, including recognition of overlapping and/or complementary requirements.
  • Basic principles of economics and economic development, including relationship with real estate, land development, and financing.
  • Basic principles of land development process and commercial building codes.
  • Intra-governmental structure and dynamics, including the roles of local, regional, state, and federal jurisdictions in the development process.
  • Community-based organizations interested in the promotion of industry, business, and private-public partnerships.
  • Computer software, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, and database applications.
  • Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Ability to:

  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures; recall and utilize a variety of information; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks; and focus on a single task for long periods of time.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; occasionally walk and stand for long periods of time; intermittently twist, stoop, kneel, squat, and reach to access equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, write, or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see with sufficient visual acuity to perform essential job functions;  and lift light weight.
  • Prepare informational and promotional reports and materials, including press releases.
  • Compile, analyze, and present statistical data in a meaningful way.
  • Perform mathematical and statistical calculations accurately.
  • Analyze grants, reports, and various proposals.
  • Establish and maintain a wide network of public and private resource contacts.
  • Understand and interpret the County's economic development policy as directed by the Board of Supervisors and carried out by the Director of Economic Development.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Obtain information through interviews; work with interruption; work firmly and courteously with the public.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
  • Use modern office equipment and computers. 
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Occasionally work overtime, as needed. 

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation

All permanent appointments to this classification shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit

General


CLASS: 15593; EST: 9/2/1995; REV: 8/10/2021;