Program Specialist , SR

Posting number: R-13130

Department: Department of Agriculture

Job classification: PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Program Management

Plans, organizes and directs activities of one or more programs at the department level; conducts program and operational studies and analyses; participates in developing plans, program evaluation and policy recommendations; and performs other related duties as required.

This class differs from the Program Specialist II in that the Program Specialist I is responsible for programs of limited scope and complexity; whereas the Program Specialist II performs the full range of program planning and development at the departmental level.

• Conducts studies, analyzes systems and policies, identifying problems and potential solutions; participates in the preparation of plans and programs, determines scope of work, plans development process and timelines of programs;
• Develops, interprets, implements and evaluates new or revised policies, procedures and guidelines and recommends alternatives, changes or enhancements;
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and efficiency, and develops recommendations to superiors on modifications to ensure program effectiveness and efficiency;
• Serves as a program resource and provides advice and consultation to managers, supervisors, other employees and the public;
• Assists in preparation of program budget;
• Prepares requests for proposals, drafts and administers professional services contracts, payments, grant reimbursements, and other required documentation;
• Identifies program needs and potential sources of funding from State, Federal and private sources, prepares and develops grant applications and supporting documentation and administers projects;
• Organizes and makes public presentations, provides design, technical support and project management functions;
• Performs as project lead with other professional staff and consultants, developing work plans, schedules and budgets; coordinates, reviews and monitors progress of projects; serves as liaison with local jurisdictions, agencies, and community groups;
• Trains staff and/or provides technical and policy guidance to staff, departmental personnel, other departments and agencies;
• Keeps abreast of Federal, State and County laws, ordinances, regulations and legislation that may govern or impact programs, evaluates impact and resolves issues or problems;
• Oversees the maintenance of records, prepares operational reports, evaluates statistics to ensure achievement of objectives and to implement program changes;
• Prepares, negotiates and monitors conformance with inter-agency agreements;
• Organizes and serves as department representative on multi-agency technical review committees, serves as program liaison and attends meetings with employees, departments, vendors and private and community organizations regarding program matters;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Training and

Experience:

A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a field pertinent to the department's program and activities; and two (2) years of specialized professional work experience pertinent to the department’s programs and/or activities.
License Requirement:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (equivalent to State of Hawaii Type
3).
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and methods of program planning and development; pertinent Federal, State and County laws, codes and regulations; research and statistical methods and information sources; report writing; public relations;…