Communications Specialist

NOTE: A resume must be submitted along with an application.
DEFINITION
Under direction, educates and spreads awareness of the District’s mission to combat mosquitoes which pose a public health threat to the communities and cities of Los Angeles County; identifies and builds relationships with key community groups, leaders, businesses, and other organizations within assigned zones; educates stakeholders regarding the District’s services as a resource for mosquito control efforts; utilizes oral, written, and digital communications to raise awareness and motivate lasting behavior change designed to reduce mosquito populations and vector-borne disease risks;

and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Communications Manager. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to less experienced staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing a wide variety of outreach and public messaging functions for the District. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Conducts research and identifies key community groups, leaders, businesses, and other organizations within assigned zones to initiate contact regarding the District’s services as a resource for mosquito control efforts; learns and adapts to multi-cultural and socioeconomic challenges and barriers within assigned zones; maintains a zone database with city and community demographics and contact information of key community groups and leaders.

Builds and maintains partnerships with and conducts outreach to key community groups including cities, other municipal agencies, local communities and community leaders, businesses, chambers of commerce, faith-based groups, civic organizations, PTAs, homeowner associations, property management companies, health agencies, and residents; partners with community members to increase awareness and to encourage behaviors designed to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases; provides input on decision-making processes and evaluates impact of outreach activities.

Publicizes the District’s message during mosquito season regarding mosquito control, repellent usage, and inspections; focuses outreach efforts on neighborhoods with an abundance of mosquitos and potential vector-borne disease outbreaks.

Conducts outreach and disseminates outreach materials which may include visual displays, written documents, news articles, advertisements, graphics, photographs, and videos; implements outreach initiatives designed to increase adoption of disease prevention measures by constituents.

Researches demographics of target audiences for conducting presentations; checks internal database for previous presentations conducted; collaborates with GIS staff to create tailored presentations; coordinates, schedules, and conducts presentations and workshops for various grassroots organizations, community groups, and constituents at City recreation centers, senior centers, and libraries.

Creates online messaging to promote public awareness of the District’s mission, activities, and functions for public and private agencies to adopt key behaviors for reducing risk of vector-borne diseases; creates graphics and social media content regarding District-related and mosquito-related issues, vector control, and public health information; communicates and educates the public through various social media platforms.

Prepares for outreach events by gathering outreach materials including literature, display items, and giveaways; assists with set up of tables, canopies, and chairs prior to event; creates visual displays for disseminating information at booths or for presentations; coordinates,…