Placer County

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

This is the advanced level classification within the Economic Development Specialist series.  This class is distinguished from the Economic Development Specialist class by the assignment of the more difficult and complex analytical studies associated with the Economic Development and research program activities.  The Senior Economic Development Specialist may also exercise technical and functional supervision over technical and clerical staff as assigned.

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.

Receives general direction and supervision from the Director of Economic Development and may exercise technical and functional supervision over assigned staff.

• 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.
• Coordinate and perform administrative and technical duties necessary to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Prepare appropriate agenda reports, informational materials, and other written materials regarding the County’s Economic Development programs 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.
• Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff.
• 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.

Experience: Three years of responsible professional economic development experience.

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.

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.
• Advanced mathematical principles. 
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Inter-agency relationships, including recognition of overlapping and/or complementary requirements.
• Principles of economics and economic development, including relationship with real estate, land development, and financing.
• 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, and Graphic Information Systems (GIS) platforms. .
• 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.
• Analyze complex issues and problems, identify and evaluate alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Prepare informational and promotional reports and materials, including press releases.
• Compile, analyze, and present statistical data in a meaningful way.
• Perform complex 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, under direction of the County Executive Officer.
• 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; exercise initiative and sound judgment in solving difficult and complex administrative and technical problems.
• 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.