CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CLASS SPECIFICATION: 25065
UNIT: WHITE COLLAR
EE04: PROFESSIONALS
CLASS TITLE: ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
CLASS SUMMARY:
Under direct supervision, is responsible for performing office and field work related to a variety of subjects based on assignment within the Department; including economic development, redevelopment, community development, low income/affordable housing development, en vironmental planning/compliance and homeless services; including planning, financial management, monitoring grant compliance, contract administration, subrecipient and development monitoring, preparation of plans and reports, community outreach and engage ment, and serving as a resource to other City staff, outside agencies, and the public in answering questions, providing information, and assistance; and performs other duties as assigned
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
The following typical tasks and responsibilit ies are representative of all positions in the class. They are descriptive, not limiting.
Essential Duties:
Performs assignments pertaining to economic development, redevelopment, community development, homeless services, affordable housing, historic preservation and/or adaptive reuse; Assists with implementation of local, State, and Federal program regulations relating to economic development, community development, homeless services and/or affordable housing; Coordinates with other City Departments and government agencies involved with economic development, community development, homeless services and/or affordable housing projects and programs, including legal counsel, public works, and consultants; Conducts environmental review determinations, under supervision, (California Environmental Quality Act/ National Environmental Policy Act) and coordinates with consultants/developers on environmental compliance;
Performs research and prepares a variety of comprehensive reports, proposals, and studies; Performs assignments pertaining to activities for economic and community development, affordable housing and homeless services programs, including but not limited to CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA and other Federal or State programs;
CLASS TITLE: ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST (continued)
25065
Assists in marketing programs through community meetings, workshops, and forums in various neighborhoods, business meetings, and other marketing outlets; Provides staff support to the Historic Preservation Commission in their related functions.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the entry -level professional class in the Economic & Community Development series in the Economic & Community Development Department. Economic & Community Development Specialist incumbents initially work under close supervision and are expected to become progressively more knowledgeable and carry out assignments with increasing independence. The classification is distinguished from an Economic & Community Development Coordinator in that the latter is responsible for performing complex, specialized planning and providing a wider scope of services
involving the exercise of broader independent judgment and decision making due to the scope of assigned duties, project management responsibilities, financial underwriting, and analysis.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
Overall organization and operation of City government including governmental procedures and policies;
Fiscal, social, and economic implications that are involved in economic and community development including land acquisition procedures , the development of urban and suburban environmental and social needs, relocation and related land use implications; Principles and practices of public administration, including purchasing, contracting, and maintenance of public records;
Contract, grant, and financial management and administration; Related computer applications including word processing and spreadsheet software; Marketing and business incentive coordination;
Resources and requirements to acquire private and governmental funding; Basic business controls, business ethics, basic arithmetic and data review and reconciliation techniques;
Ability to:
Research, analyze, and summarize data;
Establish and maintain effective relationships with citizen groups, business groups, community- based organizations, City and governmental agency staff, and the public; Meet challenging project deadlines;
Develop creative marketing strategies to contribute to the public awareness of assigned programs; CLASS TITLE: ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST (continued)
25065
Write and edit accurate marketing materials, proposals, correspondence, reports, etc.; Perform routine and moderately difficult assignments under decreasing degrees of supervision; Make clear presentations of ideas and recommendations both orally and in writing; Prepare clear, concise and complete technical documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Training and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related field; AND One (1) year of professional planning, economic development, community development, and/or real estate experience preferably at the local government level; OR An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Successfully pass a background check.
Physical Conditions or Special Working Conditions:
Primarily standard office environment and working conditions. Must be willing to work in various neighborhoods in the City including both businesses and private residences.
Frequently required to attend offsite community engagement meetings.
Approved by the Miscellaneous Civil Service Board: July 8, 2021 Approved by the City Council: July 14, 2021
Approved by the Miscellaneous Civil Service Board: October 21, 2025 Approved by the City Council: