PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SPECIALIST
Public Participation Specialist sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's local-government civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It lists a bachelor's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Where this title is used
Public Participation Specialist is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
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Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, develops and disseminates informational material on programs, projects, and/or plans to the general public and/or special target groups; uses employee surveys and other information gathering techniques to determine public attitudes and reaction; assists in analyzing input received for feedback to agency's decision makers; performs other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Identifies key individuals and organizations in the community; and informs them of the program, project, or plans to secure public involvement in the agency's program. Writes, edits, and presents reports, posters, charts, graphs, exhibits, and other visual aid materials to prepare public presentation packages for various programs and public hearings. Collects, complies, tabulates, and interprets statistical and/or other information received, and puts information into understandable form to analyze information received and/or determine public attitudes and reactions to agency programs. Assists in identifying how different sectors of the public differ or agree on alternatives and/or illuminates which alternative policy, plan, or program can gain greatest agreement or consensus and/or how alternatives can be modified to gain agreement on consensus to relate results of public opinion survey and other expressions of public opinion to decision making body. Utilizes various communication techniques such as press releases, publications, and photographs to disseminate information. Converts technical information on programs into layman's language so that it may be readily understood by members of the public, government officials, and others. Gives prepared presentations to the general public on program and performs demonstrations as appropriate to provide a public participation forum. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of communication principles, methods, and techniques used in providing assistance in the development of public involvement programs. Knowledge of analytical techniques used in the collection, summary, and analysis of public input or program issues. Ability to write descriptive reports using proper style and format. Ability to analyze conditions and recognize developments necessary for dealing with the situation. Ability to orally express oneself clearly and concisely, imparting information, answering questions, and explaining activities and/or directions in a manner appropriate for listeners. Ability to develop written communication material to convey information concerning a range of subject related to the agency's progress. Ability to effectively interact and deal with various members of the public including news media representatives, state and local government officials, as well as supervisory and management personnel. Ability to carry out recurring assignments independently and in accord with established procedures, policies, and previous experience. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relations with supervisors and coworkers. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in work involving public opinion survey development, implementation, and/or opinions survey analysis or community organization and program development and/or multi-media presentation development and implementation. OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.