Host: City of Santa Rosa
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Climate Mitigation,Energy Efficiency,Water Management,Water Policy
Skills Needed: Project Management,Relationship Management, Data Collection,Project Management,

Remote or On-Site Placement

On-site

Service Needs & Plans

The Water Use Efficiency Direct Install Project aims to enhance water conservation efforts in Santa Rosa by installing approximately 2,000 high-efficiency fixtures, including toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable water usage practices and mitigating the impact of water scarcity in the region.

Project Goals:

1. Water Conservation: The primary goal of the project is to promote water conservation by replacing older, inefficient fixtures with high-efficiency alternatives. This will help reduce water consumption and contribute to the preservation of water resources in Santa Rosa. In turn this helps us meeting our long term water use goals and State requirements.
2. Efficiency Enhancement: By contracting with plumbers to install high-efficiency fixtures, the project aims to enhance the overall efficiency of water usage in residential and commercial properties throughout the city. This will lead to long-term savings in water bills for participants and contribute to a more sustainable water infrastructure.
3. Community Engagement: The project seeks to actively engage the community in water conservation efforts. By offering direct installations of high-efficiency fixtures, the project provides residents and businesses with tangible opportunities to contribute to water conservation efforts and make a positive impact on the environment.
4. Skill Development: As part of the project, the CivicSpark Fellow will have the opportunity to develop a range of valuable skills in program management, customer service, grant reporting, budget tracking, marketing materials development, and program evaluation. These skills will not only benefit the individual fellow but also contribute to the successful implementation and future sustainability of the project.

Project Needs:

1. Plumbing Contractors: The project requires collaboration with plumbing contractors to carry out the installation of high-efficiency fixtures at various locations in Santa Rosa. Establishing partnerships with reliable contractors is essential for the timely and efficient completion of installations.
2. Marketing Materials: Developing, reviewing, and updating marketing materials and website content is essential for promoting the project and attracting participants. Effective communication through marketing channels will help raise awareness about the benefits of water conservation and encourage participation in the program.
3. Customer Eligibility Verification: Ensuring that customers meet eligibility criteria for participation in the program is essential for maintaining transparency and fairness. The CivicSpark Fellow will be responsible for confirming customer eligibility in collaboration with plumbing contractors.
4. Data Tracking and Reporting: Accurate tracking and reporting of installation data are necessary for monitoring the progress of the project and evaluating its effectiveness. Correspondence with plumbers to request and verify install data on a monthly basis is crucial for maintaining up-to-date records and fulfilling reporting requirements.
5. Site Inspections: Conducting in-home or in-business site inspections of fixture installations is necessary to ensure compliance with program standards and assess the quality of installations. This helps maintain the integrity of the project and ensures that participants receive the expected benefits from the installed fixtures.
6. Customer Support: Providing responsive and helpful support to customers and plumbers is essential for addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and maintaining positive relationships. Effective communication via phone, email, and in-person interactions helps foster trust and satisfaction among program participants.
7. Data Entry: Accurate data entry of program participation data into water billing software is essential for record-keeping and billing purposes. The CivicSpark Fellow will be responsible for ensuring that all relevant data is entered correctly and in a timely manner to facilitate billing and reporting processes.

By addressing these project needs and working towards its goals, the Water Use Efficiency Direct Install Project aims to make a significant contribution to water conservation efforts in Santa Rosa while providing valuable skill development opportunities for the CivicSpark Fellow.

Project Description

The Water Use Efficiency Direct Install Project will contract with plumbers to install approximately 2,000 high efficiency fixtures such as toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators at locations throughout Santa Rosa. The CivicSpark Fellow will develop skills in program management, customer service, grant reporting, budget tracking, marketing materials development and program evaluation. The CivicSpark Fellow will:

• Develop, review and update marketing materials and website content
• Confirm customer eligibility with plumber
• Correspond monthly with plumbers to request and verify install data for tracking and reporting purposes
• Conduct in-home or in-business site inspections of fixture installations
• Develop survey and analyze results about customer’s experience with the program
• Respond via phone, email, and in-person to customer and plumber questions about program
• Data entry of program participation data into water billing software

In addition to this project, there may be an opportunity for you to create an additional project that would both benefit our Water Use Efficiency goals and aids you learning something that you are interested in. This project would be determined once you have a better idea of what subjects may be of interest to you and how much additional time you will have to pursue it while working on the Direct Install Program as your main focus.

Desired Skills

Santa Rosa Water desires a CivicSpark Fellow who ideally has skills in the following areas in order to excel in this project:

1. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accurate data entry, thorough inspection of fixture installations, and precise communication with customers and plumbers requires a keen eye for detail.
2. Problem-Solving Skills: Being able to troubleshoot issues that arise during installations, customer inquiries, or data tracking can help ensure the smooth operation of the project.
3. Organizational Skills: With multiple tasks such as correspondence, data tracking, and survey analysis, strong organizational skills are essential for managing workload effectively and meeting deadlines.
4. Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with both customers and plumbers is crucial for effective communication and fostering positive relationships throughout the project.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability: Projects can encounter unexpected challenges or changes, so being adaptable and able to adjust plans or strategies accordingly is valuable.
6. Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently will help ensure that all responsibilities are fulfilled in a timely manner.
7. Analytical Skills: Being able to analyze survey results and program data can provide valuable insights for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the project.
8. Passionate about Resource Conservation: Familiarity with water efficiency concepts can aid in understanding the project’s objectives and effectively communicating with plumbers and customers. No prior experience required, but the ability to learn technical processes is ideal. Anyone who is passionate about resource conservation should be able to learn the technical aspect of this project.
9. Customer Focus: Keeping the needs and satisfaction of customers at the forefront of decision-making and interactions can contribute to the success of the project and the overall reputation of the organization.
10. Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders is essential for achieving project goals and maintaining a positive work environment. Additionally, willingness to work in a traditional office setting is required. Will be at a desk in a cubicle for most of the time when not in the field inspecting installations.

These additional skills complement the core responsibilities of the CivicSpark Fellow role and can contribute to the successful implementation of the Water Use Efficiency Direct Install Project. We will train the right person even if you do not believe that you currently have all of the listed skills.

Organization & Workplace Highlights

The City of Santa Rosa, Water Department’s (also called Santa Rosa Water) main goal is to provide a safe, economical, dependable, and environmentally friendly water supply for our community. Our workplace culture is governed by The Basic Principles, which include: 1) Focus on the situation, issue or behavior, not the person, 2) Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of your coworkers, 3) Maintain a good relationship with your co-workers and your supervisor, 4) Take initiative to make things a little better, 5) Lead by example. These Principles are not just guidelines but requirements of our workplace, and are demonstrated through our actions in our office. The overall culture of the Water Use Efficiency team is close knit, collaborative, kind, supportive and fun. We like sharing baked goods, and taking walks together on the creek paths that run behind our office building.

Equity is identified as one of the City Council’s priorities, and the City of Santa Rosa seeks to establish a lasting culture of equity and belonging within our organization. To help achieve this goal, the City has just finished work with an equity and organizational development consulting team that collaborated directly with staff to develop the roadmap for how to get there. More info is at www.srcity.org/3610/Equity-SR.

Working for the City of Santa Rosa will help a CivicSpark Fellow gain valuable work skills in program management, customer service, grant reporting, budget tracking, marketing materials development and program evaluation.

Community Highlights

Living in Santa Rosa, California, offers a range of benefits and community highlights which include some of the following:

1. Outdoor Recreation: Santa Rosa boasts proximity to diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and camping in nearby parks such as Annadel State Park and Spring Lake County Park, the city’s location in Sonoma County also provides easy access to the stunning coastal beaches, redwood forests, and skiing/snowboarding activities during the winter.
2. Wine and Culinary Scene: As part of California’s renowned wine country, Santa Rosa offers a vibrant wine and culinary scene. Young adults can explore local vineyards, tasting rooms, and farm-to-table restaurants, as well as participate in food and wine festivals throughout the year.
3. Arts and Culture: The city is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions, providing opportunities for young adults to engage with the local arts scene. From live music performances to art walks and film festivals, there’s always something happening in Santa Rosa for those interested in arts and culture.
4. Craft Beer and Breweries: Santa Rosa has emerged as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with a growing number of breweries and taprooms offering a wide variety of artisanal beers. Young adults can enjoy brewery tours, tastings, and socializing with fellow beer lovers in the city’s vibrant beer community.
5. Community Events and Festivals: Santa Rosa hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, catering to diverse interests and preferences. From music festivals and street fairs to cultural celebrations, there’s always something happening in Santa Rosa to bring the community together. We also have a variety of flea markets and farmer’s markets.
6. Health and Wellness: The city prioritizes health and wellness, offering access to fitness centers, yoga studios, and outdoor recreational activities to promote an active lifestyle. Additionally, Santa Rosa is home to numerous health food stores, farmers’ markets, and organic eateries catering to health-conscious individuals. While working at Santa Rosa Water, you will have access to a gym for personal use on site!
7. Educational Opportunities: Santa Rosa is home to Santa Rosa Junior College, providing affordable educational opportunities for young adults looking to further their education or pursue career advancement. The college offers a variety of programs and courses, as well as resources for professional development and lifelong learning.

Overall, Santa Rosa offers a dynamic and thriving community with diverse opportunities for young adults to live, work, and play. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to career opportunities and community engagement, Santa Rosa provides a rich and vibrant environment for young adults to explore and grow.