Health Education Specialist I (UC Cooperative Extension)

Salary

$64,272.00 - $82,035.20 Annually

Location

All Locations - San Luis Obispo County, CA

Job Type

Permanent - Hourly

Job Number

0526PM-300276-01

Department

UC Cooperative Extension

Division

UC Cooperative Extension Administration

Opening Date

05/20/2026

Closing Date

6/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS

QUESTIONS

About the Position

Please Note – Funding for this position is subject to approval by the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors. Anticipated Board approval date is June 16th, 2026.

The UC Cooperative Extension is hiring a Health Education Specialist I . Working for the UC Cooperative Extension in San Luis Obispo County is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local community through education, research, and public service. Employees have the chance to collaborate with university experts, local farmers, youth programs, and community organizations to address important issues such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and community development. The work environment is mission-driven, innovative, and deeply connected to the unique needs of the Central Coast, offering both professional growth and the satisfaction of helping improve the quality of life for residents across the county.

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties

(Not in order of importance)

• Collects and analyzes data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments.
• Prepares, obtains and disseminates health information through individual client contacts and/or workshops, seminars, reports, bulletins, pamphlets, posters, exhibits, news releases, radio scripts, social media, and other communication methods.
• Participates in evaluating the effectiveness of program materials and methods.
• Provides liaison and networking among departmental staff, and other public and private agencies, community organizations and professional groups, including, but not limited to food distribution medical, nutrition, physical activity, school and childcare organizations, youth development programming, adult education, clientele and policy makers for developing effective health awareness campaigns and educational programs.
• Leads and supervises adult and youth volunteers in the development and delivery of public education programming, including (but not limited to) UC Master Food Preserver and UC 4-H Youth Development.
• Plans, organizes and participates in health information and educational programs, conferences, and meetings.
• Makes presentations and provides health information and guidance to individuals and community groups.
• Implements community needs assessment surveys and outreach plans.
• Researches and develops policies and procedures.
• Assists in preparing health plans.
• Writes or assists in writing grant proposals.
• Participates in staff development activities.
• Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence.
• Conducts compliance checks on certain legal or regulatory requirements.
• Fosters a spirit of teamwork and support when interacting with staff and others.
• Develops and maintains public support and the cooperation of public officials, community groups and agencies relative to community health concerns.
• Supports and follows the UC Cooperative Extension Department’s policies, goals, guiding principles, and Mission–Vision–Values Statement.
• Maintains confidentiality of information.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area.

To see the complete job description for Health Education Specialist I, Click Here.
To learn more about the UC Cooperative Extension Click Here .

The Ideal Candidate

Knowledge of :

• The principles, methods and practices of health information, promotion, education, and information dissemination
• Training needs, assessment, and evaluation techniques
• Community organizations and resources related to the health and education fields
• Communication techniques and media relations for print, voice, video, internet, and any other communication medium.
• Effective interpersonal techniques using tact, patience, and courtesy

Ability to :

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Formulate, promote and implement a variety of information and educational programs
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, community groups, agencies, local media, county employees, and/or clientele
• Conduct training and make public presentations
• Proofread and edit written copy
• Communicate effectively with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds, age, gender, and temperaments
• Operate a variety of audiovisual and computer presentation equipment
• Use basic and advanced computer software to conduct business and communicate (such as generate reports, complete data analysis, develop informational and educational materials, and maintain web-based information).
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships; communicate and work effectively with others
• Operate a computer and assigned office equipment

Education and Experience:

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Health Education Specialist I: A bachelor’s degree in health education, community health, communications, kinesiology, nutrition or another related field.

Licenses and Certificates

Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Certification as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is desirable.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca

Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail [email protected] for more information.



Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

Employer

County of San Luis Obispo

Address

1055 Monterey Street
Suite D-250
San Luis Obispo, California, 93408

Phone

805-781-5959

Website

About the Position

Please Note – Funding for this position is subject to approval by the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors. Anticipated Board approval date is June 16th, 2026.

The UC Cooperative Extension is hiring a Health Education Specialist I . Working for the UC Cooperative Extension in San Luis Obispo County is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local community through education, research, and public service. Employees have the chance to collaborate with university experts, local farmers, youth programs, and community organizations to address important issues such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and community development. The work environment is mission-driven, innovative, and deeply connected to the unique needs of the Central Coast, offering both professional growth and the satisfaction of helping improve the quality of life for residents across the county.

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties

(Not in order of importance)

• Collects and analyzes data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments.
• Prepares, obtains and disseminates health information through individual client contacts and/or workshops, seminars, reports, bulletins, pamphlets, posters, exhibits, news releases, radio scripts, social media, and other communication methods.
• Participates in evaluating the effectiveness of program materials and methods.
• Provides liaison and networking among departmental staff, and other public and private agencies, community organizations and professional groups, including, but not limited to food distribution medical, nutrition, physical activity, school and childcare organizations, youth development programming, adult education, clientele and policy makers for developing effective health awareness campaigns and educational programs.
• Leads and supervises adult and youth volunteers in the development and delivery of public education programming, including (but not limited to) UC Master Food Preserver and UC 4-H Youth Development.
• Plans, organizes and participates in health information and educational programs, conferences, and meetings.
• Makes presentations and provides health information and guidance to individuals and community groups.
• Implements community needs assessment surveys and outreach plans.
• Researches and develops policies and procedures.
• Assists in preparing health plans.
• Writes or assists in writing grant proposals.
• Participates in staff development activities.
• Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence.
• Conducts compliance checks on certain legal or regulatory requirements.
• Fosters a spirit of teamwork and support when interacting with staff and others.
• Develops and maintains public support and the cooperation of public officials, community groups and agencies relative to community health concerns.
• Supports and follows the UC Cooperative Extension Department’s policies, goals, guiding principles, and Mission–Vision–Values Statement.
• Maintains confidentiality of information.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area.

To see the complete job description for Health Education Specialist I, Click Here.
To learn more about the UC Cooperative Extension Click Here .

The Ideal Candidate

Knowledge of :

• The principles, methods and practices of health information, promotion, education, and information dissemination
• Training needs, assessment, and evaluation techniques
• Community organizations and resources related to the health and education fields
• Communication techniques and media relations for print, voice, video, internet, and any other communication medium.
• Effective interpersonal techniques using tact, patience, and courtesy

Ability to :

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Formulate, promote and implement a variety of information and educational programs
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, community groups, agencies, local media, county employees, and/or clientele
• Conduct training and make public presentations
• Proofread and edit written copy
• Communicate effectively with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds, age, gender, and temperaments
• Operate a variety of audiovisual and computer presentation equipment
• Use basic and advanced computer software to conduct business and communicate (such as generate reports, complete data analysis, develop informational and educational materials, and maintain web-based information).
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships; communicate and work effectively with others
• Operate a computer and assigned office equipment

Education and Experience:

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Health Education Specialist I: A bachelor’s degree in health education, community health, communications, kinesiology, nutrition or another related field.

Licenses and Certificates

Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Certification as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is desirable.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca

Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail [email protected] for more information.



Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail [email protected].


For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link) .

Some benefits include:

• Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
• Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
• Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
• Free visits to the employee health clinic
• Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
• Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
• A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
• Optional deferred compensation plan
• Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Paid personal, sick and vacation days
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Wellness Allowance
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Family Friendly workplace policies
• Flexible work schedule options
• Rideshare commuter benefits
• Pet Insurance

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.



Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or ‘cafeteria’ contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.


To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).



Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.


Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Supervisor/Manager academies
• Microsoft Suite courses
• Defensive Driving
• Financial management
• Retirement preparedness
• Teambuilding
• Written Communication
• Conflict Management
• Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
• Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.



Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the “Assist-to-Own” program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.