The Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative is accepting applications for two Fellowship positions.

Recent graduates and graduating seniors from All undergraduate disciplines are encouraged to apply!

Are you interested in a career in public service? Would you like to have a positive impact on the community in which you live? If so, come join the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative’s (EDC) Fellowship Program. In addition to pursuing roles in economic development, past fellows have gone on to an impressive variety of career opportunities which include roles in public sector leadership, policy development, law, education, and much more.

The EDC is a small, dynamic public agency involved in a broad range of public policy issues and innovative programs that benefit Sonoma County businesses and residents. The county’s diverse economy includes a world-class wine region, stunning natural resources, a burgeoning craft food and beverage sector, dozens of tourist destinations, a strong manufacturing and tech sector, a growing healthcare sector, and vibrant small business and creative communities. The EDC is committed to the vitality of Sonoma County, providing services that encourage the startup, retention, and expansion of local businesses and jobs.

The ideal candidates for these entry-level positions will be graduating soon with a four-year degree, or have recently obtained an undergraduate four-year degree. Additionally, they will have an interest (or degree) in Political Science, Economics, English, History, International Relations, Law, Business, Public Administration/Policy, Urban Policy, Statistics, Sociology, Tourism/Hospitality, and/or Humanities, and possess:

Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills
Some experience using data and statistics while conducting research
The ability to be self-directed and work independently
Some experience leading/facilitating group or committee work
An interest in policy research and economic development
A current understanding of, or strong willingness to learn, Adobe and Microsoft Office Suite
A commitment to public service

The EDC's Fellowship* positions provide graduating seniors and recent graduates a twelve-month opportunity to participate in one of the following focus areas:

Economic Research and Workforce Initiatives Fellow

Draft and prepare economic reports on local industry sectors and demographic indicators
Learn to use economic impact modeling software to analyze data trends and advise on economic policy creation and implementation
Organize and help lead meetings with County leaders from the public and private sectors
Conduct community engagement and collect industry insights from local employers
Collaborate with partners at the Workforce Investment Board and other local organizations on research and data collection in support of local business, workforce recruitment, and education and training programs that connect employers with qualified applicants

Tourism Research and Marketing Fellow

Coordinate annual Sonoma County Restaurant Week
Draft and prepare reports on hospitality industry trends, diversification opportunities and economic impact analysis
Learn to use economic impact modeling software to analyze data trends, development opportunities and impacts
Conduct community engagement surveys and collect industry insights from local businesses
Compile, interpret, and analyze survey responses from local businesses
Analyze and compile funding models from other California Counties including Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and any lodging assessments (Tax Incremental District – TID, Business Improvement Area – BIA, Tax Increment Financing – TIA, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District – EIFD) and other taxes as appropriate
Collaborate with partners at the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau and other local organizations on research and data collection in support of local tourism business, engagement, and promotional opportunities

Living in Sonoma County

If you’re looking to start your career in a place of unparalleled beauty, mild weather, and opportunity for professional growth, Sonoma County is an ideal place to work, live, and play. The county's attractive amenities include outdoor recreation, proximity to the greater Bay Area, and an abundance of first-rate food and beverages. You can also take time to explore the Northern California coast, old growth redwood groves, valleys of vineyards, and mountains full of hiking/biking opportunities. Beyond outdoor recreation, Sonoma County offers a growing artisanal food sector, breweries and wineries, performing arts, and events that can be enjoyed year-round. Additionally, sporting events and concerts in San Francisco and Oakland are less than an hour’s drive from Sonoma County. More information on living and working in Sonoma County can be found atSonoma County Connections.

Application Submission Requirements

*The Fellowship is only open to applicants who had/will have their bachelor's degree conferred between July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 (e.g. obtained a Bachelor's degree between Summer 2024 through Spring 2025).

Applicants are required to submit a completed application which includes answering the supplemental questions AND submitting the following three (3) documents, a:

Resume
Cover letter explaining your interest in the EDC Fellowship
Writing sample (the first 5 pages of the submitted sample will be taken into consideration)

Please attach these documents to your application. (If you would like to mail paper copies of your documents, please contact the County of Sonoma Human Resources at 707-565-8059 for further directions.)

For first-round considerations please submit an application by February 23, 2025.

FELLOWSHIP/EXTRA-HELP EMPLOYMENT

Extra-help employees relieve or augment permanent staff. Temporary, extra-help employees are not in the classified civil service and do not have property rights to permanently allocated positions. In addition, they do not receive most employee benefits such as: long-term disability insurance coverage; accrual of vacation; participation in the County retirement program; or eligibility to take promotional examinations. Temporary, extra-help employees are limited in their employment to a maximum of one calendar year. These employees must be off of work for three months before they can be re-employed on an extra help basis. Extra-help employees who meet the eligibility requirements may qualify for a County contribution toward medical coverage.

The Civil Service title of these positions is Senior Administrative Aide EDB Extra-Help. This employment list may be used to fill future extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of this list.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed to ensure candidates meet the minimum requirements for the position. Candidates possessing these requirements will be referred to the department for further consideration. The hiring department will contact candidates who appear to best meet the requirements and needs of the position and take further steps in making a selection for the internship.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: JT
HR Technician: KK

County of Sonoma (CA)

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Economic Development Fellowship