Description

The full salary range for this position is as follows: Analyst I - $45.27- $57.80 / Analyst II - $49.93 to $63.73/ Sr Analyst $55.05-$70.23. Expected hiring range is as follows: Analyst I $45.27-$49.93 / Analyst II - $49.93 to $55.05/ Sr Analyst- $55.05-$60.68.

DESCRIPTION:

The Analyst is a journey-level professional classification that performs professional analytical duties involving the development, administration, and implementation of department related programs. The Analyst provides guidance on departmental policies, procedures, goals and objectives.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Analyst I

This entry-level class of the series is distinguished from level II by routine and repetitive duties performed according to established procedures. Incumbents are closely supervised in their initial assignments. As they gain experience, incumbents will work more independently in routine work.

Analyst II

Working under general supervision, the position is the journey level in the series. Employees at this level require specific experience and less supervision and review to complete assignments. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.

Senior Analyst

Positions at this level perform the most difficult duties; possess a specialized technical or functional expertise. Incumbents are assigned significant responsibilities above the advanced journey level, possess specialized knowledge, abilities, skills, and experience, and exercise independent judgment and initiative in the performance of their duties.

The senior-level position may be filled either through open internal recruitment as a promotional opportunity or through a full external recruitment process. Lower levels are not flexibly staffed into the senior-level position.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assist in developing, coordinating and implementing communications plans, public information materials, and outreach strategies for City programs, services, events, initiatives, projects, and emergency communications.
Draft, edit, proofread and format a variety of public-facing communications, including news releases, media advisories, website content, social media content, email newsletter content, talking points, scripts, public notices, fact sheets, flyers, presentations, and other informational materials.
Develop written content that is clear, accurate, timely, audience-appropriate, and consistent with City messaging, brand standards, AP style and applicable public-sector communications standards.
Assist with planning, creating, scheduling, and monitoring content for the City’s social media platforms and digital communication channels; recommend content strategies to increase public awareness, engagement, accessibility, and understanding of City services and priorities.
Monitor social media activity, public sentiment, media coverage, and digital engagement related to assigned programs or campaigns; identify trends, issues, and opportunities and prepare recommendations for communications responses or improvements.
Create, edit, and adapt graphics, flyers, signage, digital ads, social media assets, presentations, and other visual materials using Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Express, and other approved design and communications tools.
Assist with photography and video production for City events, programs, facilities, staff, projects, and community activities; capture, edit, organize, caption, and maintain digital photo and video assets for use in City communications.
Coordinate with departments to gather accurate information, clarify program details, identify communications needs, and develop content that supports consistent and proactive public messaging across City platforms.
Assist in maintaining and updating website content, digital newsletters, calendars, media materials, and other communications channels to ensure information is current, accurate, accessible, and aligned with City standards.
Support media relations activities by preparing background materials, researching issues, drafting statements or responses, coordinating information with departments, and assisting with press events, interviews, and public information needs.
Assist in developing communications materials for public meetings, community events, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, emergency updates, awareness campaigns, and other City-sponsored or City-supported activities.
Research, write, and compile information related to City programs, services, projects, policies, and community issues; prepare summaries, reports, content calendars, campaign plans, and recommendations for communications projects.
Maintain communications files, media lists, image libraries, project trackers, content calendars, templates, brand assets, and other records related to public information and communications activities.
Review communications materials for accuracy, clarity, tone, grammar, accessibility, formatting, and consistency with City style, brand, and messaging standards before publication or distribution.
Support the development and evaluation of communications campaigns by tracking deliverables, deadlines, engagement metrics, audience feedback, and project outcomes; prepare reports and recommendations as assigned.
Provide responsible professional and technical assistance to Communications staff and City departments in the development, administration, and implementation of public information, marketing, digital media, and community outreach projects.
Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Principles of supervision, motivation, and training.
Principles and practices of organization and public administration.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Statistics and quantitative analytical techniques.
Principles of community relations.
Budgetary systems and procedures.
Problem-solving skills and time management principles and techniques.
Customer service principles and techniques.

Senior Analyst and Analyst II - In addition to the requirements for the Analyst I

Technical writing and documentation methods and techniques.
Principles and practices of quality assurance.
Operating policies and procedures of the department or office to which assigned.
Principles, practices, and techniques of the assigned programmatic area of responsibility.
Principles and practices of project management and report writing.

Ability To:

Effectively communicate verbally and in written form with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
Perform a wide variety of administrative duties with little or minimal supervision.
Research, analyze, and formulate policies and programs both for new programs and expanding existing programs.
Develop, write, and monitor contracts.
Prepare and administer program budgets.
Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
Interpret, apply, and enforce City policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Effectively administer assigned programmatic responsibilities.
Pay attention to detail for accuracy and completeness.
Work both independently and as a cohesive team member.
Interpret, explain, and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Senior Analyst and Analyst II - In addition to the requirements for the Analyst I

Analyze situations accurately and develop effective courses of action.
Analyze work papers, reports and special projects; research, analyze and interpret legal, technical and financial information; observe and problem solve operational and technical issues, policies and procedures.
Build and maintain complex spreadsheets.
Perform multi-tasking and complete work in an effective and timely manner, while working in a setting that involves shifting priorities and frequent interruptions.

Education And Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Analyst I

Two to five years of experience in a related field.

Analyst II

Three to six years of experience in a related field.

Senior Analyst

Five years of experience performing a variety of professional duties, one year of which must be at the Analyst II level.

Desirable Experience:

Experience in public information, journalism, communications, marketing, social media management, graphic design, photography, videography, digital content creation, or a closely related field is highly desirable.

Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Express, social media management tools, website content management systems, digital newsletters, photography equipment, and/or basic video editing tools is desirable.

Public-sector, government, nonprofit, education, media, or community-facing communications experience is desirable.

Education:

Analyst I

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a closely related field.

Analyst II

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a closely related field.

Senior Analyst

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a closely related field.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license, or the ability to use alternative transportation methods to perform the essential duties of the position.

Possession of a valid California driver's license by time of appointment is required for assignments in certain departments, including the City Manager’s Office, Communications, Economic and Community Development, Information Technology, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety and Public Works.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, and sitting; occasional climbing, bending, standing, and squatting.

Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.

Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.

Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.

Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment.

Positions may require occasional overtime; weekend work and travel is rare.

RevisedSeptember, 2025

FLSA:Analyst I - Overtime Eligible

Analyst II & Senior Analyst - Overtime Exempt

The City of Palmdale is noted for its highly skilled workforce, with a large concentration of aerospace firms located at Air Force Plant 42 and nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Its family-oriented and culturally enhancing venues, such as the Palmdale Playhouse, DryTown Water Park and Palmdale Amphitheater, make Palmdale "a place to call home."

Palmdale is located approximately one hour north of Los Angeles off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). It encompasses 106.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,450. The City is served by several school districts and has a growing retail and commercial base. For more information, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov.

BUSINESS HOURS: Normal operating hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday – Thursday. CLOSED on Friday.

UNION: The Teamsters Local 911 represents certain positions in the City's Public Works Maintenance division.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

APPLICATION MATERIALS must be submitted by the closing date listed in the job bulletin. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City online application.

RESIDENCE within the City is not required.

AN ELIGIBILITY LIST of the most qualified applicants will be compiled based on the results of the selection process. The list will remain in place for a period to be determined by Human Resources.

The benefits listed here apply to full-time and benefited part-time positions, not to unbenefited part-time employees unless described.

A PROBATION PERIOD of six months minimum applies to initial employment with the City.

VACATION, HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE: The City provides 15 paid holidays per year and 80 hours vacation (years one through four) with a maximum accrual of 240 hours (160 hours for benefited part-time employees). Administrative employees accrue 80 hours of administrative leave per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue 96 hours per year with a maximum accrual of 800 hours (400 hours for benefited part-time employees). Unbenefited part-time employees receive 28 hours of paid sick leave per fiscal year.

RETIREMENT: The City is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Full-time and benefited part-time employees will be enrolled in either the New Member or Classic plan, as defined by CalPERS. New Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 formula and pay the full 7.75% employee contribution. Classic Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 60 formula and pay the full 7% employee contribution.

All other part-time employees are covered under the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS).

WELLNESS PROGRAM: The program includes gym membership discounts, healthy eating programs, exercise classes & other programs.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: Direct Deposit is mandatory for all new employees.

CREDIT UNION: F&A Federal Credit Union & Logix Federal Credit Union (formerly Lockheed) are available options.

INSURANCE: The City offers group health, dental/vision, long term and short term disability, and a $50,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees. The City contributes towards the employee's health insurance.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City participates in the ICMA-RC Deferred Compensation Plan, which enables benefited part-time and full-time employees to contribute on a tax deferred basis.

OVERTIME COMPENSATION: Overtime is accrued at time-and-a-half for eligible employees for time physically worked in excess of the regular 40-hour work week.

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: Unbenefited part-time employees are reviewed for merit salary advancement but are not eligible for any other benefits listed. Benefited part-time employees are eligible for CalPERS retirement, sick leave, holidays, and vacation on a prorated basis.

MILEAGE PAY: Any employee may be reimbursed for work related mileage at 54 cents per mile when assigned to use their private vehicle on City business.

SOCIAL SECURITY: The City does not participate in Social Security and does not deduct Social Security payments from any employee's salary. The City deducts 1.45% of salary for Medicare and makes a 1.45% matching contribution.

Benefits can change at any time.

01

These supplemental questions are part of the selection process and are considered part of your application. These questions give you the opportunity to fully explain your background and qualifications as they pertain to this position. Only the most qualified applicants as determined by the evaluation of this supplemental application will be invited to participate in the selection process. Your answers to the following supplemental questions are required for your application to be considered complete. Please note: if you do not have experience in a given area, type "none." Please do not write "Refer to my resume/application" as these answers will be considered incomplete and you will not be given credit. I have read and understand this statement.

02

Do you or any members of your immediate family own any interest in any enterprise which does or might do business with the City and/or the Board/Commission?

03

Do you or any members of your immediate family own any interest in any real property adjacent to or within the City of Palmdale?

04

Do you or any members of your immediate family have any interests or associations which might present a conflict of interest?

05

This position requires a valid California Driver License. If you are extended a conditional offer of employment, you authorize the City of Palmdale to request and review your California Department of Motor Vehicles driving record. Please provide the name and license number as it appears on your license.

06

Do you have at least two to five years of experience in a related field?

07

Describe your experience as it relates to the role.

08

Why are you interested in working for the City of Palmdale?

Required Question

City of Palmdale, California

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