Associate Environmental Specialist (Regulatory and Environmental Planner)

County of Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is seeking a Regulatory and Environmental Planner (Associate Environmental Specialist) in Riverside to support CEQA/NEPA compliance and environmental permitting for flood control projects.

The role requires experience in environmental planning, regulatory permits (CEQA/NEPA, 404/401, 1600), and coordinating with internal divisions and external agencies. Mentorship of junior staff and RFP oversight are involved.

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental planning and regulatory compliance under CEQA/NEPA.
• Experience preparing environmental documents and regulatory permits (CEQA/NEPA, 404/401, 1600).
• Project management or lead responsibilities for environmental projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform environmental analyses for flood control projects and mitigation measures.
• Prepare CEQA/NEPA documents and permit applications; coordinate with agencies.
• Mentor junior staff and oversee consultant deliverables.

Skills

Environmental planning

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Technical report writing

Oral and written communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences/urban planning/related field

Master's degree may substitute for one year

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District seeks an Regulatory and Environmental Planner (Associate Environmental Specialist). This position is assigned to the Regulatory Division in Riverside and is comparable to traditional Environmental Planner roles.

Individuals in this role will have prior planning experience and will support the District with a broad range of responsibilities related to environmental compliance under laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Clean Water Act, the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, and the California Fish and Game Code. Key duties include performing and reviewing technical analyses for flood control projects to assess environmental impacts; conducting field survey; and recommending appropriate mitigation measures in accordance with applicable environmental regulations and procedures. Additional responsibilities include preparing and reviewing environmental documents (e.g., CEQA analyses), as well as regulatory permit applications under Sections 404, 401, and 1600. Associate Regulatory and Environmental Planners may also be tasked with developing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), overseeing consultant deliverables, and coordinating with internal divisions and external agencies at the local, state, federal, or tribal level. This role also involves providing technical support to Project Managers and mentoring Assistant or Junior level staff.

The ideal candidate will have experience serving as a project manager or task lead in a similar role at an environmental or engineering focused consulting firm or within a public works or land use/planning agency, and a background in preparing or reviewing technical studies, including NEPA or CEQA environmental documents (e.g., Environmental Impact Reports, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Negative Declarations, Notices of Exemption). Experience in preparing, reviewing, or negotiating regulatory permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is highly desirable. Familiarity with projects located within the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and/or the Coachella Valley MSHCP is also preferred.

The most competitive candidates will demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles and practices of urban and environmental planning, flood control, and land development. They should have experience interpreting and implementing relevant environmental laws and regulations, including CEQA, the National Historic Preservation Act, Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52), the Federal and California Endangered Species Acts, the Clean Water Act (Sections 401 and 404), and the California Fish and Game Code. Strong analytical, report-writing, project/task management and verbal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). Candidates should also be capable of reading and interpreting environmental documents and technical reports (Aquatic Resources Delineation Reports, biological resources reports, cultural resources reports, etc.), hydrology and hydraulics studies, drainage plans, and development proposals.

Positions assigned to the Regulatory Division ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to long-range planning, facility design and construction, maintenance and repair projects, and developing and managing mitigation sites and conservation lands. Incumbents apply regulatory requirements pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, California Fish and Game Code Section 1600, Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and the Western Riverside County and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans (MSHCPs). Incumbents in this track assist with CEQA compliance, species and habitat management, regulatory permitting acquisition, negotiation and compliance, prepare or review environmental documents and technical studies, and coordinate with internal staff, public agencies, consultants, and other stakeholders as needed to ensure effective project delivery.

The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District provides for the control and conservation of flood and storm waters and for the protection of watercourses, watersheds, public highways, life and property from damage within its boundaries.

Track II – Regulatory and Environmental Planning:

• Utilize technical knowledge of environmental laws and regulations to support long-range planning, capital project development, facility operations and maintenance, and developing and managing mitigation sites/conservation lands.
• Work closely with civil engineers to recommend design alternatives that avoid, minimize and/or mitigate environmental impacts, including impacts to jurisdictional waters.
• Participate in project development meetings, stakeholder discussions, and occasional public meetings to support capital project delivery.
• Analyze and prepare environmental documents and technical studies for CEQA/NEPA compliance, regulatory permitting, and MSHCP consistency.
• Perform technical analysis and develop solutions to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate environmental impacts.
• Assist with AB52 Tribal consultations and related agreements and mitigation efforts.
• Draft and negotiate permit applications, including CWA Section 404 and CWA Section 401 certifications and California Fish and Game Code 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreements.
• Prepare RFPs for environmental consulting services; review consultant proposals, budgets and schedules; support consultant selection and oversee consultant deliverables and invoices.
• Provide technical oversight for complex environmental review and recommend adaptive management solutions as needed.
• Collaborate with internal staff, public agencies, consultants, non-profits, developers, and the public to ensure compliance and project delivery.
• Lead or participate in field surveys, site assessments, and habitat, species, and nesting bird surveys to evaluate impacts and guide project planning, construction, maintenance, and mitigation site/ conservation lands management.
• Support staff training and development to advance District environmental programs and goals

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, urban or environmental planning, biological or ecological sciences, geography, archeology, hydrology, geology, chemistry, civil engineering, or a closely related field.

A Master's degree in planning, public administration, biology (wildlife-related), chemistry, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the non-specialized required experience.

Experience:

Two years of professional-level experience in one or more of the following areas: Environmental planning, regulatory compliance or natural resources management, or environmental engineering. (Experience working for or consulting to a public works agency is highly desirable.)

Desired qualifications include 5 years of:

• Experience preparing or reviewing technical studies, CEQA environmental documents (i.e., Environmental Impact Report, Mitigated Negative Declaration, Negative Declaration, Notice of Exemption).
• Experience with preparing, reviewing or negotiating regulatory permits from California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards and US Army Corps of Engineers.
• Experience working on projects located within the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and/or Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of: Local, state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and standard practices, such as CEQA, NEPA, FESA, CESA, AB-52, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq., Waters of the State and Water of the U.S., Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and the Western Riverside County and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans (MSHCPs); basic principles of water resource management, and social, economic and environmental conditions which affect public works planning general principles and practices.

Ability to:

Conduct site assessments and site reconnaissance; research, compile, analyze, and interpret environmental quality data; analyze environmental impacts and make recommendations to minimize or avoid impacts and comply with federal, state, and local laws; communicate effectively orally and in writing in a variety of situations; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; analyze complex planning problems, technical studies and documents, and develop alternative solutions.

Other Requirements:

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. This position involves travel to various locations throughout the county to conduct field surveys and site visits.

• Ability to walk over uneven outdoor terrain and work in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Candidates must be able to tolerate exposure to weather elements and local wildlife while performing field duties.

General Information

If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Angela Tavaglione at [e-mail] or [phone]. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.