Environmental Specialist II/III (Limited Term)

County of San Luis Obispo; California (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

Health benefits

Pension benefits

Job summary

County of San Luis Obispo is seeking an Environmental Specialist II/III for the Environmental Programs Division. This limited term, full-time role supports a nine-member team delivering environmental services for public infrastructure projects, including planning, permitting, and compliance with CEQA/NEPA.

The successful candidate will interpret regulations, participate in project development, conduct field surveys, prepare technical reports, and lead permit negotiations while contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, physical or life science or closely related field.
• Job-related experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply local, State, and Federal environmental regulations.
• Participate on project development teams, incorporating environmental compliance.
• Prepare NEPA/CEQA environmental determinations.
• Conduct field surveys in geology, soils, hydrology, and ecology as qualified.
• Prepare environmental reports for public works projects.
• Lead the team to prepare and negotiate environmental regulatory permits.
• Administer consultant contracts, scopes, schedules, and budgets; manage budgets.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental, physical or life science

Job description

About the Position

The County of San Luis Obispo is offering an exciting career opportunity for an environmental professional to join the Environmental Programs Division within the Department of Public Works. The Environmental Specialist II/III will join a nine-member team conducting a wide range of environmental services for public infrastructure projects. Currently, professionals in the Division have specialized skills in the areas of planning, resource law, biology, botany, wetlands, regulatory permitting, archaeology, and restoration. The Division represents a full-service environmental team, capable of processing complex State and Federal funded projects entirely in-house.

This recruitment is to fill a Limited Term, full-time position.

• Employees in limited term positions receive benefits equivalent to permanent full-time employees, therefore they will be eligible to earn vacation, sick leave, health, and pension benefits.

The sunset date for this position is July 01, 2027.

This position requires a highly motivated, independent worker who wants to learn and conduct the full range of professional resources management tasks. Representative duties for Environmental Specialists include:

• Interpret and apply local, State, and Federal planning and environmental regulations.
• Participate on project development teams, incorporating environmental compliance into project development.
• Prepare environmental determinations pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Perform environmental field surveys in the areas of geology, soils, hydrology, plant and wildlife ecology, and cultural resources as qualified.
• Collect and summarize environmental information (e.g. biology, archaeology, geology) as required for public works projects and programs.
• Prepare environmental technical reports in compliance with the local, State, and Federal regulations pertinent to various environmental programs.
• Act as the lead staff person to prepare and negotiate local, State, and Federal environmental regulatory permits.

• Administer consultant contracts, including developing scopes, schedules, and budgets; reviews and approves consultant work products; manages the contract budget; and acts as the environmental team leader.
• Prepare and make presentations at public hearings and meetings before boards and commissions, community meetings, and project meetings.
• Conduct and facilitate public hearings and meetings, Represent the Department, and/or the County of San Luis Obispo at such hearings and meetings.

The Ideal Candidate

Candidates with the ability and interest in conducting a wide range of both office and field work are encouraged to apply. The strongest candidates will demonstrate flexibility, an ability to collaborate with diverse project teams, and a desire to learn new skills, processes, and programs.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in environmental, physical or life science (e.g. biology, archeology, geology), planning, natural resources management or a closely related field. Job related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Environmental Specialist II: In addition, one year of professional level experience in environmental analysis, land use planning, or directly related experience.

Environmental Specialist III: In addition to the requirements for level II, two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis, land-use planning, or directly related experience. A Master's degree in the above related fields may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Licenses and Certificates

A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

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 [e-mail] 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 [phone].