Journey Environmental Services Specialist

SMUD; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

SMUD is seeking an Environmental Specialist to lead the coordination and implementation of SMUD’s Habitat Conservation Plan, integrating regulatory requirements into project activities and daily operations in the Sacramento area.

The role includes desktop reviews, assigning environmental measures, data tracking, staff training, and reporting to ensure compliance and strengthen SMUD’s HCP program across field and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental field.
• 3+ years of relevant Environmental Specialist/Technician experience.
• Experience with environmental regulations and reporting.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate environmental programs for compliance.
• Prepare and submit permit applications, reports, and compliance docs.
• Monitor activities for compliance and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct field assessments, sampling and data analysis for risks and impacts.
• Interpret data and prepare technical reports and recommendations.
• Provide technical support for decision-making and project planning.
• Develop, coordinate and deliver training on environmental regulations and procedures.
• Represent SMUD in meetings with regulators and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with teams to integrate environmental considerations into projects.

Skills

Environmental programs

Regulatory knowledge

Data analysis

Training delivery

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental fields or related, or equivalent experience

Job description

This posting intends to fill one (1) full-time position, and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future regular full-time or limited term vacancies over the next two (2) years.

This position is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of SMUD's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The role involves turning HCP commitments into an effective, ongoing program by overseeing implementation, compliance, monitoring, and reporting of the plan and its associated permit requirements. The successful candidate will conduct desktop environmental reviews of projects, assign environmental measures, track data, provide environmental training, calculate compensatory mitigation requirements, audit construction implementation of required measures, and prepare reports to ensure compliance with the HCP and incidental take permits. Coordination of these environmental requirements ensures HCP commitments are integrated into project activities and daily operations. The person in this position will be responsible for advancing and strengthening SMUD’s existing HCP implementation program by working with field and operational staff to translate regulatory and biological requirements into practical, repeatable operational processes.

Purpose

Serve as a technical resource supporting and coordinating SMUD’s projects, environmental programs and regulatory requirements, including:

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate environmental programs;
• Work with contractors and consultants;
• Train business unit personnel in environmental procedures;
• Ensure work quality and accuracy as it relates to environmental issues;
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental rules, policies, regulations, and procedures.

Nature and Scope

There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience, and qualification requirements:

Flex classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series:

• Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level.
• Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job.

Non-Flex classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series.

• Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead and/or supervisory capacity.
• Supervisor: Working supervisor directing the work of a functional team.

Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.

Seniors and Supervisors must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate environmental programs to ensure compliance with applicable environmental rules, policies and regulations.
• Prepare, review and submit permit applications, technical reports, and compliance documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Monitor organizational activities for compliance and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Conduct field assessments, sampling, and analysis of environmental data (e.g., air, water, soil, biological resources, hazardous materials) to evaluate risks and potential impacts.
• Interpret environmental data and prepare detailed technical reports, summaries, and recommendations.
• Provide technical expertise to support decision-making and project planning.
• Environmental Education and Training
• Develop, coordinate and deliver training programs for staff and stakeholders on environmental regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Promote environmental awareness within the organization and community through presentations, workshops, and educational materials.
• Project Management
• Manage or serve as a key contributor to environmental projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate environmental considerations into project planning, design and implementation.
• Track project milestones, budgets and deliverables, ensuring successful project outcomes.
• Sustainability Initiatives
• Identify opportunities to reduce the organization’s environmental footprint and improve sustainability practices.
• Develop strategies, track progress, and report on sustainability metrics and goals.
• Community Engagement
• Represent the organization in meetings with regulatory agencies, community organizations, and external partners.
• Facilitate public outreach, engagement and education efforts on environmental issues and programs.
• Develop and maintain response plans for environmental emergencies such as spills, releases or contamination events.
• Participate in drills, training, and incident response activities to ensure organizational readiness.
• Research and Monitoring
• Stay current on emerging environmental regulations, policies and technologies and evaluate their potential impacts on organizational operations.
• Conduct research and prepare recommendations for program or policy updates.
• Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition
• Research and identify funding opportunities to support environmental programs and initiatives.
• Prepare grant proposals and manage awarded projects to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Serve as a liaison between departments, leadership, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders on environmental issues.
• Clearly communicate technical information, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences including non-technical staff and the public.
• Other Duties
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned. Work schedules, locations, and hours may vary depending on business and project needs.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental studies, engineering, biology, geology, archaeology, or a related field or equivalent experience. If no degree, seven or more (7+) years of experience are required.

Required Experience Qualifications

• Three or more (3+) years of relevant work experience as an Environmental Specialist or Technician or equivalent role, with specific experience performing relevant environmental tasks and duties.

Required Licenses/Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License (CDL) with a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).

Knowledge Of

• Environmental fundamentals, procedures, policies, standards, practices, and industry trends pertaining to one or more of the following: California Environmental Quality Act; Clean Water Act; endangered species; stormwater; hazardous materials business plans; soil sampling, management, disposal, cathodic well installation; air quality permitting; water quality permitting; and/or greenhouse gas reporting;
• Regulatory processes at the federal, state and local levels to effectively represent SMUD in environmental concerns;
• Methods and techniques for report preparation and writing;
• Techniques and practices for problem research and resolution;
• Methods and techniques for record keeping;
• Standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software;
• English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

• Plan, develop, implement, and administer environmental programs on one’s own;
• Conduct environmental audits, inspections and assessments;
• Interpret, assess and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements relative to environmental fields;
• Promote regulatory awareness among business unit managers;
• Recommend changes to work processes to reduce risk and work closely with others to implement changes;
• Conduct trend analysis of data, identify and assess problems, and recommend solutions;
• Develop and provide training as needed;
• Apply applicable laws, codes and regulations;
• Use a wide variety of electronic equipment and software relevant to the tasks;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Implementation and management of complex environmental programs including program development.
• Environmental compliance experience including biological resources and regulatory expertise.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies, permitting process and environmental compliance programs.
• Knowledge of CEQA, federal and state endangered species regulations, and habitat conservation plans.
• Familiarity with utility construction methods.
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with planning and field staff, consultants, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Independent decision-making and sound environmental judgement.
• Ability to identify and resolve compliance issues proactively.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Hybrid Work

This position will be required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work and, at any of our SMUD locations. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.

CalPERS

SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov.