Parks Natural Resource Planner

County of Santa Clara; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Clara is seeking a planning professional to research, plan and implement countywide natural resource conservation projects and components of environmental programs. You will lead initiatives, coordinate with Habitat Agency staff, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance conservation outcomes.

Responsibilities include preparing grant packages, developing management plans, conducting environmental reviews, and producing GIS maps and data reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Regional Planning, Biology, Environmental fields or closely related science.
• Three (3) years of professional planning experience; Master’s may substitute for 1 year.
• Knowledge of environmental guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead natural resource conservation and land use projects and set goals.
• Prepare and submit grant applications and project packages.
• Review and assist with Habitat Agency plans and reserves.
• Plan allocation, management and protection of department resources.
• Perform CEQA/NEPA permit applications and documentation.
• Develop GIS maps and databases to track project progress.
• Prepare proposals and presentations for County staff and commissions.
• Coordinate with scientists, regulators, and inter-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Habitat conservation

GIS

Data analysis

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (Regional Planning / Environmental Science)

Tools

Geospatial software

Job description

Description

Under general direction, to research, plan, analyze and implement ongoing Countywide natural resource conservation projects and/or components of larger environmental conservation programs.

Under general direction, to research, plan, analyze and implement ongoing Countywide natural resource conservation projects and/or components of larger environmental conservation programs.

Typical Tasks

• Functions as a project leader for natural resource conservation and land use by, establishing procedures, setting goals, and assuming responsibility for the final recommendations;
• Leads in the preparation and submittal of the public projects application package for covered parks activities/projects to the new Habitat Agency staff;
• Provides technical review and assistance on the Habitat Agency's preparation of a Reserve Unit Management Plan;
• Plans for the allocation, management and protection of department natural resources;
• Performs environmental reviews and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements;
• Keeps management apprised of developments having a Departmental or Countywide impact;
• Prepares presentations, project proposals and other materials to represent the County before various groups, organizations, and commissions;
• Participates in meetings, committees, conferences, workshops, etc. as a representative of the Department;
• Confers with various entities including scientists, engineers, regulators, Habitat Agency staff, etc. to plan or review projects;
• Collaborates with the Park Planning Division and affected staff to plan production activities;
• Designs and coordinates successive phases of problem analysis and solution proposals;
• Prepares and administers budgets and financial reports;
• Assists in the research and preparation of grant applications;
• Provides stewardship for plant or animal resources or habitats; studies land use, monitors animal populations/ resources;
• Completes California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)/ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permit applications from regulatory agencies;
• Develops and maintains databases, Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and data records related to tracking and monitoring the progress of assigned projects;
• Develops user manuals, checklists and internal procedural memos;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education and experience to demonstrate the possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note:

The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Regional Planning, Biology, Botany, Environmental and Natural Resource Planning, Environmental Biology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Management and Protection or a closely related Natural Science field.

- AND -

Three (3) years of professional planning experience.

A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Knowledge Of

• Basic aims, trends, concepts, principles, techniques and legal aspects of city and regional planning, zoning administration and regional habitat conservation plans;
• Species, natural communities, ecosystems, ecosystem processes and their conservation needs in Santa Clara County;
• Wildlife and vegetation monitoring/surveying techniques;
• Implications of physical, economic, aesthetic and social factors involved in city and regional planning including the development of urban and suburban environments;
• Governmental organization operations and community interrelationships;
• Research and statistical methods;
• Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and geospatial software;
• Socioeconomic trends, land use and development patterns as they relate to natural resources;
• Cartographic and infographic design skills;
• Publishing geospatial data and maps to the Web.

Ability to:

• Apply environmental guidelines, regulatory requirements and conditions, evaluate and analyze biological data and technical reports;
• Organize and conduct research studies, manage projects and supervise/manage the work of consultants;
• Prepare comprehensive reports or projects findings, using graphic aids;
• Develop recommendations based on studies, field observation and public contact;
• Speak and write effectively;
• Conduct appropriate procurement process to retain qualified consultants and other expert assistance;
• Understand and relate to others the aims, concepts and principles of city and regional planning and regional habitat conservation plans;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Lead and/ or work with inter-disciplinary teams;
• Manage multiple, concurrent projects.