Parks Natural Resource Planner

The County of Santa Clara; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Clara is seeking a senior planner to research, plan, analyze and implement Countywide natural resource conservation projects. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, review environmental assessments, prepare budgets and grant proposals, and collaborate with Habitat Agency staff and county departments.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least three years of professional planning experience; a Master’s may substitute one year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university in Regional Planning, Biology, Environmental/Natural Resource Planning or closely related Natural Science field.
• Three years of professional planning experience.
• A Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead natural resource conservation and land use projects by establishing procedures and goals.
• Prepare and submit public project packages for Habitat Agency review.
• Provide technical review on Reserve Unit Management Plan preparation.
• Plan allocation, management and protection of department resources.
• Perform CEQA/NEPA permit applications and environmental reviews.
• Develop budgets, financial reports and grant assistance.
• Produce presentations and proposals for County and external groups.
• Coordinate with Park Planning and other staff; lead interdisciplinary teams; manage multiple projects.

Skills

Communication

Team leadership

Research skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Regional Planning or related field

Tools

Geospatial software

MS Office

Databases

Job description

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

• 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.

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.