Senior Environmental Planner

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS pension

Flexible schedules

Generous paid time off

Job summary

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) seeks a Senior Environmental Planner to implement Environmental and Historic Preservation objectives within the Recovery Directorate. The role requires independent technical review of grant awards for regulatory compliance, closeout oversight, and mitigation planning.

You will coordinate with multiple agencies and provide high-level guidance on policy and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Experience leading small teams of technical experts in environmental and historic preservation.
• Experience writing and reviewing technical documents.
• Experience with wetland delineations and biological assessments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interactive skills.
• Extensive knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, NHPA Section 106, and related laws/regulations.

Responsibilities

• Implement program objectives for Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) in Recovery Directorate.
• Independently review pending grant awards for compliance with state/federal regs.
• Document audit findings and conduct final closeout reviews with Recovery Ops and PA/HMA.
• Analyze methods to mitigate environmental impacts and address complex issues.
• Oversee training and coordinate projects; liaise with agencies and private sector.
• Represent Cal OES in negotiations, policy implementation, and strategic planning.

Skills

Team leadership

Technical writing

Environmental compliance

Interagency coordination

Oral communication

Analytical thinking

Job description

This is a 12 month Limited-Term position that may be extended up to 24 months and/or with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career? Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.

Under the general direction of the Program manager II, the Senior Environmental Planner (SEP) is responsible for the implementation of program objectives for Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) in the Recovery Directorate and CalOES. The incumbent will independently conduct technical and procedural review of pending grant awards to determine whether the proposed projects are in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, document potential audit findings, and conduct final review during closeout out with Recovery Operations, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Assistance. Performs analysis and provides recommendations on methods to mitigate environmental impacts; assists in addressing complex environmental issues. Oversees Cal OES and subrecipient training and exercises discretion in providing oversight and coordination for projects or programs. Maintains liaison with other governmental agencies and the private sector, evaluates program performance and outcomes, and represents the organization in compliance negotiations, policy implementation, and strategic planning. Performs other related tasks to support the objectives and goals of the Cal OES Recovery Directorate.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Department Information:

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.

The Recovery Directorate is responsible for managing disaster recovery and providing assistance to local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses and agricultural communities impacted by disasters. The Recovery Directorate ensures state and federal support are provided in an efficient and timely manner throughout the recovery process.

The Recovery Directorate is comprised of three sections — Recovery Operations, Hazard Mitigation, and Interagency Recovery Coordination. Recovery personnel are responsible for assisting in the management of statewide disaster recovery efforts, as well as assisting agricultural communities, businesses, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, local governments and special districts impacted by disasters.

In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.

More information may be found here: Recovery Directorate | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience leading small teams of technical experts in environmental and historic preservation
• Experience writing and reviewing technical documents
• Experience with wetland delineations and biological assessments
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interactive skills
• Extensive experience with CEQA, NEPA, Section 106 of NHPA, and other State and Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation laws, regulations, and policies
• Experience working in Emergency Management, Hazard Mitigation, and/or Disaster Recovery Operations at the Local, State, and/or Federal Level
• Knowledge of FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program, including eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms
• Familiarity with construction methods, building codes, and mitigation techniques to strengthen infrastructure resilience
• Proficiency in the use of various computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and be willing to learn new technological tools and to incorporate them in daily tasks
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information and express ideas in a clear, confident, and convincing manner
• Ability to offer succinct, value-added recommendations, exercise sound judgment
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment
• Ability to work independently and in a cooperative team environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and work well under pressure to meet quick deadlines
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
• Investment in careers development
• Free Parking
• Electric Carport