This role provides expertise in regulatory compliance to guide and complete projects that support the District's environmental and conservation initiatives. The work centers on the regulatory and compliance components of the District's water resource management projects, playing both a lead and support role in project planning, management, and implementation.
Responsibilities
Provide technical expertise and guidance during project planning and development phase
Advise District staff, Board of Directors, and executive management on regulatory and technical matters for District projects
Represent the District on regulatory and permitting matters to governmental agencies, various organizations, and the general public
Develop effective working relationships with representatives of key agencies and organizations
Guide state and federal environmental review (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, cultural) and permitting (e.g., ESA, CESA, Clean Water Act, LSA, FERC license requirements) processes
Perform administrative tasks, including developing and managing contracts with consultants, developing and tracking budgets, grant applications and management, preparing reports and presentations for Board meetings, and maintaining records on project activities and compliance
May supervise or direct the work of other staff in the Environmental Services Department
Requirements
Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, the California Endangered Species Act, FERC licensing and compliance, Clean Water Act permitting, Lake and Streambed Alteration agreements, the California Environmental Quality Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act
Knowledge of principles of ecology, biology, hydrology, geomorphology, and water resource management
Knowledge of scientific methods and techniques of data collection, management, and analysis for ecological studies
Knowledge of preparation of formal documents including reports, letters, presentations, application packages, and other clearly written professional communication
Knowledge of principles and practices of management for projects, contracts, and budgets
Knowledge of current technology, field equipment, and computers necessary to perform work tasks
Ability to manage projects to ensure they are completed on schedule and within budget
Ability to apply principles of logic and scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and data
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Ability to develop, review, and edit reports, correspondence and other technical documents
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, Board of Directors, outside agencies, and the public
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in an environmental-related field (e.g., biology, environmental studies, fisheries science, water science, etc.)
A minimum of 4-6 years of experience with environmental, regulatory, and permitting matters relevant to the operation of water resource facilities
Experience in CEQA and NEPA planning processes including the development of CEQA and NEPA documents
Experience in project management and state and federal environmental permitting including Clean Water Act Section 404 and 401, ESA, CESA, Fish and Game Code, and FERC license requirements
Understanding of and demonstrated ability to navigate state, regional, and local regulation processes
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire
Nice to have:
Master's degree in a related field
Oncorhynchus mykiss biology and monitoring techniques
Dreissenid mussel biology
Invasive species management
Stream ecology
Limnology
Native flora and fauna of the Santa Clara River watershed
Biological resource survey and monitoring techniques
Plant and wildlife identification
ESA Section 7 and/or Section 10 Habitat Conservation Plans
Cultural experience
Avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures
Water resources management
Proficiency with GIS
Proficiency with data analysis software such as R
Database management and streamlining techniques
Grant experience
Leadership experience
Benefits
Complete benefits package including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Annual administrative leave for exempt employees
Important Details
Schedule: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors; outdoor conditions may include rain, high winds, unusually high or low regional temperatures, and exposure to outside elements
Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking (sometimes on uneven terrain), sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crawling
Lifting: Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds; occasional lifting up to 60 pounds
Vision: Constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus; ability to work in front of a computer screen for several hours at a time
Dexterity: Occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing, and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects
Hearing/Talking: Frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone
Emotional/Psychological: Frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone; expected to respond in emergency situations
Environmental: Exposure to moderate noise levels (hearing protection must be worn in certain areas); frequent exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects
About the Company
The District’s Environmental Services Department supports the District’s mission to manage, protect, conserve, and enhance the region's water supply in an environmentally balanced manner, ensuring long-term sustainability of its water resources programs.
