Regulatory and Environmental Planner at County of Riverside in Riverside, California

Job Description:

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Flood Control District currently has multiple opportunities for Associate Environmental Planners for the Regulatory Division at Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Note that the official job title is "Associate Flood Control Planner" (FCP). Associate FCPs serve as PM on most projects and provide general guidance and direction to Assistant FCPs and other technicians and administrative support staff. Associate FCP candidates could come from a variety of disciplines which include, Environmental Planners, Biologists, Regulatory Specialists, City Planners, or Archeologists (or many of the other specialties within the CEQA/environmental planning field). Each of these disciplines have specific skill sets that are applicable and could complement the Regulatory Division.

The District's FCPs not only interact with District staff, but also with many other public agencies and stakeholders such as developers, planning and engineering consultants, members of the public, the Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, USFWS, and various other federal, state and local government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

The Regulatory Division is primarily responsible for ensuring that the District complies with the following state and federal environmental laws: CEQA, NEPA, FESA, CESA, AB-52, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq., Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and the Western Riverside County and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans (MSHCP).

In addition, the Regulatory Division provides support for all types of District actions such as constructing new flood control facilities, maintaining existing facilities, developing master drainage plans, and issuing encroachment permits to developers or other public agencies for their projects. The Associate FCP will help develop and implement compliance strategies for our projects that balance protection of the natural environment with the District's mission to responsibly manage stormwater in service of safe, sustainable and livable communities.

The District desires candidates with experience working collaboratively on Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs), public works or capital facility projects, water resources projects and private development projects. Successful candidates will have experience with:

• applying environmental regulations to these types of projects;


• California environmental and regulatory setting, obtained through directly related work experience within that setting


• conducting comprehensive research on regulations, policies, and best practices to inform project decisions


• conducting site assessments and impact analyses;


• collaborating with a variety of technical specialists to identify project requirements and develop solutions to meet federal, state, and local environmental regulations


• preparing, reviewing, and coordinating the production of various decision documentation, environmental/technical reports (i.e. air quality, water quality, biological resource, cultural resource technical studies and the full range of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents;


• applying legal basis to planning, maintenance, and land development activities


• internal and supporting agency coordination; and,


• internal and external correspondence associated with environmental reviews and findings.

The District also desires candidates with a strong knowledge of impact assessment methodologies and the CEQA process as well as other relevant state and federal environmental laws, and a willingness to learn and develop expertise in environmental regulations and CEQA Project Management. Experience in project compliance with environmental laws and regulations, such as NEPA; National Historic Preservation Act, Assembly Bill 52, Federal Endangered Species Act; California Endangered Species Act; Clean Water Act (Sections 401 and 404); AB52, and/or California Department of Fish & Game Code is also desired. Knowledge and experience utilizing GIS software/programs and ability to read and interpret engineering drawings would also be useful to the work performed.

The FCP series and professional progression include Assistant FCP, Associate FCP, Senior FCP, Environmental Project Manager and Division Chief.

Please Note: The District also has FCPs in our Watershed Protection Division, however their sole focus is NPDES compliance; this current recruitment is not intended for NPDES professionals, unless the individual is otherwise qualified with the applicable environmental experience described herein.

Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District provides for the control and conservation of flood and storm waters and for the protection of watercourses, watersheds, public highways, life and property from damage within its boundaries.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide support and technical assistance for capital improvement projects; work closely with our design engineers to recommend design options that avoid or minimize environmental impacts, participate in stakeholder meetings and occasional public meetings.

• Prepare Requests for Proposal/Scope of Work for capital improvement projects; review consultant proposals/scope of work, budgets, and schedules and participate in selection of same.

• Manage consultant progress and work product; provide technical guidance to personnel engaged in complex environmental review processes; review invoices for management approval; use technical knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations to facilitate capital improvement project delivery.

• Prepare or review CEQA/NEPA documents or related technical studies and documents; prepare CEQA compliance documents and notifications for maintenance and emergency repair projects.

• Assist with the AB52 consultation process and oversee related mitigation efforts for compliance such as, Tribal and archeological monitoring.

• Prepare applications and obtain 404 permits, 401 certification, and stream bed alteration agreements for construction and maintenance of flood control facilities by working closely with federal, state, and local resource agencies; work cooperatively with stakeholders, including cities, oversight agencies, non-profits, and affected private developers.

• Conduct and/or assist with field surveys to gather data on natural resources and land use conditions to assess impacts and formulate recommendations. • Applicants must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in planning, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental studies, biology, urban/city/regional planning, hydrology, geology, geography, landscape architecture, archeology, anthropology, Public Policy or other discipline associated with the environment or land use development.

Experience: Two years of responsible professional planning experience.

Knowledge of: Local, state, and federal environmental laws, regulations, and standard practices; CEQA, NEPA, National Historic Preservation Act, AB 52, Clean Water Act (404, 401), ESA, California Fish and Game Code, and other applicable state and federal regulations and guidance; Water of the US and Waters of the State, and Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans.

Ability to: Research, compile, analyze, and interpret data; communicate effectively orally and in writing in a variety of situations; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; analyze complex planning problems, technical studies and documents, develop and evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend effective courses of action; analyze environmental impacts and make recommendations to minimize or avoid these impacts; conduct biological site surveys; prepare technical environmental reports and comply with federal, state, and local laws.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This recruitment is open to all applicants.

For specific questions regarding this position, contact the Ebelyn Skinner at eskinner@rivco.org.

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APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference.The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( AICE ).

Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com .

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here .
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• 
  Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.


• 
  Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.


• 
  Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.
  

A new member is defined as any of the following:

A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.

A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.

A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0< 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4< 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY: Short-term Disability benefit pays up to a maximum of $461.54 weekly, payable up to a maximum of 52 weeks.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

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