Salary : $126,753.12 - $154,067.68 Annually

Location : Spring Valley, CA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2024-00102

Department: Engineering

Opening Date: 04/11/2024

Closing Date: 5/9/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Max Number of Applicants: 200

Description

Perform applied management and technical work related to natural resources, environmental compliance, and permitting for applicable Sweetwater Authority (Authority) operations, projects, and programs.
Function as Project Manager as assigned for contractors working on habitat management.
When assigned, coordinate environmental consultants working on natural resources projects, studies, or other similar tasks.

Department: Engineering and Operations

Disclaimer:
The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Supervision Received/Exercised :

General supervision is provided by the Director of Engineering and Operations.
Direct supervision is provided by the Land and Environmental Manager.
Responsibilities include direct supervision of the Habitat Maintenance Worker, and temporary employees as designated. Responsible for the contracting and overall management of habitat restoration and maintenance labor, and environmental consultants working on biological resources related tasks.

Examples of Duties/Responsibilities

Supervise staff: Establish and advise staff of performance requirements; ensure that employees follow policies and procedures; provide support, mentoring, and coaching for performance improvement and development; observe and document performance; prepare supporting documentation and write performance reviews; conduct performance review presentations; recommend employee recognition and disciplinary action, up to and including termination, in accordance with established personnel rules, policies, and labor contract provisions.
Responsible for on-call habitat restoration and maintenance labor and biological resources-related environmental consultants, including contractor/consultant procurement, contract development and management, task order scope and budget development, task order technical oversight, and reviewing and approving invoices.
Develop and implement section goals, objectives, operating policies and procedures to achieve Authority and departmental priorities.
Ensure staff are trained.
Evaluate and assist with the development of commercial mitigation opportunities in manner that is compatible with Authority's asset management goals and watershed management objectives.
Manage habitat preserve and biological resources-related mitigation sites, including habitat restoration and monitoring, species monitoring, coordinating maintenance actions, tracking expenses, and wildlife agency compliance reporting. Responsibilities include successful management of preserve and biological resources habitat mitigation areas, including but not limited to, Sweetwater Reservoir Habitat Management Program Area, Skelton Habitat Mitigation Area, and Sweetwater Reservoir Shoreline Fishing Program Conservation Area.
Secure and manage grants, as assigned, in support of Authority natural resources management, habitat mitigation sites, watershed and land management, and recreational areas.
Perform biological resources monitoring, or assist with the management of environmental consultants performing biological monitoring, as it relates to Authority operations and projects requiring biological resources monitoring, reservoir pesticide applications, water transfers, and pre-activity construction projects.
Plan, prioritize, assign, schedule and supervise employees' and/or contractor/consultant work as it relates to natural habitat/species mitigation, habitat planning agreements, and compliance monitoring.
Prepare technical memos, reports, and presentations for Management, Board of Directors, and outside governmental regulatory agencies; provide formal presentations as required.
Assist in developing and implementing strategies which protect water supplies, comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, or maximize Authority assets.
Assist with the planning and development of recreational opportunities and lake ecosystem management.
As needed, assist in developing and implementing environmental mitigation strategies for replacing, repairing, installing, or altering water infrastructure or other Authority facilities.
Review technical literature and keep the Authority informed regarding possible new sensitive species listings, which may have an effect on water resource planning and operations or general land management.
Prepare environmental permit applications and plans, to comply with existing local, state, and federal laws regulating wildlife, sensitive species, habitat impact and restoration, and waterways.
Participate in the preparation of grant applications and manage grants for assigned natural resources and watershed management projects as awarded.
When assigned, coordinate with Local, State, and Federal natural resource and wildlife regulatory agencies and consultants to negotiate, secure, and maintain operational and project-related permits.
Aid negotiations with the regulatory agencies for Authority projects and develop mitigation strategies, where necessary, to facilitate project approval.
Assist with the development and implementation of multi-species conservation programs, in support of water purveyor projects and operations. This includes but is not limited to assist with the management of a proposed Sweetwater Authority Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) and Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) (SWA NCCP/HCP), and Conservation Easements as required.
Coordinate and perform natural resources monitoring and management, including but not limited to flora and fauna species field surveys, habitat mapping, wetland delineations, biological resources data management, project impact, constraint and feasibility studies, nuisance wildlife control, and compliance monitoring.
Supervise staff and contracted crews, when needed, performing invasive plant removal, habitat restoration and revegetation, and weed abatement on Authority reservoir properties and easement areas. Assist with project management, including those that are grant funded or by the Authority's annual budget.
Prepare Requests for Proposal/Request for Qualifications and evaluate proposals. Develop, prepare, and administer consultant contracts when assigned.
Provide outdoors and field hazards training, and biological resources protection orientations, to staff working in the watershed lands, or for contractors working on Authority lands or projects.
Review, compile, and analyze natural resources data for tracking and reporting purposes.
Attend and participate in public meetings, in support of Authority goals and objectives.
Perform basic spatial analysis, collect and manage GPS data, prepare maps, and perform drone (unmanned aircraft) flights for resource management and reporting purposes.
Participate in the preparation and review of annual natural resources management and ongoing and planned environmental compliance budget and work plan.
Assist with the review and preparation of CEQA compliant documents when assigned.
Assist with watershed development monitoring tasks, when assigned.
Assist with planning and monitoring of maintenance activities in facilities located in the Service Area, when sensitive biological resources may be in the area.
Keep records, maintain logs and assist with monthly report preparation.
Plan and facilitate habitat staff meetings.
Maintain a positive, healthy, and safe working environment.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board members, and public.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques.
Computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, Adobe Acrobat.
Principles and practices of biological resources and watershed management. General ecology in relation to lakes and the physical geography of watersheds.
Technical identification of plants, animals, and interpretation of ecological conditions with specific expertise in threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animal taxa.
Invasive and nuisance plant and animal control and management.
Local, State, and Federal laws, codes, and regulations governing threatened and endangered species and protected habitat.
Role and procedures of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and California State Water Resources Control Board, including wetland delineation and jurisdictional determination.
Environmental monitoring for infrastructure construction, permit compliance, or overall consistency with applicable regulations.
Natural Communities Conservation Planning, Habitat Conservation Planning, and other programmatic habitat, waterways, and species planning tools.
Principles of wetland delineation and aquatic resources permitting.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology.
Small boat handling.
Safe work practices and procedures.
Principles and practices of supervision and training.
Principles and practices of project management.
Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to :

Coordinate a variety of preserve management activities to ensure water storage, water quality, and habitat preserve requirements are met.
Manage Authority habitat restoration efforts, habitat mitigation sites and conserved areas.
Develop opportunities for commercial mitigation banking on Authority lands.
Pursue grant funding and manage grant projects for habitat, watershed, and land management purposes.
Identify solutions and negotiate permits that accomplish Authority projects and operations with respect to environmental needs.
Meet with representatives of the wildlife agencies and consultants to provide information and assist the Authority in meeting water resource management goals.
Act as biological/natural resource liaison with Local, State, and Federal agencies, when assigned.
Coordinate water transfer objectives with existing regulated species and coordinate water transfer concurrence with the wildlife regulatory agencies.
Plan, schedule and assign the work of subordinates and contracted support as required.
Survey and monitor threatened and endangered species and their habitat, map habitats, and perform project biological assessment.
Prepare technical studies, planning documents and compliance reports and maintain records using a computer.
Perform or oversee technical and applied species, habitat, watershed studies for adaptive management purposes.
Interpret accounting records to plan, prepare, and track budgets.
Prepare entry permits, conservation easements, and other contractual agreements for the Authority.
Read and interpret maps, land management documents, and engineering drawings.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Perform field work under varying weather conditions.
Interact with the public, other departments, contractors, and staff in a positive, consensus manner to further the goals of the Authority.
Operate various kinds of office machines and equipment with accuracy.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Keyboard proficiently.
Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education/Training/Experience (positions in this class typically require):
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
Bachelor's degree in Physical Geography, Natural Resources or Wildlife Management, Environmental Studies, Biology, Ecology, or related field.
Six (6) to Eight (8) years of applied experience or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job such as those listed above.
A Master's degree in a related field, or possession of a geographically-relevant species recovery permit, may be substituted for two years of applied work experience.

Licenses/Certifications - Required Conditions of Employment :

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.
Maintain an acceptable, safe, and active driving record, together with proof of insurability.
Possess (or the ability to possess) federal and state threatened and endangered species survey/recovery permitting, and/or plant and animal management permits when needed. Minimally this includes possessing a valid CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit within 24 months of first working day.
Obtain a Federal Aviation Administration Remote Pilot Certificate within 18 months of first working day.
Certifications related to wetland delineations, vernal pools, CRAM, GIS, or natural resources management are highly desirable, but not required.

Physical Requirements :
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

Hear normal conversation in person and on the telephone.
Mobility of arms to reach, and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly.
Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages, including good peripheral vision and depth perception.
Speak in a normal voice; able to be heard and understood on the telephone, in person, and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
Use office equipment such as personal computers, copiers and fax machines.
Operate standard passenger vehicles.
Lift, carry, push or pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
Keyboarding for extended periods of time.
Fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Mobility to stand, walk, stoop, bend and extend legs on uneven ground.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) per standard operating procedures (SOP).
Work outside in weather extremes of the local climate.
Duties involve seasonal weekend field work, for natural and water resource management purposes.
Must swim competently.

Working Hours :
Flex Schedule: Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (9/80); Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and every other Friday off or, as assigned by the supervisor.
Other Conditions :

Work around various types of animals and insects such as dogs, snakes, spiders, bees, rodents, etc.
It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and businesslike image to the public at all times:
- A neat, clean and pressed appearance in clothing, hair and personal hygiene is important every day.
- Good judgment is expected in determining proper dress and appearance.
- All facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed.

Supplemental Information

Sweetwater Authority Middle Management Employees will receive a 6% salary increase on July 1, 2024; a 3% salary increase on July 1, 2025; and a 3% salary increase on July 1, 2026.

Health insurance: Option of Cigna HMO or Kaiser HMO for all full time employees and their dependents; employees share in a portion of the cost, not to exceed $35 per pay period.
Vision, dental, and orthodontic insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for employees and dependents.
Life insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for the employee. Optional dependent life insurance is offered at the employee's expense.
Retirement: Membership in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) with the retirement formula of 2.5% @ 55 for existing "classic" members and 2% @ 62 for "new" members.
The Authority will contribute the equivalence of 24 hours of the employee's hourly rate into PARS 401(a) each fiscal year.
Deferred compensation: Authority-matched employee contributions to a qualified 457 (Lincoln, National, and CalPERS) plan up to $1,500 made to the employee's 401(a) (PARS) plan.
Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is provided in lieu of traditional vacation and sick leave benefits. PTO is accrued based on years of service, beginning at 18 work days per year up to a maximum of 35 days.
48 hours of "floating" holidays to use each year.
Retiree Healthcare: At age 55 with 15 years of service the Authority pays $700/month. The amount the Authority pays is prorated for 10-15 years of service. Payments cease after 10 years or upon reaching Medicare-eligible age.
Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more.

01

Are you 18 or older?

02

Are you able to work Full Time?

03

Do you have at least a High School Diploma or G.E.D.?

04

If hired, can you provide proof of your legal right to work in the U.S.?

05

Do you possess a Driver License?

06

Are you currently a Sweetwater Authority employee?

07

Do you possess a Bachelor's degree (or an advanced degree) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental sciences, biology, natural resources management, physical geography, or similar degree? If yes, include applicable degree(s).

08

What is your experience conducting biological field surveys, including protocol surveys or wetland delineations, and do you possess any related permits or certifications? Explain level of experience in detail and name all applicable permits and certifications.

09

What is your level of experience managing preserves and habitat restoration sites, including supervising restoration crews, conducting habitat monitoring, and preparing annual reports? Please explain.

10

How many years of professional experience related to regulatory permitting (biological and aquatic resources) do you have? Explain level of experience in detail.

11

How many years of professional experience related to habitat conservation planning do you have? Explain level of experience in detail.

12

How many years of experience do you have working in a progressively responsible supervisory capacity? Briefly explain.

13

How many years of experience do you have leading environmental projects, as project manager? Briefly explain.

14

What is your level of experience collecting GPS data, using GIS software, and using drones?

15

What is your experience with mitigation or conservation banking?

16

What is your experience with CEQA or NEPA?

17

Why are you interested in becoming the next Principal Environmental Specialist - Biology at Sweetwater Authority?

Required Question