Associate Environmental Specialist
County of Riverside, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Salary range for this position will increase by 4% on April 30th 2026!
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District seeks an Regulatory and Environmental Planners (Associate Environmental Specialist). This position is assigned to the Regulatory Division in Riverside and is comparable to traditional Environmental Planner roles.
Responsibilities
Individuals in this role will have prior planning experience and will support the District with a broad range of responsibilities related to environmental compliance under laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Acts, and the California Fish and Game Code. Key duties include performing and reviewing technical analyses for flood control projects to assess environmental impacts; conducting field surveys; and recommending mitigation measures in accordance with applicable environmental regulations and procedures.
Additional responsibilities include preparing and reviewing environmental documents (e.g., CEQA analyses) and regulatory permit applications under Sections 404, 401, and 1600. Associate Regulatory and Environmental Planners may also develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), oversee consultant deliverables, and coordinate with internal divisions and external agencies at the local, state, federal, or tribal level. This role also involves providing technical support to Project Managers and mentoring Assistant or Junior level staff.
The ideal candidate will have experience serving as a project manager or task lead in a similar role at an environmental or engineering focused consulting firm or within a public works or land use/planning agency, and a background in preparing or reviewing technical studies, including NEPA or CEQA environmental documents (Environmental Impact Reports, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Negative Declarations, Notices of Exemption). Experience in preparing, reviewing, or negotiating regulatory permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is highly desirable. Familiarity with projects located within the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and/or the Coachella Valley MSHCP is also preferred.
The most competitive candidates will demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles and practices of urban and environmental planning, flood control, and land development. They should have experience interpreting and implementing relevant environmental laws and regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, FESA, AB-52, Federal and California Endangered Species Acts, the Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and the California Fish and Game Code. Strong analytical, report‑writing, project/task management, and verbal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). Candidates should also be capable of reading and interpreting environmental documents and technical reports, hydrology and hydraulics studies, drainage plans, and development proposals.
Track II – Regulatory and Environmental Planning
Utilize technical knowledge of environmental laws and regulations to support long‑range planning, capital project development, facility operations and maintenance, and developing and managing mitigation sites/conservation lands.
Work closely with civil engineers to recommend design alternatives that avoid, minimize and/or mitigate environmental impacts, including impacts to jurisdictional waters.
Participate in project development meetings, stakeholder discussions, and occasional public meetings to support capital project delivery.
Analyze and prepare environmental documents and technical studies for CEQA/NEPA compliance, regulatory permitting, and MSHCP consistency.
Perform technical analysis and develop solutions to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate environmental impacts.
Assist with AB52 Tribal consultations and related agreements and mitigation efforts.
Draft and negotiate permit applications, including CWA Section 404 and 401 certifications and California Fish and Game Code 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreements.
Prepare RFPs for environmental consulting services; review consultant proposals, budgets, and schedules; support consultant selection and oversee consultant deliverables and invoices.
Provide technical oversight for complex environmental review and recommend adaptive management solutions as needed.
Collaborate with internal staff, public agencies, consultants, non‑profits, developers, and the public to ensure compliance and project delivery.
Lead or participate in field surveys, site assessments, and habitat, species, and nesting bird surveys to evaluate impacts and guide project planning, construction, maintenance, and mitigation site/conservation lands management.
Support staff training and development to advance District environmental programs and goals.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, urban or environmental planning, biological or ecological sciences, geography, archaeology, hydrology, geology, chemistry, civil engineering, or a closely related field.
A Master's degree in planning, public administration, biology (wildlife‑related), chemistry, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the non‑specialized required experience.
Experience
Two years of professional‑level experience in one or more of the following areas: Environmental planning, regulatory compliance or natural resources management, or environmental engineering. Experience working for or consulting to a public works agency is highly desirable.
Desired Qualifications
Experience preparing or reviewing technical studies, CEQA environmental documents (EIR, MND, ND, Notice of Exemption).
Experience preparing, reviewing, or negotiating regulatory permits from California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Experience working on projects located within the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and/or the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
Knowledge
Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, regulations, and standard practices, such as CEQA, NEPA, FESA, CESA, AB-52, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq., Waters of the State and Water of the U.S., Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and the Western Riverside County and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans (MSHCPs). Basic principles of water resource management, and social, economic and environmental conditions influencing public works planning.
Abilities
Conduct site assessments and site reconnaissance.
Research, compile, analyze, and interpret environmental quality data.
Analyze environmental impacts and make recommendations to minimize or avoid impacts and comply with federal, state, and local laws.
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, and develop alternative solutions.
Other Requirements
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required. This position involves travel to various locations throughout the county to conduct field surveys and site visits.
Physical Requirements
Ability to walk over uneven outdoor terrain and work in a variety of environmental conditions.
Candidates must be able to tolerate exposure to weather elements and local wildlife while performing field duties.
If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Angela Tavaglione at tavaglione@rivco.org or (951) 966-3590. Please allow 1–2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
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The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District seeks an Regulatory and Environmental Planners (Associate Environmental Specialist). This position is assigned to the Regulatory Division in Riverside and is comparable to traditional Environmental Planner roles.
Responsibilities
Individuals in this role will have prior planning experience and will support the District with a broad range of responsibilities related to environmental compliance under laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Acts, and the California Fish and Game Code. Key duties include performing and reviewing technical analyses for flood control projects to assess environmental impacts; conducting field surveys; and recommending mitigation measures in accordance with applicable environmental regulations and procedures.
Additional responsibilities include preparing and reviewing environmental documents (e.g., CEQA analyses) and regulatory permit applications under Sections 404, 401, and 1600. Associate Regulatory and Environmental Planners may also develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), oversee consultant deliverables, and coordinate with internal divisions and external agencies at the local, state, federal, or tribal level. This role also involves providing technical support to Project Managers and mentoring Assistant or Junior level staff.
The ideal candidate will have experience serving as a project manager or task lead in a similar role at an environmental or engineering focused consulting firm or within a public works or land use/planning agency, and a background in preparing or reviewing technical studies, including NEPA or CEQA environmental documents (Environmental Impact Reports, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Negative Declarations, Notices of Exemption). Experience in preparing, reviewing, or negotiating regulatory permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is highly desirable. Familiarity with projects located within the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and/or the Coachella Valley MSHCP is also preferred.
The most competitive candidates will demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles and practices of urban and environmental planning, flood control, and land development. They should have experience interpreting and implementing relevant environmental laws and regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, FESA, AB-52, Federal and California Endangered Species Acts, the Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and the California Fish and Game Code. Strong analytical, report‑writing, project/task management, and verbal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). Candidates should also be capable of reading and interpreting environmental documents and technical reports, hydrology and hydraulics studies, drainage plans, and development proposals.
Track II – Regulatory and Environmental Planning
Utilize technical knowledge of environmental laws and regulations to support long‑range planning, capital project development, facility operations and maintenance, and developing and managing mitigation sites/conservation lands.
Work closely with civil engineers to recommend design alternatives that avoid, minimize and/or mitigate environmental impacts, including impacts to jurisdictional waters.
Participate in project development meetings, stakeholder discussions, and occasional public meetings to support capital project delivery.
Analyze and prepare environmental documents and technical studies for CEQA/NEPA compliance, regulatory permitting, and MSHCP consistency.
Perform technical analysis and develop solutions to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate environmental impacts.
Assist with AB52 Tribal consultations and related agreements and mitigation efforts.
Draft and negotiate permit applications, including CWA Section 404 and 401 certifications and California Fish and Game Code 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreements.
Prepare RFPs for environmental consulting services; review consultant proposals, budgets, and schedules; support consultant selection and oversee consultant deliverables and invoices.
Provide technical oversight for complex environmental review and recommend adaptive management solutions as needed.
Collaborate with internal staff, public agencies, consultants, non‑profits, developers, and the public to ensure compliance and project delivery.
Lead or participate in field surveys, site assessments, and habitat, species, and nesting bird surveys to evaluate impacts and guide project planning, construction, maintenance, and mitigation site/conservation lands management.
Support staff training and development to advance District environmental programs and goals.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, urban or environmental planning, biological or ecological sciences, geography, archaeology, hydrology, geology, chemistry, civil engineering, or a closely related field.
A Master's degree in planning, public administration, biology (wildlife‑related), chemistry, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the non‑specialized required experience.
Experience
Two years of professional‑level experience in one or more of the following areas: Environmental planning, regulatory compliance or natural resources management, or environmental engineering. Experience working for or consulting to a public works agency is highly desirable.
Desired Qualifications
Experience preparing or reviewing technical studies, CEQA environmental documents (EIR, MND, ND, Notice of Exemption).
Experience preparing, reviewing, or negotiating regulatory permits from California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Experience working on projects located within the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and/or the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
Knowledge
Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, regulations, and standard practices, such as CEQA, NEPA, FESA, CESA, AB-52, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq., Waters of the State and Water of the U.S., Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and the Western Riverside County and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans (MSHCPs). Basic principles of water resource management, and social, economic and environmental conditions influencing public works planning.
Abilities
Conduct site assessments and site reconnaissance.
Research, compile, analyze, and interpret environmental quality data.
Analyze environmental impacts and make recommendations to minimize or avoid impacts and comply with federal, state, and local laws.
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, and develop alternative solutions.
Other Requirements
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required. This position involves travel to various locations throughout the county to conduct field surveys and site visits.
Physical Requirements
Ability to walk over uneven outdoor terrain and work in a variety of environmental conditions.
Candidates must be able to tolerate exposure to weather elements and local wildlife while performing field duties.
If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Angela Tavaglione at tavaglione@rivco.org or (951) 966-3590. Please allow 1–2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
#J-18808-Ljbffr