Associate Environmental Specialist
County of Riverside, California, MO, United States
Overview
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. Salary range for this position will increase by 4% on April 30th 2026. To learn more about this position click here to view a video.
Responsibilities
Support the District with environmental compliance under laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Clean Water Act, the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, and the California Fish and Game Code.
Perform and review technical analyses for flood control projects to assess environmental impacts; conduct field surveys; and recommend appropriate mitigation measures in accordance with applicable environmental regulations and procedures.
Prepare and review environmental documents (e.g., CEQA analyses) and regulatory permit applications under Sections 404, 401, and 1600.
Develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), oversee consultant deliverables, and coordinate with internal divisions and external agencies at local, state, federal, or tribal levels.
Provide technical support to Project Managers and mentor Assistant or Junior level staff.
May lead as a project manager or task lead in environmental or engineering-focused settings, and prepare or review technical studies including NEPA or CEQA documents (e.g., Environmental Impact Reports, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Negative Declarations, Notices of Exemption).
Experience with 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 preferred.
Education and Experience
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, urban or environmental planning, biological or ecological sciences, geography, archeology, 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 related field may substitute for one year of non-specialized required experience.
Experience:
Two years of professional-level experience in environmental planning, regulatory compliance or natural resources management, or environmental engineering. Experience with public works agencies is highly desirable.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations (CEQA, NEPA, FESA, CESA, AB-52, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish and Game Code, Waters of the State and Water of the U.S., Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and MSHCPs).
Ability to:
Conduct site assessments, analyze environmental data and impacts, communicate effectively, and develop alternative solutions; establish cooperative relationships; and read and interpret environmental documents and technical reports.
Licenses and Physical Requirements
License/Certificate:
Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. Travel to various locations throughout the county is required for field surveys and site visits.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to walk over uneven terrain and work in various environmental conditions; tolerate exposure to weather and wildlife during field duties.
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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. Salary range for this position will increase by 4% on April 30th 2026. To learn more about this position click here to view a video.
Responsibilities
Support the District with environmental compliance under laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Clean Water Act, the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, and the California Fish and Game Code.
Perform and review technical analyses for flood control projects to assess environmental impacts; conduct field surveys; and recommend appropriate mitigation measures in accordance with applicable environmental regulations and procedures.
Prepare and review environmental documents (e.g., CEQA analyses) and regulatory permit applications under Sections 404, 401, and 1600.
Develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), oversee consultant deliverables, and coordinate with internal divisions and external agencies at local, state, federal, or tribal levels.
Provide technical support to Project Managers and mentor Assistant or Junior level staff.
May lead as a project manager or task lead in environmental or engineering-focused settings, and prepare or review technical studies including NEPA or CEQA documents (e.g., Environmental Impact Reports, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Negative Declarations, Notices of Exemption).
Experience with 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 preferred.
Education and Experience
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, urban or environmental planning, biological or ecological sciences, geography, archeology, 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 related field may substitute for one year of non-specialized required experience.
Experience:
Two years of professional-level experience in environmental planning, regulatory compliance or natural resources management, or environmental engineering. Experience with public works agencies is highly desirable.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations (CEQA, NEPA, FESA, CESA, AB-52, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish and Game Code, Waters of the State and Water of the U.S., Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and MSHCPs).
Ability to:
Conduct site assessments, analyze environmental data and impacts, communicate effectively, and develop alternative solutions; establish cooperative relationships; and read and interpret environmental documents and technical reports.
Licenses and Physical Requirements
License/Certificate:
Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. Travel to various locations throughout the county is required for field surveys and site visits.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to walk over uneven terrain and work in various environmental conditions; tolerate exposure to weather and wildlife during field duties.
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