Environmental Scientist

United Water Conservation District • Oxnard, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Scientist/Regulatory Affairs Specialist provides expertise in regulatory compliance to guide and complete projects supporting the District’s environmental and conservation initiatives. This role is crucial for achieving the District’s mission of managing, protecting, conserving, and enhancing the region's water supply in an environmentally balanced manner, ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources programs. The primary responsibilities focus on the regulatory and compliance aspects of District projects, involving both lead and support roles in the planning, management, and implementation of large, complex, and technical projects within the water resource management sector.

Requirements

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, FERC licensing and compliance, Clean Water Act permitting, Lake and Streambed Alteration agreements, California Environmental Quality Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.
• Knowledge of principles of ecology, biology, hydrology, geomorphology, and water resource management.
• Knowledge of scientific methods and techniques for data collection, management, and analysis for ecological studies.
• Ability to prepare formal documents including reports, letters, presentations, application packages, and other 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 completion on schedule and within budget.
• Ability to apply principles of logic and scientific thinking to a wide range of problems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and data.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• 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.
• Experienced in CEQA and NEPA planning processes including the development of CEQA and NEPA documents.
• Experienced 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 Haves

• Master's degree is highly desirable.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and guidance during project planning and development.
• Prepare project-specific documentation, including regulatory application packages, implementation reports, and associated correspondence.
• Advise District staff, Board of Directors, and executive management on regulatory and technical matters for District projects to ensure sound science and regulatory compliance inform decisions.
• 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 processes (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, cultural) and permitting processes (e.g., ESA, CESA, Clean Water Act, LSA, FERC license requirements) to support project development, implementation, and operation.
• Perform administrative tasks for the Environmental Services Department, including developing and managing consultant contracts, developing and tracking budgets, grant applications and management, preparing reports and presentations for Board meetings, and maintaining records on project activities and compliance with environmental laws.
• May supervise or direct the work of other staff in the Environmental Services Department.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level