Journey Environmental Services Specialist

SMUD•Sacramento, CA

1d•$110,802 - $146,786•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of SMUD's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The role involves turning HCP commitments into an effective, ongoing program by overseeing implementation, compliance, monitoring, and reporting of the plan and its associated permit requirements. The successful candidate will conduct desktop environmental reviews of projects, assign environmental measures, track data, provide environmental training, calculate compensatory mitigation requirements, audit construction implementation of required measures, and prepare reports to ensure compliance with the HCP and incidental take permits. Coordination of these environmental requirements ensures HCP commitments are integrated into project activities and daily operations. The person in this position will be responsible for advancing and strengthening SMUD’s existing HCP implementation program by working with field and operational staff to translate regulatory and biological requirements into practical, repeatable operational processes. Purpose Serve as a technical resource supporting and coordinating SMUD’s projects, environmental programs and regulatory requirements, including: Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate environmental programs; Work with contractors and consultants; Train business unit personnel in environmental procedures; Ensure work quality and accuracy as it relates to environmental issues; Ensure compliance with applicable environmental rules, policies, regulations, and procedures. Nature and Scope There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience, and qualification requirements: Flex classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series: Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level. Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job. Non-Flex classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series. Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead and/or supervisory capacity. Supervisor: Working supervisor directing the work of a functional team. Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series. Seniors and Supervisors must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental studies, engineering, biology, geology, archaeology, or a related field or equivalent experience. If no degree, seven or more (7+) years of experience are required.
Three or more (3+) years of relevant work experience as an Environmental Specialist or Technician or equivalent role, with specific experience performing relevant environmental tasks and duties.
Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License (CDL) with a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).
Environmental fundamentals, procedures, policies, standards, practices, and industry trends pertaining to one or more of the following: California Environmental Quality Act; Clean Water Act; endangered species; stormwater; hazardous materials business plans; soil sampling, management, disposal, cathodic well installation; air quality permitting; water quality permitting; and/or greenhouse gas reporting;
Regulatory processes at the federal, state and local levels to effectively represent SMUD in environmental concerns;
Methods and techniques for report preparation and writing;
Techniques and practices for problem research and resolution;
Methods and techniques for record keeping;
Standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software;
English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.
Plan, develop, implement, and administer environmental programs on one’s own;
Conduct environmental audits, inspections and assessments;
Interpret, assess and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements relative to environmental fields;
Promote regulatory awareness among business unit managers;
Recommend changes to work processes to reduce risk and work closely with others to implement changes;
Conduct trend analysis of data, identify and assess problems, and recommend solutions;
Develop and provide training as needed;
Apply applicable laws, codes and regulations;
Use a wide variety of electronic equipment and software relevant to the tasks;
Communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally;
Establish and effective working relationships internally/externally.

Nice To Haves

Implementation and management of complex environmental programs including program development.
Environmental compliance experience including biological resources and regulatory expertise.
Experience working with regulatory agencies, permitting process and environmental compliance programs.
Knowledge of CEQA, federal and state endangered species regulations, and habitat conservation plans.
Familiarity with utility construction methods.
Ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with planning and field staff, consultants, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams.
Independent decision-making and sound environmental judgement.
Ability to identify and resolve compliance issues proactively.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate environmental programs to ensure compliance with applicable environmental rules, policies and regulations.
Prepare, review and submit permit applications, technical reports, and compliance documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
Monitor organizational activities for compliance and recommend corrective actions as needed.
Conduct field assessments, sampling, and analysis of environmental data (e.g., air, water, soil, biological resources, hazardous materials) to evaluate risks and potential impacts.
Interpret environmental data and prepare detailed technical reports, summaries, and recommendations.
Provide technical expertise to support decision-making and project planning.
Develop, coordinate and deliver training programs for staff and stakeholders on environmental regulations, policies, and best practices.
Promote environmental awareness within the organization and community through presentations, workshops, and educational materials.
Manage or serve as a key contributor to environmental projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate environmental considerations into project planning, design and implementation.
Track project milestones, budgets and deliverables, ensuring successful project outcomes.
Identify opportunities to reduce the organization’s environmental footprint and improve sustainability practices.
Develop strategies, track progress, and report on sustainability metrics and goals.
Represent the organization in meetings with regulatory agencies, community organizations, and external partners.
Facilitate public outreach, engagement and education efforts on environmental issues and programs.
Develop and maintain response plans for environmental emergencies such as spills, releases or contamination events.
Participate in drills, training, and incident response activities to ensure organizational readiness.
Stay current on emerging environmental regulations, policies and technologies and evaluate their potential impacts on organizational operations.
Conduct research and prepare recommendations for program or policy updates.
Research and identify funding opportunities to support environmental programs and initiatives.
Prepare grant proposals and manage awarded projects to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Serve as a liaison between departments, leadership, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders on environmental issues.
Clearly communicate technical information, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences including non-technical staff and the public.
Perform other related responsibilities as assigned. Work schedules, locations, and hours may vary depending on business and project needs.