Senior Environmental Services Specialist

SMUD•Sacramento, CA

2d•$128,482 - $170,144•Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as a CEQA lead and technical expert in performing planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of key Environmental Services programs, as well as regulatory requirements in support of business unit operations. The lead will assume responsibility for overseeing projects and resolving complex problems, obtaining environmental permits, developing and delivering solutions that meet internal and external customer needs and expectations. The role serves as a program lead and technical expert coordinating SMUD’s environmental programs and regulatory requirements. This posting intends to fill one (1) regular full-time position and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill regular, full-time, or limited-term positions, over the next two (2) years.

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, nine or more (9+) years of experience are required.
Five or more (5+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the environmental field to include overseeing or leading projects.
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 and with expertise in 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;
Methods and techniques for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling work activities.
Methods and techniques for training staff;
Methods and techniques for report preparation and writing;
Techniques and practices for problem research and resolution;
Basic budgeting techniques;
Methods and techniques for keeping records;
Standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software;
English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.
Project and Program Management.
Sustainability Initiatives.
Community and Regulatory Engagement.
Emergency Response Preparedness.
Research, Policy and Monitoring
Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition
Leadership, Collaboration and Communication
Promote regulatory awareness among business units;
Drive integration of environmental compliance and risk reduction strategies;
Recommend changes to work processes to reduce risk and work closely with others to implement changes;
Identify and assess problems and recommend solutions;
Coordinate work with other SMUD business units and individuals;
Plan, organize, direct, control, and review the work performed by others;
Identify and assess training needs for staff;
Plan, organize, prioritize, and schedule projects;
Apply applicable laws, codes and regulations;
Assist in budget preparation and administration;
Manage contracts;
Utilize a personal computer and software relevant to the job;
Communicate effectively orally and in writing internally and externally;
Establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Experience with regulatory compliance, environmental risk assessment, environmental review, environmental permitting, development and implementation of mitigation measures and permit conditions, and training staff on environmental regulations and requirements.
Strong quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and communication skills.
Experience preparing and managing CEQA documents, including Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations, Negative Declarations, and Categorical Exemptions.
Experience in project management, including managing budgets and schedules, contract management, and developing and executing scopes of work.

Responsibilities

Handle the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental programs to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental rules, policies, regulations, and procedures.
Oversee the preparation and submittal of permit applications, technical reports, and compliance documents, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Provide expert guidance and recommendations to management and staff on complex compliance matters and emerging regulations.
Direct and oversee field assessments, sampling and analysis of environmental data (e.g., air, water, soil, biological resources, hazardous materials) to evaluate risks and impacts.
Review and validate technical reports and findings prepared by staff or consultants.
Apply advanced technical knowledge to interpret data, resolve complex issues, and guide organizational decision-making.
Develop, deliver and oversee training programs on environmental policies, procedures, and best practices for staff, leadership and stakeholders.
Mentor and provide technical direction to junior and journey-level staff on environmental issues.
Serve as a subject matter expert and resource on environmental education and compliance awareness initiatives.
Manage major environmental projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
Oversee project teams, consultants and contractors, including budgeting, scheduling and deliverables.
Recommend strategies for risk management, problem resolution, and process improvement across environmental programs.
Develop and guide organizational sustainability programs and strategies to reduce environmental impact.
Track, assess and report on sustainability performance metrics to leadership and external stakeholders.
Recommend and implement innovative approaches to improve operational efficiency and sustainability outcomes.
Represent the organization in high-level meetings with regulatory agencies, community organizations, and external partners.
Facilitate public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and community education on environmental initiatives and issues.
Act as primary liaison with regulators on compliance matters, ensuring organizational interests are represented.
Drive the development and implementation of environmental emergency response plans (e.g., spills, contamination events, etc.).
Direct staff training and response drills to ensure organizational readiness.
Serve as subject matter expert during emergency response incidents, providing technical guidance and coordination.
Monitor and assess changes in environmental legislation, regulations and policies; advise management on impacts to operations.
Conduct and oversee research on environmental trends, technologies, and best practices to support program innovation.
Develop recommendations for program and policy updates in response to regulatory and industry changes.
Identify funding opportunities and oversee the preparation of applicable sections of grant applications.
Oversee compliance with grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with requirements and alignment with program objectives.
Provide technical expertise in assigned environmental program areas.
Supervise consultants, contractors, and act as an authorized delegate for supervisory responsibilities, including training, mentoring, and performance feedback for staff.
Communicate complex technical and regulatory information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executives, staff, and the public.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.