Engineering Environmental Planner

County of Santa Barbara
$86,168.16 - $103,640.16 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, California, Santa Barbara
1226 Anacapa Street (Show on map)
Nov 13, 2024
Description We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Engineering Environmental Planner vacancy in Santa Barbara for the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department. BENEFITS OVERVIEW Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays: 13 days per year. Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15. Click on the Benefits Tab above or click here for more information on County benefits. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for: Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule 1414* and Extra-Help Engineering Environmental Planner vacancies in All Locations. NOTE : Positions vacated as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. BENEFITS: The 1414 position is eligible for Full-Time benefits. THE POSITION: Under general supervision, reviews, analyzes, and reports on environmental impacts of engineering projects, including roads and flood control; and performs related duties as required. The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess: At least two (2) years of experience in CEQA and environmental planning/permitting At least two (2) years of experience with environmental regulations, public works operations, site monitoring, or equivalent project management Experience working a combination of in-office and field duties Familiarity with Santa Barbara County ecology and management implications Ability to be dependable and self-motivated Strong work ethics and demonstrate honest behavior Proficient computer skills Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This class provides entry to the Engineering Environmental Planner series. During the probationary period, incumbents learn to apply various environmental laws and regulations in reviewing proposed projects and managing environmental aspects of Public Works projects that are ongoing. After the probationary period, incumbents are expected to work at the journey level, on routine and less controversial projects. Incumbents work with a lesser degree of technical independence, as their work will typically be reviewed by an Engineering Environmental Planner, Senior. This class is further distinguished from the class of Planner in that incumbents, in addition to performing the environmental review of projects proposed by their respective departments, also participate in determining the need for projects, and consult with appropriate departmental staff to ensure that projects are completed in a feasible manner that is also in compliance with applicable environmental regulations. ABOUT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of five divisions: Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Flood Control and Water Resources Division (Water Agency and Project Clean Water), the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. The County's Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve. To learn more about us, visit www.countyofsb.org/pwd/. Examples of Duties Analyzes plans of less complex or controversial projects to determine appropriate level of environmental review and assess compliance with environmental regulations and compatibility with policies and permits; evaluates environmental impact of operations and maintenance, debris clearing, and other engineering projects, and determines appropriate mitigation measures; writes project descriptions, including cost estimates; researches county, state, and federal environmental quality and protection regulations to provide advice to departmental staff on compliance requirements. Prepares project applications and documents, such as environmental assessments, EIR's, EIS's, negative declarations, and categorical exemptions; prepares permit applications and compliance reports; conducts routine negotiations on mitigation methods and permit conditions with regulatory agencies; performs environmental monitoring to ensure that the department remains in compliance with permit conditions. Performs field work, such as endangered species surveys and monitoring during routine operations and construction projects; water quality sampling; site inspections for environmental compliance; and management of native plant restoration sites. Prepares Requests for Proposal for environmental consulting contracts of smaller value; negotiates and administers contracts with consultants; reviews work of contractors to ensure that tasks are completed in accordance with the timeliness and standards of quality set forth in the contract; authorizes payment to contractors. Employment Standards Possession of a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, environmental law, planning, geography, life sciences, or a closely related field; OR A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Basic knowledge of: environmental issues and planning principles. Knowledge of: English grammar, usage, and syntax. Ability to: learn the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the associated environmental review processes and documents; learn the provisions of permits issued for operations at the Tajiguas Sanitary Landfill and ReSource Center; collect and analyze data; interpret and apply environmental regulations to specific project plans and field circumstances; establish and maintain working relationships and conduct informal negotiations with other County departments, outside agencies, and private consultants; work independently; prepare narrative reports; act as liaison between various regulatory agencies and the department served; review the work of others; learn the goals and operations of the department served; learn to prepare Requests for Proposal; learn to negotiate and administer contracts; learn to read engineering drawings; travel independently throughout the County; organize and prioritize the work of several projects. A California Class C Driver's License may be required. Desirable Qualifications: Depending on assignment, knowledge of hydrology, wildlife biology, or civil engineering may be desirable. Supplemental Information Independent travel throughout the County will be required. Incumbents may be exposed to a variety of hazardous and/or unpleasant field conditions, including: wet, rainy, cold, or hot weather; poison oak. APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates. Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. NOTE: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this position (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department when you complete your application, and (3) pass all phases of the Application & Selection process. The preference points will be added to your final test score. Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The ability to perform physical tasks of moderate difficulty may be required for some positions in this class. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a twelve (12) month probationary period. Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a doctor or a learning institution. Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. Statement of Commitment The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential. We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances. We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members. We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity. APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: November 27, 2024 by 4:59 p.m. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com . Kim Clark, Public Works Human Resources Coordinator, kiclark@countyofsb.org