At the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, we deliver reliable water to a region with 19 million people—and to accomplish this, we rely on a team of talented employees: innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators who make it all possible.
This recruitment may result in an eligibility list*.
As an Environmental Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting essential water infrastructure projects through a complex environmental and regulatory landscape. You will lead and prepare environmental analyses, studies, and projects in accordance with federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Fish and Game Code, Clean Water Act, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and federal and state endangered species acts. This positions primary focus is project management for environmental planning compliance and documentation. You will lead the preparation of CEQA documents and develop practical solutions to complex CEQA and regulatory permitting issues to ensure that critical projects move forward in compliance with environmental regulations. The successful candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively with members of project teams, including consultants, and be able to work both independently and as part of a project team.
What You’ll Do
- Prepare CEQA documentation, including initial studies, negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations, and environmental impact reports and supporting technical analyses
- Develop and implement mitigation monitoring and reporting plans
- Prepare environmental specifications and review design drawings for construction contracts
- Review and prepare applications, negotiate with regulatory agencies, and obtain regulatory permits for construction projects in accordance with the California Fish and Game Code, Clean Water Act, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and federal and state endangered species acts
- Prepare environmental project scopes, budgets, and schedules
- Provide consultant oversight, including reviewing work quality and preparing and monitoring consultant project scopes, budgets, and schedules
- Analyze and monitor proposed legislation and recommend appropriate strategies that ensure compliance with evolving regulations
- Disseminate information regarding pertinent regulatory and legislative issues
- Establish and maintain effective communication with managers, staff, and consultants
- Develop and deliver environmental planning training to educate and promote consistent compliance and best practices across the organization
Schedule: 44/36, Monday through Friday /Every other Friday off. Monday through Thursday 9 hours per day, 8 hours per day every other Friday. Start times are no earlier than 6 am and end times are no later than 6 pm.
Hybrid: Metropolitan’s current practice in this position is a hybrid work schedule. This typically includes two days a week in person and the other days remote. This is subject to change dependent on organizational needs. In addition, a telework policy is scheduled for negotiations and once completed and implemented, will provide final direction on the hybrid schedule.
This job announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification / job. To view the full job description click here: Environmental Specialist
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and six years of relevant experience;
OR two years in a MWD Associate Environmental Specialist classification;
OR Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and four years of relevant experience.
Relevant Experience is defined as: experience with environmental planning analysis, preparation of documentation, and project management for compliance with environmental laws and regulations including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
License(s): Valid California Class C Driver’s License or equivalent (required at time of application) that allows you to drive during your employment.