Associate Environmental Scientist

PURPOSE

The District’s Environmental Services Department uses science, planning, permitting, and outreach to support the District’s efforts to achieve its mission to manage, protect, conserve, and enhance the region’s water supply in an environmentally balanced manner. The department generates and analyzes scientific data, develops planning and environmental review documents, generates permit applications, and oversees permit implementation and environmental compliance in support of the District’s mission and to ensure long-term sustainability of the District’s water resources programs.  The Associate Environmental Scientist performs technical office and field-based activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement studies and plans (with emphasis on ecological issues), process data, prepare reports and correspondences, prepare permit applications, and develop CEQA documents.
• Conduct field work involving a range of tasks including ecological investigations to support the District’s efforts to comply with environmental laws.
• Assist District staff on ecological issues to comply with federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
• Represent the District on ecological issues to governmental agencies, various organizations, and the general public. Develop effective working relationships with representatives of key agencies and organizations.
• Perform administrative tasks, as required, including assisting with budget development and tracking, contract development and management, and maintaining records on project activities and compliance with requirements of federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
• Represent the District on ecological issues by presenting in written or spoken format at meetings, at professional conferences, and in print media.Stay current on the latest research, methods, and news on relevant ecological issues.
• Practice workload prioritization and organization in order to consistently meet environmental compliance deadlines.
• May supervise or direct the work of other staff in the Environmental Services Department or external consultants.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• 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 1 year of experience with environmental and regulatory matters relevant to the operation of water resource facilities.
• Sufficient experience working on ecological issues to perform assignments with a reasonable degree of independence under normal supervision after an orientation period.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of ecology, biology, hydrology, geomorphology, and water resource management.
• Scientific methods and techniques of data collection, management, and analysis for ecological studies.
• Environmental law, permitting, review, and compliance processes such as ESA, CESA, CEQA, NEPA, LSA, Clean Water Act, FERC licensing, and other applicable regulations. Work experience or coursework may be used to fill this qualification.
• Current technology, field equipment, computers, and software necessary to perform work tasks.
• Microsoft Word and Excel.

Ability to:

• Apply principles of logic and scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Read, analyze, and interpret documents and data.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Develop, review, and edit reports, correspondence and other technical documents.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, Board of Directors, outside agencies, and the public.
• Oversee technical and field staff.
• Learn and follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work, including: chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation, and general field operations.

Desirable experience and knowledge (not required):

• 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
• Avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures
• FERC licensing
• Water resources management
• Proficiency with GIS
• Proficiency with data analysis software such as R
• Database management and streamlining techniques
• Leadership experience

Certifications And Licenses

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire.