Salary : $93,184.00 - $118,913.60 Annually
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Salary
Job Number: 0624PM-002804-01
Department: Public Works
Division: 40507 PW Environmental Division
Opening Date: 06/14/2024
Closing Date: 7/5/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
About the Position

The Environmental Programs Division is seeking a Principal Environmental Specialist (PES) to join our nine-member team conducting a wide range of environmental services for public infrastructure projects. The Division represents a full-service environmental team, capable of processing complex State and Federally funded projects entirely in-house.
This PES position will lead the Division's 4-person Capital Projects team, which is responsible for providing environmental review, permitting, and mitigation for the Public Works Department's capital improvement program. The position plans, oversees, and coordinates the activities of the team, provides mentoring, supervision, and coordination with internal and external partners. The ability to work efficiently, expeditiously and with a wide range of project stakeholders is critical.

The Environmental Division is highly collaborative and works at a fast pace. To that end, the PES position is primarily office-based. It is expected that the PES would be in the office four days per week.
Capital Projects Team
The team includes the PES and three full time Environmental Specialists who support the Department's capital improvement program. This 4-person team provides environmental review, permitting, and mitigation for public works projects and facilities County-wide. The PES will provide needed additional oversight and mentorship to staff assigned to large-scale and complex environmental projects, address unallocated projected workloads, lead and mentor staff members implementing complicated negotiations with regulatory agencies. Staff on this team are office-based although field work is routine.
The Principal Environmental Specialist will:

• Plan, organize and direct environmental operations to assure environmental programs, projects and activities comply with established Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel; interview and select employees; recommend transfers; coordinate subordinate work assignments and review work to assure compliance with established standards, requirements and procedures;
• Develop, implement and conduct employee environmental training sessions.
• Provide technical information and assistance regarding Division or function activities, needs and issues; assist in the formulation and development of policies, procedures, strategic plans and programs; participate in the preparation and administration of adopted County environmental programs and ordinances.
• Communicate with administrators, personnel, the general public and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information; coordinate division activities with outside organizations such as Caltrans, State Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other related environmental regulatory organizations as required.
• Maintain current knowledge of environmental laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and legislation affecting assigned division.

, to read the full job description for Principal Environmental Specialist.
Effective July 1, 2024, the compensation for this position will increase by 2.50%. This is a bargained-across-the-board increase for this job classification.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.
The Ideal Candidate

This position requires a highly-motivated, independent worker who can conduct and process the most complex professional environmental planning work, plan and direct the work of others, as well as evaluate staff performance. The ideal candidate will have strong supervisorial/leadership experience, including the ability to form relationships build a collaborative team, delegate, supervise, and coach. A background in environmental sciences, natural resources, or planning as well as technical field experience is desirable.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of:

• Management of environmental compliance and regulatory operations
• Local State and Federal rules and regulations regarding environmental and land-use planning with special emphasis on CEQA and environmental compliance practices and procedures
• Principles and practices of environmental planning and public administration
• Consequences of public decision making on environmental resources
• Systems of the physical and life sciences
• Planning and engineering principles and practices pertinent to environmental impact determinations
• Practices and procedures involved in the investigation and resolution of environmental and regulatory permit issues and disputes
• Principles and practices of budget preparation
• Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Basic public relations techniques

Minimum requirements for this position:
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in environmental, physical or life science, natural resources management or a closely related field. (Job-related experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) In addition, four years of experience performing environmental compliance and regulatory duties, two of which need to be in a supervisory position.
A valid driver's license is required at the time of application.
A valid CALIFORNIA driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews. Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed. For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov
For more information regarding the Public Works Department, please visit our website at
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link) .
Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.
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Describe your experience working on a complex project, and describe the environmental deliverables and challenges.
02

Describe your experience working on a project involving numerous agencies and stakeholders.
Required Question