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. 

Click here, 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.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.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.govFor more information regarding the Public Works Department, please visit our website at Public Works - County of San Luis Obispo.