Environmental Specialist

This is a full-time, exempt position as an Environmental Specialist with the Mile High Flood District (MHFD). This position performs a variety of functions related to vegetation management and environmental compliance. The position also assists the Environmental Manager with implementing policy and various initiatives and provides technical expertise to achieve the MHFD's environmental stewardship efforts.

• Contributes to the development and implementation of effective strategies and plans to deliver environmental services objectives, focusing on environmental stewardship and compliance.
• Conducts environmental compliance review and assists with permit acquisition for District projects in coordination with the Environmental Manager.
• Monitors the work of ecological and maintenance contractors and consultants to ensure contractual compliance.
• Coordinates with a wide variety project stakeholders including consultants, contractors, and local government staff to achieve environmental program objectives.
• Develops, reviews, and evaluates ecological monitoring programs and plans; assists with direction and evaluation of the work of consultants and special project teams performing these environmental monitoring and field studies.
• Evaluates environmental monitoring plans and monitoring data to determine compliance with environmental regulatory requirements; assists with meeting annual reporting obligations to state and federal resource agencies.
• Manages on-call revegetation and vegetation management contractors.
• Assists in the day-to-day supervision and mentoring of student intern.
• Coordinates and evaluates ecological restoration projects; coordinates work to improve consistency of revegetation results, assists with interpretation of permits and plans; works with construction, maintenance, and monitoring teams to troubleshoot restoration project problems; incorporates best available science into restoration project planning, implementation, and management.
• Assists with research efforts to advance ecological restoration practices and support development of technical standards, design guidelines, and criteria.
• Participates in regulatory meetings to support the planning, design, and approval of Flood District Projects.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Planning, or other related field
• At least five (5) years of specialized experience in the field gained through professional education, training, and professional experience, preferably in natural resource science and environmental compliance work. A Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience
• Familiarity with the District’s Clean Water Act Section 404 Individual Permit and Regional General Permit
• Direct experience with upland, riparian, and wetland restoration and re-vegetation techniques and experience overseeing implementation
• Experienced in biological resource impact assessments, compensatory mitigation planning, regulatory permitting and knowledge of special-status species surveys, habitat evaluation and mapping, wetland delineation, and restoration planning

• Able to implement short and long-term policy goals in line with the District’s mission
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and manage natural resources management projects; review stream restoration, wetland creation, and stormwater management projects
• Able to move existing and new projects forward with a high degree of independence and autonomy
• Experience in presenting one's own ideas and diplomatically persuading others as appropriate
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to develop and manage productive relationships with consultants, local agency staff, project partners, and others who contribute to the development of a project
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Must have a demonstrated interest and ability in maintaining technical proficiency

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to traverse and inspect all areas of jobsite in various weather conditions; this may include walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching.
• May be required to lift, push, or carry up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally, prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Immediate Opening
• Starting compensation range: $87,000 - $107,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Application Deadline: Friday, January 10

Send cover letter and résumé to Amelia Deleon, Human Resources Director, adeleon@mhfd.org