County of Riverside · 1 month ago
Chief Biologist (Environmental Project Manager)
Riverside County, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
4+ years expThe County of Riverside's Transportation and Land Management Agency is seeking a Chief Biologist (Environmental Project Manager) to manage the Biology Unit within the Environmental Programs Division. The role focuses on overseeing ecological resources management and ensuring compliance with habitat conservation plans and environmental regulations.
GovernmentHealth CarePublic RelationsPublic SafetySocial
No H1B
Responsibilities
Overseeing the implementation of, and ensuring proposed project consistency with, Habitat Conservation Plans/Natural Community Conservation Plans
Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and practices associated with land development projects
Reviewing and evaluating the biological elements of land use applications to ensure practical implementation of regional ecological policies and guidelines
Performing environmental evaluations related to ecological reserve/conservation configurations, urban/wildland interface issues, sensitive habitats/vegetation, animal movement, species relocation plans, revegetation plans, and other land use issues resulting from public and private development
Conducting meetings with various regulating agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
Reviewing biological assessments to ensure proper mitigation measures and conservation plan consistency, which may include, but are not limited to: Habitat Assessments, Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Consistency Analyses, Jurisdictional Delineations, and Determinations of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP)
Provide project management support on an array of technically complex projects related to biological compliance documentation and coordination with other wildlife and conservation regulating agencies
Plan, organize, direct, review, and evaluate the work of professional department staff and external consultants
Participates or directs others in the preparation of the habitat conservation plans; provides technical expertise needed to effectively implement those plans
Facilitates the coordination of environmental site research and planning by other agencies, private groups or individuals
Reviews biological resource evaluations and assists in determining the types of mitigation required of proposed projects in sensitive habitat areas in order to implement habitat conservation plans
Provides information regarding the results of project proposed mitigation measures for habitat conservation to federal and state agencies
Reviews biological reports and other environmental data submitted to the County with development/land use applications; makes comments and requests further information as needed and determines the type and nature of appropriate mitigation measures for biological resources assessed on properties
May prepare or review relevant sections of environmental documentation for proposed projects, which include development and monitoring of biological mitigation measures
Develop and assign biological conditions of approval to land use project and communicates this information to landowners, applicants, developers, consultants and other public agencies
May make verbal presentations to the Planning Commission and/or Board of Supervisors and other public entities on matters concerning vegetation, wildlife, and natural resources protection and enhancements
Attend periodic meetings with RCA and other wildlife agencies to review project mitigation and compliance strategies
Consult with applicants/public inquiries and provide direction about required conservation compliance, clarify conservation plan requirements and explain why they must comply
Qualification
Required
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably in engineering, physical, chemical, environmental, or biological science, planning, public administration, urban or physical geography, geology, architecture, or closely related field to the assignment
An advanced degree in a scientific field of study is highly desired
Four years of professional transportation land use or water resource planning experience, which included two years of experience with responsibility for project oversight in a lead, supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity
Candidates must possess one or more of the following: A California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Scientific Collecting Permit
A Relevant Certificate, License, Or Demonstrable Experience In a Biological Discipline Directly Related To The Work Performed By The County, Such As Wetlands Delineation or Regulatory Permitting
Possession of a valid California Driver's License
Knowledge of the principles and practices of project management especially as they apply to public works and/or development activities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of land use and transportation planning
Knowledge of environmental monitoring
Knowledge of state and federal standards concerning public works and/or land use design and construction
Knowledge of techniques of project management, personnel management, and project funding and budgeting
Knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting environmental permitting and permit clearance including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Clean Water Act, and California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of an environmental or water resources planning unit
Ability to lay out and supervise the work of professional or water resources environmental personnel
Ability to perform difficult technical research, analyze situations accurately, and adopt effective courses of action
Ability to review, evaluate, and comment on proposed environmental plans or legislation that affect the Department's environmental process
Ability to review current department practices, prepare policies or revise existing policies to ensure environmental compliance
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others
Preferred
A strong technical background in ecological resource management paired with advanced mapping and technology skills
A comprehensive understanding of GIS mapping principles, application utilization, data input, and file sharing is highly desirable
Experience with field mapping using mobile GIS and GPS technologies will be considered a valuable asset
Knowledge of, or experience applying, UAV/Drone technologies for site review and documentation will be especially competitive
Benefits
Performance Recognition Plan
Veterans Preference Policy
Reasonable Accommodations
Company
County of Riverside
County of Riverside is a government entity that provides regional administration, public services, and community support programs.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Brian Nestande
Deputy CEO
Charissa Leach, P.E.
Riverside Co. Asst. Chief Executive Officer/TLMA Director
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