Assistant Regulatory Planner (Assistant Flood Control Planner) (Finance)

The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is seeking an Assistant Flood Control Planner. This position is assigned to the Regulatory Division in Riverside and is comparable to a traditional Environmental Planner role.

The individual in this role will have planning experience and will assist the District with a variety of responsibilities related to environmental compliance under laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Clean Water Act, and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts. Typical duties include conducting field surveys, performing and reviewing technical analyses for flood control projects to assess environmental impacts, and recommending mitigation measures in accordance with state and federal environmental regulations and procedures. The position also involves coordinating with internal divisions and supporting Project Managers.

The ideal candidate will have internship or professional experience in a planning, engineering, or public works agency, or in an environmental or engineering consulting firm. Experience with GIS, wildlife surveys, or habitat assessments, along with a basic understanding of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, is highly desirable.

The most competitive candidates will demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles and practices of environmental planning, flood control, and land development; a foundational understanding of CEQA, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Acts; strong analytical, report-writing, and verbal communication skills; and the ability to read and interpret environmental documents and related technical reports, including hydrology studies, drainage plans, and development proposals. Candidates should possess general computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).

Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District provides for the control and conservation of flood and storm waters and for the protection of watercourses, watersheds, public highways, life and property from damage within its boundaries.• Assist in preparation of Requests for Proposal/Scope of Work for capital projects; assist in the review of consultant proposals/scope of work, budgets and schedules; participate in selection of same.

• Assist in the management of consultant progress and work product; provide technical guidance to personnel engaged in complex environmental review processes; assist in invoice reviews for management approval; and use technical knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations to assist Flood Control Planners in capital project delivery facilitation.

• Provide support and technical assistance to Project Managers of capital projects; participate in capital project delivery including attendance at stakeholder meetings and occasional public meetings.

• Assist in the preparation or review of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) technical studies and documents; assist in the preparation of CEQA compliance documents and notifications for routine maintenance and emergency repair projects.

• Assist in the preparation of applications to obtain 404 permits, 401 certification, and stream bed alteration agreements for construction and maintenance of flood control facilities, working closely with federal, state, and local resource agencies, and cooperatively with stakeholders, including cities, oversight agencies and affected private developers to prepare same.

• Travel to property sites and surrounding areas with Flood Control Planners to gather data, such as habitat assessments, and assist in the analysis of collected case or project data.Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, environmental engineering, biology (wildlife-related), ecology, planning, hydrology, geology, geography, environmental sciences, or a closely related field. Applicants from other academic backgrounds may also be considered if their experience clearly demonstrates a strong understanding of environmental planning.

Other Requirements:

Experience: Some work-related experience is required, preferably involving GIS platforms such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro, as well as conducting wildlife field surveys or habitat assessments. Experience gained through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level roles may be considered. Ideal experience includes work with a county or other governmental agency, water agency, land use or community planning department, or public works organization.

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. This position involves travel to various locations throughout the county to conduct field surveys and site visits.

Physical Requirements: The position requires the ability to walk over uneven outdoor terrain and work in a variety of environmental conditions. Candidates must be able to tolerate exposure to weather elements and local wildlife while performing field duties.

Knowledge of: Basic principles of water quality control and water resource management; basic principles of either environmental, chemical, civil, agricultural, geotechnical, or sanitary engineering relating to the treatment and disposal of solid and liquid wastes, or relating to the control of water pollution and the management of source ground water; social, economic, and environmental conditions which affect public works planning; research, analytical, and statistical methods applicable to public works planning; methods, equipment, including computers, and techniques used in the preparation of planning reports; modern theories, current trends, and general principles and practices of urban and public works planning; local, state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and standard practices; CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act (404, 401), ESA, California Fish and Game Code, and other applicable state and federal regulations and guidance; "Water of the US and the State" and Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans.

Ability to: Analyze water degradation and pollution and make recommendations for elimination and control; apply statistical methods and computer modeling techniques to stormwater planning projects; research, compile, analyze and interpret data; communicate effectively orally and in writing in a variety of situations; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; analyze planning problems, technical studies, and documents, develop and evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend effective courses of action.Open to All Applicants

This recruitment is open to all applicants.

Applicants who are current County of Riverside employees and/or current employees of the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of applications received.

Qualified applicants may be considered for future vacancies throughout the County.

For questions regarding this recruitment Contact Vanessa Diaz-Beaird at VDBEAIRD @rivco.org with any questions regarding this recruitment.