County of Orange

  • Senior Environmental Resources Specialist (OC Infrastructure Programs)

  • Orange County, CA
  • Orange County, California United States View Map
CAREER DESCRIPTION

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST

(OC Infrastructure Programs)

SALARY INFORMATION


Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment is open to the public and is being held to establish an eligible list to fill current and future Senior Environmental Resources Specialist vacancies within OC Public Works and/or other County of Orange agencies. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the recruitment will close on

Tuesday , July 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PT ) .

OC PUBLIC WORKS
OC Public Works (OCPW) provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through the sustainable delivery of projects and services. OC Public Works’ guiding principles are safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and adaptability.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Facilities Design & Construction and CUF; OC Facilities Maintenance; OC Fleet Services; OC Infrastructure Programs; OC Operations & Maintenance.

OC Infrastructure Programs
OC Infrastructure Programs provides engineering services for roadways in unincorporated areas and regional flood control facilities throughout Orange County. Business Units within Infrastructure Programs include Programming, Engineering Design, Regulatory Permitting, Legislation Tracking, Project Management, Flood Programs, Traffic Engineering, and Development Support services.

For more information on OC Public Works click here .
For more information on the County of Orange click here .

THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Public Works is looking for an experienced Senior Environmental Resources Specialist with functional expertise in the area of Regulatory Permitting, River/Habitat Restoration, and Biological Compliance. The Regulatory Permitting Team, within OC Infrastructure Programs, oversees the permitting of the Capital Improvement Program, as well as the Maintenance Improvement Program and routine maintenance for OCPW. The Senior Environmental Resources Specialist is expected to work with other teams throughout OCPW and other County agencies to ensure that all of our work is conducted in a manner that minimizes impacts to the environment, seeks opportunities to enhance the environment, and ensures that all activities comply with the various environmental legislation.

The successful incumbent will have experience in the following:
  • Writing and reviewing regulatory permits (Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, Clean Water Act Section 404 Permits and Section 401 Certification and Coastal Development Permits)
  • Negotiating with regulators
  • Developing habitat mitigation plans
  • Conducting environmental compliance in the field (ideally including conducting bird nesting surveys, as well as habitat and aquatic delineation surveys)
  • With CEQA and various other environmental regulations, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish & Game Code, Clean Water Act, and applicable Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCP)/Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP)
  • Reviewing construction and operational plans and documenting and advising on impact avoidance and minimization measures for compliance with regulatory permit conditions and mitigation measures and incorporate restoration measures where feasible
  • Preparing routine reports documenting habitat mitigation area status as required by regulatory permits
  • Training OCPW staff in identifying and appropriate avoidance of native habitats and species in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or permits
  • Closely monitoring every phase of construction at project sites for compliance with regulatory permits and plans and environmental legislation
  • Creating maps, exhibits, reports, and presentations to inform decision makers, state and federal resource agency staff, including use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other aerial mapping software
  • In designing and/or implementing river restoration techniques (highly desirable, but not essential)
  • With environmentally sustainable erosion control measures (Bio-engineering/Engineering with Nature) (highly desirable, but not essential)

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess six (6) years of experience in the field of Regulatory Permitting or other relevant environmental field and will also hold a Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental engineering, watershed management, ecology, geology or a related degree.
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidates shall possess knowledge and experience in the following core competencies:
Technical Knowledge
  • Ability to interpret and understand federal, state, and local legislation, policies, regulations, and issues that pertain to the assignment
  • Preparation of informational, statistical, scientific, technical and compliance reports
  • Knowledge of river restoration and streambank erosion repair techniques
  • Ability to read and comprehend technical documents and specifications
  • Knowledge of fluvial geomorphological principles relating to channel stability and fluvial dynamics
  • Contract management
  • Knowledge of California native plants, native plant communities, non-native and invasive plants; and proper planting and irrigation techniques (relevant out-of-state experience will be considered)
  • Knowledge of Southern California fish and wildlife species
  • Ability to interpret topographic maps and aerial photographs and use GIS/GPS and/or other aerial software applications
  • Ability to use ESRI ArcGIS products
  • Familiarity with construction drawings and specifications related to biological issues
  • Knowledge of standard habitat impact minimization and protection techniques
  • Resource agency negotiation, permitting, and mitigation experience
Problem Solving and Analysis
  • Ability to identify, research, evaluate, estimate, accurately interpret, and apply technical data and policy information
  • Effectively identify and use department resources to resolve issues
  • Analyze problems and adopt effective courses of action
  • Proactively plan and align all undertakings with organizational vision
  • Effectively manage competing priorities while meeting established deadlines
  • Demonstrate innovation and creativity with a solution focus
Effective Communication | Collaboration
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex topics, both verbally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language, to a variety of audiences of varying levels of understanding
  • Ability to direct efforts of staff who are not direct reports, including outside contractors/consultants to meet project/program objectives
  • Maintain open and productive dialogue to facilitate resolutions, improvements, and inclusion
  • Review and check documents for accuracy and quality of work and convey feedback and direction in an effective manner
  • Promote open, candid information sharing across organizational boundaries
Resolution | Decision Making
  • Ability to resolve conflicts in a positive and constructive manner
  • Work independently and maintain flexibility among changing assignments and priorities
  • Anticipate and minimize unexpected issues and situations by promptly resolving and addressing the issue and/or situation with evidence-based decision-making strategies
  • Implement/apply logical and creative thought processes in developing solutions according to written/oral specifications and/or instructions
  • Effectively and efficiently produce results consistent with program objectives
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the minimum qualifications for Senior Environmental Resources Specialist.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
By date of appointment, possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher is required, which must be maintained throughout employment.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Veterans Employment Preference (VEPP)
 The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

Questions? For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Brian Quinlan at (714) 667-9750 or by email at brian.quinlan@pw.oc.gov.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.



Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: 7/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
County of Orange

County of Orange

714.834.5315

Discover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange

With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.

As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.

As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.

 

Community Impact:

Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Employee Wellness:

At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.

Innovation:

The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.

Collaboration:

Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.

Equality:

At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.

Career Advancement:

The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.

 

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