Position InformationJoin the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) as their next Environmental Resources Division Manager!As the Sonoma Water Environmental Resources Division Manager, you will be responsible for the daily management of the Environmental Resources Division, including coordinating and participating in efforts related to environmental resources and regulatory affairs. You will serve on Sonoma Water's Executive Committee, which meets weekly to develop and implement organizational change. The Sonoma Water Environmental Resources Division Manager is also responsible for:
- Managing and supervising the design and implementation of restoration, monitoring, and habitat assessment projects
- Prioritizing and coordinating the division's mandates, goals and objectives
- Coordinating environmental regulatory affairs outreach with local, state, and federal partners including but not limited to the National Marine Fisheries Services, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The ideal Sonoma Water Environmental Resources Division Manager candidate will have a passion for public water utilities, natural resources, and regulatory affairs and will possess the following:
- Experience working with community non-governmental organizations, tribal governments, volunteer organizations, or other community-based groups within the Sonoma Water service area
- The ability to be flexible and work effectively under pressure, in different settings under minimal supervision, and manage competing priorities
- Experience coordinating with local, state, federal, and tribal government agencies
- The ability to participate in frequent regulatory affairs activities in Sonoma County, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, which includes presentations and public speaking
- Ability to develop relationships with staff of all management levels
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suites of software (especially Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, and PowerPoint), Zoom, file management and organization skills, and basic troubleshooting ability
About Sonoma Water Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.
Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma.
What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory .
Sonoma Water is currently recruiting to fill a Sonoma Water Environmental Resources Division Manager position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list.
Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment . The Formal Title for this position is Water Agency Division Manager Environmental Resources and Public Affairs.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE
COMPLETED.Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, a Bachelor's degree in water related, physical, and/or biological sciences, environmental studies, environmental law, communications, public relations, or a closely related field; and six years increasingly responsible experience in environmental review; design and implementation of restoration, monitoring, and habitat assessment projects and programs; and/or water conservation and education involving complex public works projects/programs, including at least two years of experience at the level of a section manager or supervisor. A Master's Degree in a related field from an accredited institution is desired.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThorough knowledge of: County government, Federal, State, and local agencies which must coordinate work with Agency; principles, methods, and techniques of resource management and conservation and environmental planning; Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, current programs, and court decisions pertaining to environmental permits, environmental impact analysis, species and habitat protection; water use efficiency and related water supply management; water education programs and principles; industry practices in adult and child education related to water resources, sustainability, and watershed protection; principles and practices of habitat restoration; research and impact assessment methodologies; ecological principles, biological resources, environmental regulations and methods of compliance; standard statistical methods and procedures as they apply to the use of environmental and water use data; and written and oral communication, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition..
Considerable knowledge of: principles and practices of public administration, management, government budget and accounting, and personnel administration; the organizational objectives and functions of a water agency; effective organizational and operational methods and systems; effective managerial and supervisory techniques in a public service organization; citizen and public interest groups dealing with environmental use, efficiency, and education matters; environmental considerations in the design, location, construction, and maintenance of public works, water resources, enhancement, and other public projects; legislative and appropriation process including legislative advocacy strategies; current political issues and legislators' perspectives and concerns relate to water agency funding and legislative needs; modern office methods and procedures; computerized spreadsheets and other software applications to support the functions of the department.
Ability to: strategically plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the operations of assigned division; develop and implement short and long range departmental goals, objectives, and policies; evaluate department policy, practices, and procedures; define problem areas, and recommend solutions to improve department operations; determine work priorities and effectively coordinate and schedule the necessary personnel and other resources; communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; successfully negotiate and persuade others; deal tactfully, convincingly and effectively with department personnel, government officials, representatives of specific interest groups, and the general public; effectively assemble, organize, and present reports in written and/or oral form; balance resource and conservation needs with Agency goals of providing water, sanitation, and flood control services; establish and maintain effective working relationships with Agency employees, Board of Directors, Planning Commissions, City Councils, District Boards, Water Advisory Committee, environmental permitting agencies, public agencies and the general public to facilitate understanding and mutual cooperation; determine appropriate research methodology for project studies and insure that analysis is complete and accurate; supervise the preparation of, or perform difficult, complex and specialized resource studies and projects.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.Responses to supplemental questions may be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An
Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: JT
HR Technician: KK
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan :Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generousCounty contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .
IRS 457 Plan :Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical :County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief :County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 7/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
