Public Works Regulatory Specialist (Planner III)

The Job

San Bernardino County seeks an experienced regulatory specialist with strong knowledge and demonstrated ability in preparing regulatory permits and applications.

FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION APPLY BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025.

We offer a competitive salary with bi-annual step increases of approximately 2.5% up to top salary step of $ 115,564 annually .

San Bernardino County established a $0.50/hour American Institute of Certified Planner Differential for employees in the Planning Series that included Planner Trainee, Planner I, Planner II, Planner III, Planning Supervisor and Planning Manger who attain and maintain a certificate as an American Institute Certified Planner. ***

San Bernardino County is recruiting for Planner III: Public Works Regulatory Specialists*, who are responsible for a wide range of environmental planning duties in support of capital improvement projects and maintenance of existing public works facilities.

The Department of Public Works is seeking experienced planning professionals with strong project management skills to support its Environmental Management Division (EMD) - Maintenance Section. This section is responsible for overseeing all environmental clearance efforts related to the ongoing maintenance of Public Works facilities. This section also supports and provides technical support to other Divisions and County Departments as needed.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Prepare and manage the CEQA environmental review process for projects. The majority of CEQA documents are at the Categorical Exemption or Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration level. At the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration level, the Regulatory Specialist will coordinate with technical support staff internally to provide preliminary analysis of impacts, and/or procure a consultant who will prepare the CEQA documents with the required environmental technical reports.
• Prepare and manage the federal and state routine maintenance permit applications and provide oversight leading to successful receipt of permits. Management involves consultation with federal and state agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Department of Fish and Game.
  
• Prepare emergency permit applications documents/maps as needed in support of emergency operations work during storm season.
  
• Create or review GIS maps or data in support of permit applications.
  
• Procure environmental consulting services, manage contracts, process invoices, oversee schedule.
  
• Review encroachment permit applications to determine if an applicant's proposed project will have an environmental impact to a public works owned/maintained facility.
  
• Schedule and lead project meetings as needed.
  
• Provide planning support to Operations and other DPW staff on an as needed basis.
  

*Official Title: Planner III

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The Department of Public Works i s an innovative, forward-looking department that provides a wide variety of environmental and regulatory compliance services including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as well as other regulatory and environmental permitting and planning activities for a multitude of County Departments/Divisions including but not limited to Flood Control, Transportation, Solid Waste, and Special Districts. The position requires an understanding of the planning, operating, and engineering characteristics of stormwater/flood projects and systems, transportation roadway and bridge projects, and more. The Department of Public Works is responsible for preparing Federal and State regulatory applications to primarily support the maintenance of public works facilities throughout the county.

Excellent Benefits Package!

Coming from the private sector? Join our County team today and enjoy all the benefits that come with public employment!

Health Benefits

Paid Time Off

Retirement

• Medical and Dental: family coverage
• Vision: employee coverage
• Premium subsidies to offset health costs
• Flexible spending account (FSA) pre-tax account for qualified healthcare expenses

• Up to 4 weeks accruable vacation with cash-out option
• 11 days accruable sick leave
• 15 paid holidays
• Perfect attendance leave
• Flexible work schedules (in some departments)

• Generous Pension
• Retirement reciprocity may be available
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Retirement Medical Trust Fund

For more information, please visit the link below.

Benefits By Occupational Unit: Administrative Services

The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option that provides a wage differential of $1.75 per hour above base rate with modified benefits.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-Employment Process: Applicants must successfully pass a background check prior to appointment.

Travel: Travel throughout the County is required. A valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and must be maintained during employment. Employees in this class may be required to use personal vehicles and show proof of automobile liability insurance. Mileage reimbursement is available.

Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the required experience and ONE (1) of the required education options listed below:

EXPERIENCE
Two (2) years of professional-level planning and project management experience in regulatory permitting and compliance, environmental review/analysis, or land use planning.

-AND-
EDUCATION Option 1:
A Bachelor's Degree or higher in Planning, Environmental Science, Biology, Botany, Geographic Information Systems, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Engineering, or a closely related field.
Option 2:
An Associate Degree in Planning, Environmental Science, Biology, Botany, Geographic Information Systems, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Engineering, or closely related field -AND- One (1) year of planning-related experience which may include experience as an Engineering/ Land Use/Survey Technician or assisting with preparation/review of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applications for 404 permits/401 certifications (Clean Water Act), or Lake and Streambed Alteration Act (LSA) permits.

Substitution: A Master’s Degree in one of the areas listed above or in Public/Business Administration or Project Management may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Desired Qualifications

The Ideal candidate will:

• Possess a strong knowledge base and demonstrated ability in preparing regulatory permits and applications in accordance with local, state, and federal environmental permitting laws, regulations, and best practices, including:
  • California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
  • Clean Water Act (Sections 404 and 401), including an understanding of USACE NEPA environmental review requirements
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA) and California Endangered Species Act (CESA)
  • California Fish and Game Code
  • Federal and State Habitat Restoration and Conservation Plans
  • Other applicable environmental regulations and guidance

• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements to environmental planning, permitting, and compliance projects.
• Have professional experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS Pro desktop application and/or online GIS platforms, for analyzing, managing, and presenting environmental data - this experience is Highly Desired.

Selection Process

Application Procedure : Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

Priority Application Review: Applications received by Friday, September 12, 2025 will be included in the first review. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis thereafter until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as this recruitment may close at any time.

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline . Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.

All communications regarding the remainder of the selection process will be via email . Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings to allow e-mails from San Bernardino County through governmentjobs.com and from email addresses with the following domain "@hr.sbcounty.gov". Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mail frequently to learn of any additional information regarding this recruitment. Also, check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications. Finally, be sure to keep your personal information updated. Taking these steps now will help ensure you receive all communications regarding this recruitment.

If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs online application guide , or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans’ Preference points.

I mportant Applicant Information and the County Employment Process

Administrative Services Unit

The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

For a summary of benefits, please click here .

Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at hr.sbcounty.gov/employee-benefits/ .

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• San Bernardino County

• 9093878304

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