Associate Environmental Specialist

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and our dynamic team of professionals seek a motivated Associate Environmental Specialist to provide support to the Permitting and Compliance Department.

The focus of this position will be assuring that on-the-ground implementation of permitted projects and activities are completed in compliance with the TRPA Code of Ordinances, Handbook of Best Management Practices, Plan Area Statements, Area Plans, and other applicable components of the Regional Plan. This individual will conduct required pre-grade, intermediate, final, and security return inspections of approved projects and determine the proper course of action for protection of environmental resources.

Required responsibilities include field review, interpretation of construction drawings, evaluation of water quality effects, checking for compliance, direct contact with building departments located within the Tahoe Basin, and frequent contact with the public. Local jurisdiction monitoring and reporting, complaint investigation, and resolution of violations for permitted and non-permitted activities are also functions of this position. The Associate Environmental Specialist will be responsible for maintaining inspection records, inputting project tracking information to a database, and preparing correspondence for applicants and permit tees.

Other duties or essential activities may be assigned by the Compliance Program Manager.

• Responsible for assuring that construction activities are conducted in compliance with permits issued in accordance with TRPA's Regional Plan.
• Facilitate meetings or workshops and engage with the public, interest groups, and agencies to develop practical solutions to a range of policy and planning issues.
• Review plans and ordinances for consistency with the Regional Plan and evaluate potential environmental impacts.
• Collaborate with local jurisdictions, other agency staff, and external stakeholders to support the implementation of the Shoreline Plan in conformance with the Regional Plan.
• Assist customers at the public service counter, over the telephone, and through e-mail to answer questions and provide solution-oriented advice.
• Manage assigned projects including effectively scoping, scheduling, planning, and executing projects.
• Prepare and present high quality written and graphic materials including staff reports, maps, posters, and topical reports or white papers.
• Act in a manner consistent with TRPA's goals and objectives as developed by the Governing Board, while providing service of the highest level to our customers- both internal and external.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local jurisdictions, environmental organizations, business interests, and other agencies.
• Use sound judgment to determine when to make independent decisions and when to seek direction from management or other staff.
• Performs duties related to the Permitting and Compliance Department reporting including report writing, data entry and data management, GIS mapping, and assistance with request for proposal preparation.
• Gather and interpret data related to enforcement and education.
• Work with partners around the Basin to increase awareness of the TRPA rules.
• Additional duties may be assigned to support the Permitting and Compliance Department.
• Work with partners to continually improve and spur innovation within the program and manage the collection of data while maintaining a high level of customer service.

Bachelor's Degree in urban or regional planning, hydrology, geography, environmental science, natural resources management, or other closely related field. Master's Degree is desired, but not required.

• Three years of increasingly responsible experience in planning and / or Compliance including long range planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, and/or current planning work. Master's Degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience.
• Basic understanding of the principles of stormwater quality, non-point source pollution, hydrology, and/or soils science.
• Experience in implementation of practical solutions for environmental protection measures on construction projects.
• Experience working with the public on the interpretation, explanation, and enforcement of varied codes and regulations, highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of Tahoe-specific environmental issues and Best Management Practices employed in the Tahoe Region, highly desirable.
• Formal training or experience in code compliance or natural resource protection is preferred but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of and experience applying planning principles and methodologies.
• Training or experience with group facilitation techniques.
• Ability to understand and interpret the TRPA Code of Ordinances and ordinances of other jurisdictions.
• Good listening and interpersonal skills, and ability to build strong relationships with a variety of constituents inside and outside the…