Environmental Project (Biological) Manager

Environmental Project (Biological) Manager

The County of Riverside's Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA) Planning Department has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Project (Biological) Manager. This position plays a critical role in managing the Biology Unit within the Department's Environmental Programs Division, located in Riverside. The Environmental Project (Biological) Manager position focuses on the management of ecological resources. The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the implementation of, and ensuring proposed project consistency with, Habitat Conservation Plans/Natural Community Conservation Plans.
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and practices associated with land development projects.
• Reviewing and evaluating the biological elements of land use applications to ensure practical implementation of regional ecological policies and guidelines.
• Performing environmental evaluations related to ecological reserve/conservation configurations, urban/wildland interface issues, sensitive habitats/vegetation, animal movement, species relocation plans, revegetation plans, and other land use issues resulting from public and private development.
• Conducting meetings with various regulating agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).
• Reviewing biological assessments to ensure proper mitigation measures and conservation plan consistency, which may include, but are not limited to:
  Habitat Assessments, Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Consistency Analyses, Jurisdictional Delineations, and Determinations of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP).

In addition to the minimum qualifications, competitive candidates will possess:

• Supervisory or managerial experience overseeing professional biological or environmental staff.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).
• Experience working within California local government, consulting, resource agencies, or regional conservation programs is highly desirable.
• Strong technical background in ecological resource management paired with advanced mapping and technology skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of GIS mapping principles, application utilization, data input, and file sharing.
• Knowledge of, or experience applying, UAV/Drone technologies for site review and documentation will be especially competitive.
• An advanced degree in environmental, biological science, or a closely related field.
• A California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Scientific Collecting Permit.
• A relevant certificate, license, or demonstrable experience in a biological discipline directly related to the work performed by the County, such as:
• Wetlands Delineation
• Regulatory Permitting

This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311 of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.

Meet the Team! The Planning Department is responsible for Riverside County's General Plan, a comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of unincorporated areas within the County. This department formulates growth management plans and zoning for the County.

• Provide project management support on an array of technically complex projects related to drainage, biology, water ways, water quality, and hydrologic data.

• Plan, organize, direct, review, and evaluate the work of professional department staff and external consultants involved in the oversight of the environmental process for either land use planning, and other urban infrastructure projects or studies; engage and direct staff while coordinating with department project managers, planners, or development applicants during project planning, design and construction…