Environmental Resources Specialist

Job Description:

Environmental Resources Specialist

Description

CAREER DESCRIPTION

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST

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

DEADLINE TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the recruitment will close on
Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PT).

OC PUBLIC WORKS
OC Public Works 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.

OC Public Works is a unique County department that comprises ten service areas: OC Development Services; OC Fleet Services; OC Administrative Services; OC Facilities Design & Construction; OC Facilities Maintenance & Central Utilities; OC Environmental Resources; OC Operations & Maintenance; OC Construction; OC Infrastructure Programs; and OC Survey.

OC ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
OC Environmental Resources is a service area within OC Public Works that protects and improves water quality in local water bodies and beaches; facilitates countywide compliance with state and federal stormwater runoff regulations; coordinates watershed management efforts and large-scale integrated water resource projects with stakeholders; and collects, manages, and assesses water quality, hydrologic and meteorological data on the state of the Orange County environment.

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

THE OPPORTUNITY

OC Public Works has an exciting opportunity for multiple Environmental Resources Specialist (ERS) positions in the OC Monitoring & Data Assessment division of OC Environmental Resources.

The ERS serves as a lead for compliance projects/programs related to the many natural resources within the County of Orange. The ERS positions will perform a variety of assignments in programs designed to monitor, maintain, and improve the quality of the environment within Orange County.

The ERS’s job duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Act as a technical project and/or program lead for the development and implementation of stormwater compliance programs in response to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)
• Serve as an environmental data assessment lead supporting the preparation of informational reports for the public, executive management, and elected officials

• Administer the County's Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and associated databases, including preparation of data products from the LIMS and QA/QC of data uploads to and downloads from the LIMS

• Design, develop, and implement monitoring programs and data quality objectives to assess surface water quality and aquatic habitat and determine the type and extent of analysis needed
• Lead and conduct field monitoring activities for a variety of environmental matrices (e.g. surface water and sediment) with stringent adherence to quality assurance/quality control guidelines
• Conduct technical reviews of reports, research, permits, work plans, etc., prepared by other entities
• Investigate water pollution incidents involving the release of pollutants impacting the storm drain system, regional flood control channels, and receiving waters
• Administer consultant service contracts to support stormwater program implementation activities

• Prepare annual water quality data compliance reports required by NPDES and TMDL programs for submittal to regulatory agencies.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in environmental science, ecology, geology, or a related science field. The ideal candidates should have extensive knowledge, understanding, and experience (at least three (3) years of technical experience) with one or more of the following:

• Experience with municipal NPDES stormwater permits, comprising complex requirements to protect and improve the quality of creeks, streams, and coastal waters at both watershed and regional scales;
• Implementation of surface water monitoring programs;
• Operate and maintain data management systems such as, but not limited to a LIMS;
• Operation and maintenance of an Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time (ALERT) flood warning radio telemetry system.

In addition, the successful candidate will possess the job-related knowledge required for this assignment as described below. The exact mix of required competencies and job knowledge will depend on the specific ERS assignment.

Technical knowledge | Experience

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, and policies governing NPDES stormwater and TMDL compliance programs
• Ability to assist in preparing regulatory compliance reports to be submitted to State and Federal agencies
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement environmental monitoring and assessment programs and the preparation of detailed reports and data products
• Knowledge of web-based applications and databases to support data access, management, assessment, and integration
• Familiarity with methods of scientific research and surface water quality monitoring data analysis and assessment

• Knowledge of chemical laboratory methods, laboratory safety, and sample handling protocols
• Ability to collect environmental samples through prescribed methods in a variety of environmental conditions

• Knowledge of statistical techniques and their application to the assessment of environmental data
• Ability to assist in preparing budgets, and managing vendor/professional service contracts
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and applications

• Experience with R programming in statistical applications and data processing
• Experience in administration of a Laboratory Information Management System in an environmental compliance setting for a government agency

Leadership Skills

• Proven experience working in a lead capacity on a project or program
• Ability to empower, mentor, and coach/train staff and peers
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of County staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public
• Operate independently and collaboratively
• Independently and/or with minimal guidance, direct and manage outside consultant contracts to regulate and monitor budgetary boundaries and meet deliverable deadlines
• Plan, organize, and direct the work of others

Analytical | Problem-Solving Skills

• Analyze problems and adopt an effective course of action
• Ability to research and identify information or data gaps, and to seek subject matter experts and/or supplemental resources to make informed decisions
• Demonstrate critical thinking, creative problem solving and exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information
• Balance competing priorities while meeting established deadlines
• Demonstrate ability to apply creative and effective analytical reasoning with a solution-oriented focus

Communication | Oral & Written

• Coordinate regulatory compliance programs with multiple County departments, State and Federal Agencies, cities and special districts; and lead multi-agency workgroups and meetings
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing to a variety of public and professional audiences
• Address difficult issues in a timely manner utilizing tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality in dealing with difficult and sensitive situations
• Understand and follow oral and written technical instructions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the complete list of minimum qualifications for Environmental Resources Specialist position.

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.

Written Examination | Multiple Choice Test (Weighted 100%):

A multiple-choice assessment will be conducted to evaluate the applicant's knowledge and experience as it relates to the job. Only the most successful candidates will be referred to the Oral Practical Exam. Based on the Department's needs, the assessment procedures above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the assessment 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
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 Linette Lavey at 714-667-9751 or by email at Linette.Lavey@ocpw.ocgov.com .

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: 7/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$79,476.80 - $107,099.20 Annually