Employment Opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, public policy, urban planning, transportation planning, civil engineering, or a closely related field. At least five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience performing transportation planning or programming/fund administration in a closely related field.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Under general supervision, provides complex planning and programmatic analysis in support of major regional planning initiatives, program managers, and director level positions to achieve department and RCTC goals; performs related work as required. Receives general supervision from the Planning and Programming Manager. May exercise functional or direct supervision over assigned staff.

This is the advanced journey-level class in the Management Analyst series. Incumbents serve as subject matter experts in assigned functional areas and perform varied research and analysis to support RCTC projects and programs, including fund administration, budget analysis, and program evaluation. Incumbents support the work of management staff by providing a professional-level resource for program, budgetary, fund, operational analyses, and studies. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. This class is distinguished from the Planning and Programming Manager in that the latter has full management

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only):

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Analyzes and monitors funding, budget, and project performance and makes recommendations based on federal, state, or local funding guidelines.
• Assists project sponsors in programming their projects into SCAG’s Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).
• Researches new funding opportunities for local agencies and works with project sponsors through their challenges to ensure RCTC’s financial resources are maximized in the region.
• Continuously updates funding databases with the latest project information from project sponsors; reconciles conflicting project information.
• Researches, compiles, and analyzes project development and implementation status; tracks progress against timelines and funding requirements; analyzes data and prepares comprehensive technical reports that summarize findings, describes alternatives, and supports recommendations to policymakers to ensure that the region fully leverages all available funding.
• Prepares and submits requests for federal authorization or state allocation through Caltrans Local Assistance and Caltrans Capital.
• Assists with the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFP), calls for projects, long range and short-range transportation planning documents, budget and/or funding analysis, program updates, and preparation and presentation of board agenda items.
• Supports the development of Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans, and other agency grant applications and funding requests. Assists and reviews member agencies’ federal or state grant applications to ensure project eligibility and competitiveness.
• Administers federal and state grant funding; supports the Finance, Capital, and Toll departments in resolving eligibility, scope, and timely use of funds deadlines.
• Manages the TDA Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Call for Projects and processes administrative program requests such as scope change, time extension, and project reimbursement; reviews annual audits.
• Manages the Measure A Local Streets and Roads program, processes amendments to Capital Improvement Plans, as requested by local agencies, and reviews annual audits.
• Develops, submits, and presents reports to the Board and internal and external committees, including requesting or recommending funding approval and programming of funds; receives and files reports as needed.
• Attends, facilitates, and leads recurring and periodic meetings within and outside the agency including local, regional, state, and federal interagency coordination and represents the agency’s position on relevant matters.
• Researches and responds to inquiries and requests pertaining to requirements for federal and state funding and transportation planning requirements and policies such as SB 743, CAPTI, REAP, etc.
• Develops procedures and guidelines for department workflows and to assist local agencies with use of department systems (RivTrack).
• Develops and leads periodic trainings within and outside the agency to educate colleagues and member agency staff on a variety of topics under the Planning and Programming Department’s purview.
• Develops and facilitates execution and management of contractual agreements and documents necessary to receive or to provide funding.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Federal and state requirements governing the preparation and analysis of RTP and FTIP documents.
• Regional or local transportation fund administration.
• Federal and state discretionary and formula funding programs.
• Caltrans process and procedures for delivering on-system projects, requesting federal authorization and state allocations, submitting project invoices, and closing out federally and state funded projects.
• Familiarity with urban planning and transportation planning principles, concepts, standards, and practices, such as best practices in community engagement and outreach.
• Basic principles and practices of budget development, administration, and disbursement.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Time management and work assignment prioritization strategies.
• Record keeping and file organization principles and procedures.
• Project and program management best practice that effectively take projects from start to finish.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word skills.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform programmatic administrative, budgeting, and fiscal reporting activities.
• Perform difficult and complex research on a wide variety of planning, programming, and public policy topics.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical and complex information and data in an effective and clear manner.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, and regulations.
• Effectively represent the department and RCTC in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies.
• Organize and carry out a variety of concurrent projects and tasks in an effective and timely manner with minimal direction; organize own work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively in person, over video and the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Synthesize information and data and present recommendations to management, RCTC Commissioners, and Technical Advisory Committee.
• Reconcile conflicting information and problem solve.
• Maintain tracking and reporting systems for multiple funding programs utilizing Excel spreadsheets, cloud-based databases, and other Microsoft 365 applications.
• Be detail-oriented, think strategically, learn quickly, and see the big picture.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

This is primarily a sedentary classification and the employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with staff, management, other departmental representatives, transportation and government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining RCTC policies and requesting and providing information.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required: Equivalent to bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, ecology, natural resource management/analysis, environmental studies, or a closely related field and seven (7) years of program management experience in natural resource management, wildlife management, biological research, ecology, or habitat restoration, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing complex and professional analyses and implementation of the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and programs; provides technical and policy direction to staff, management, consultants, contractors, and the Regional Conservation Board of Directors pertaining to MSHCP implementation; administers current and long-term planning activities for regional conservation programs and projects; manages the effective use of assigned resources to improve organizational productivity; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Regional Conservation Director in areas of expertise; performs related work as required. Receives general direction from the Regional Conservation Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

This is a management classification that manages all activities related to MSHCP implementation. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day development and management of all MSHCP programs and activities. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Regional Conservation Director in a variety of areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating various programs and projects. This class is distinguished from the Regional Conservation Director in that the latter has responsibility for all functions of the Regional Conservation Department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only):

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, and oversees the management and monitoring of all aspects of MSHCP including obtaining rights of entry, monitoring funding sources available for reserve management and monitoring, preparing budgets, and coordinating regional conservation space utilization; coordinates and participates in resolving MSHCP implementation issues.
• Researches and prepares applications for federal, state, and local funding opportunities; coordinates grant application completion and submission, award acceptance, and contract execution and administration; ensures compliance with grant obligations and reporting requirements and timelines; serves as a liaison between RCTC, funding agencies, and local and regional partners.
• Participates in the development and implementation of regional conservation and MSHCP goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommends within policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of regional conservation department processes and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations to the Regional Conservation Director.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees on performance issues; recommends discipline to the Regional Conservation Director.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of assigned budgets; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Reviews and approves Joint Project Review, Participating Special Entity, and Criteria Refinement findings regarding MSHCP consistency or inconsistency.
• Serves as a liaison between the MSHCP permittees, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, regional conservation working groups, and other stakeholders on MSHCP implementation.
• Drafts and updates policies and procedures relating to the implementation and administration of the MSHCP in keeping with planning documents and federal and state MSHCP permits.
• Directs and guides the management and monitoring of the RCA reserve.
• Develops strategies for reserve management and monitoring and use of reserves based on data trends and available resources; coordinates with reserve land and monitoring supervisors on implementation approaches; makes final decision on implementation of proposed changes.
• Authors the MSHCP Annual Report; coordinates with regional conservation department and other RCTC staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Strategizes and makes recommendations to bring complex projects into compliance with the MSHCP.
• Works with regional conservation legal counsel on conservation easements, encroachment correspondence, and MSHCP litigation and settlement agreements; provides advice, information, and materials related to real property for use by the legal counsel in court actions; serves as an expert witness on MSHCP implementation.
• Directs, coordinates, analyzes, and evaluates regional conservation mapping activities with geographic information systems (GIS) and related technical staff.
• Prepares, analyzes, and evaluates a variety of legal, regulatory, and conservation reports, contracts, and other agreements as required for interested parties.
• Coordinates and participates in resolving implementation issues with MSHCP permittees and/or wildlife agencies by gathering comments and perspectives from stakeholders and other interested parties and incorporating into final drafts for approval of the Director of Regional Conservation.
• Attends and makes presentations to the Regional Conservation Board, the RCTC Commission, committees, joint power authorities, other governmental agencies, and at staff meetings; provides assistance and input at various regional, state, and local public meetings in order to address regional conservation and MSHCP issues.
• Researches and responds to inquiries and requests in support of public inquiries and of senior management staff relating to regional conservation and MSHCP issues.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals and qualifications for professional services; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; negotiates consultant contract scope, schedule, and cost, and recommends approval of contracts; develops and reviews contract terms and amendments; ensures contractor compliance with established standards and specifications and time and budget estimates; reviews and updates deliverables; coordinates and reviews contract billings; analyzes and resolves complex problems that may arise.
• Interprets and applies federal and state guidelines to ensure compliance with program standards and intergovernmental funding requirements.
• Provides highly complex assistance to the Director of Regional Conservation in areas of expertise.
• In the absence of Director of Regional Conservation, provides assistance and guidance to staff and other departments related to regional conservation issues.
• Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Administrative principles and practices related to the development, analysis, and evaluation of regional conservation programs and operational needs of the assigned programs.
• The MSHCP, or other regional Habitat Conservation Plan, species covered, and regulatory and legal compliance requirements.
• The natural history, conservation, preservation, wildlife habitat, and endangered species of Riverside County.
• Ecological processes and land stewardship.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration, contract administration, and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of local government operations and governance by boards of elected officials.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures governing regional conservation programs, including state and federal Endangered Species Acts, CEQA, NEPA, 1600/Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, and regulated waters permitting.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of financial administration programs and operational needs of the assigned department.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the implementation of assigned programs.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the regional conservation department and RCTC in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and RCTC staff.

ABILITY TO:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Manage and monitor complex programs and projects, on-time and within budget.
• Manage MSHCP and related regional conservation activities and special projects involving participation by diverse and varied interests.
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff, train staff in work procedures.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Provide guidance on, and communicate clearly, MSHCP requirements and compliance.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the department and RCTC in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.