Employment Opportunities

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 professional experience in natural resource management, wildlife management, biological research, ecology, habitat restoration, or biological consulting with strong background in ecological principles.

Demonstrate expertise in MSHCP reserve assembly and general compliance.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing complex professional and technical support related to Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) reserve management and monitoring and land management programs; collaborates with the Deputy Director of Regional Conservation on drafting monitoring/management protocols and management plans; assists in creating and implementing integrated species and habitat management programs for MSHCP Habitat Management Units; performs analysis of resource trends and restoration needs, fire management planning and coordination, and MSHCP project compliance; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Deputy Director of Regional Conservation in areas of expertise; performs related work as required. Receives general direction from the Deputy Director of Regional Conservation. Exercises direct and general supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

This is a program management classification that manages the activities related to MSHCP reserve management and monitoring. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities of the reserve management and monitoring and land management programs. 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 Deputy Director of Regional Conservation in a variety of areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background. This class is distinguished from the Deputy Director of Regional Conservation in that the latter has full management authority in planning, organizing, and directing the management and implementation of the MSHCP and assisting in the management of all regional conservation department functions, programs, and projects.

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 manages the reserve management and monitoring and land management programs in support of the MSHCP; provides support on all aspects of MSHCP management; tracks MSHCP requirements for monitoring and management.
• Leads and oversees the work of consultant teams and partner agencies as part of regional conservation programs and projects, including:
• Coordinates land management with Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District Department and reserve management with contractors like Santa Ana Watershed Association and other partners; reviews activities and projects to ensure compliance with MSHCP requirements.
• Coordinates regularly with biological monitoring program staff and land management program staff on all facets of MSHCP compliance.
• Develops and updates draft and final MSHCP Adaptive Habitat Management Unit Plans for the regional conservation reserve lands; develops and updates plans for vegetation monitoring, species analyses, and related monitoring and analyses.
• Directs the establishment of systems for maintaining all property and facility space utilization inventories; coordinates and collaborates with land managers or project applicants on use of reserve lands.
• Establishes ecologically sound guidelines for fire management on RCA reserve lands and protocols for integrating monitoring and management data and long-term tracking of vegetation management.
• 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.
• Participates in public outreach events; provides information and answers questions pertaining to the MSHCP and related conservation issues in the county.
• Performs site visits of conserved lands, properties of interest, and proposed development sites to evaluate resources in the field.
• Participates in the development and implementation of regional conservation and MSHCP goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees on performance issues; recommends discipline to the Deputy Director.
• Writes, reviews, and presents staff, technical, and other reports about regional conservation programs and activities.
• Assists in 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 RCTC 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.
• Participates in the development and administration of assigned annual budget; monitors and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary; ensures expenditures meet budget, grant, and program requirements.
• Interprets and applies federal and state guidelines to ensure RCTC compliance with program standards and intergovernmental and grant funding requirements.
• Manages, coordinates, and completes other special projects as assigned.
• 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 assigned programs.
• Theories, principles, and practices of field biology and ecology.
• The ecology of soils, vegetation, and species in the lowlands of western Riverside County.
• The natural history, conservation, preservation, wildlife habitat, and endangered species of western Riverside County.
• Methods and procedures for conducting field studies and obtaining research data.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration, contract administration, and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures governing regional conservation programs, including the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, federal Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and state Fish and Game Code 1600.
• 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 Authority 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:

• Manage MSHCP reserve and related regional conservation activities and special projects involving participation by diverse and varied interests.
• Gather and compile data and perform statistics to evaluate reserve program effectiveness and forecasting.
• Plan, organize, review, and evaluate the work of staff and contractors; train contractors/staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondences, 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 Regional Conservation Authority 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; must possess the experience and physical ability to perform job tasks in the field; 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. 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 a job that requires great facility with working in the field and office. The employee will work 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 regional conservation, MSHCP, and RCTC policies and requesting and providing information.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required:

A bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, urban planning, public policy, political science, environmental studies, or a closely related field and six (6) years of responsible planning and programming experience, supervisory or training experience is desired. A master’s degree in a related area can substitute for one year of experience.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing complex professional transportation planning and programming duties; leads the development of major transportation funding programs; analyzes technical data and recommends policy alternatives for planning and programming local, state, and federal transportation funds; monitors and reports project programming and implementation status to ensure compliance with state and federal air quality conformity rules and funding eligibility; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Planning and Programming Director in areas of expertise; performs related work as required. Receives general direction from the Planning and Programming Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

This is a program management classification that manages all activities related to transportation planning and programming. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day development and management of funding and planning programs and reports. 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 Planning and Programming Director in a variety of areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating program work. Traveling throughout the state is required for this position to attend California Transportation Commission (CTC), Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA), and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee – Technical Advisory Committee (MSRC-TAC), and RCTC Commission meetings. This class is distinguished from the Planning and Programming Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for all functions of the Planning and Programming 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.

• Assists the Director in pursuing, managing, and implementing state and local funding programs: Active Transportation Program (ATP), State Transportation Improvement Program – Regional Improvement Program (STIP-RIP), Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) Regional Arterial, and Measure A Regional Arterial (MARA).
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for planning and programming programs, including state legislative and/or regulatory policy recommendations to improve streamlining and funding distributions.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees on performance issues; recommends discipline to the Director.
• Participates in the development and administration of the program’s annual budget; monitors and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Interprets and applies state and local programming rules/regulations/guidelines to ensure projects are in full compliance and to prevent delays and/or loss of funds.
• Provides input and guidance to RCTC project managers and local agencies, including developing funding strategies to meet project delivery schedules and to ensure funding eligibility, facilitating and advising on programming requirements and deadlines, and preparing state allocation requests and close out packages.
• Participates in statewide and regional funding and programming committees/working groups to develop consensus on funding policies and streamlining processes that benefit Riverside County agencies.
• Develops contracts for services performed by consultant firms and public agencies including the review and approval of invoices and contract management.
• Assists Director with developing project selection criteria and project evaluations for calls for projects.
• Reviews and monitors local agency capital improvement programs for compliance with the Measure A ordinance.
• Prepares and presents agenda items to Commission, TAC, and other meetings regarding planning and programming activities/recommendations.
• Participates in coordination of bimonthly Technical Advisory Committee meetings.
• Attends and participates in monthly Commission and committee meetings; chairs state and local committees as assigned/nominated; attends various meetings associated with planning and programming held by California Transportation Commission (CTC), Caltrans, Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), etc.
• Receives and tailors requests for letters of support for state grant programs.
• Tracks deadlines and facilitates timely programming, allocation, obligation, utilization, and extension of programmed state and local fund sources.
• Collaborates with other internal departments to achieve/maintain state and local reporting and compliance.
• Leads and participates in planning studies in a wide range of topic areas, such as: comprehensive multimodal corridor plans, active transportation plans, transit-oriented development plans, etc.
• Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with internal staff and external partners at local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Leads and participates in state competitive grant pursuits for RCTC-led projects; manages selected grant writing consultants.
• Oversees required reporting to CTC, such as contract award, CalSMART, etc.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Administrative principles and practices related to the development, analysis, and evaluation of regional conservation programs and operational needs of assigned programs.
• Theories, principles, and practices of field biology and ecology.
• The ecology of soils, vegetation, and species in the lowlands of western Riverside County.
• The natural history, conservation, preservation, wildlife habitat, and endangered species of western Riverside County.
• Methods and procedures for conducting field studies and obtaining research data.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration, contract administration, and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures governing regional conservation programs, including the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, federal Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, and state Fish and Game Code 1600.
• 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 Authority 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 transportation planning 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 state and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• 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, 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 RCTC 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. Traveling to attend meetings within the state is required.