Regulatory and Environmental Planner (Associate Flood Control Planner) (Finance)
Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately to receive priority consideration.
Interviews are scheduled for June 18, 2025.
Recruitment will remain open until positions are filled.
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has multiple openings for Regulatory and Environmental Planners (Associate Flood Control Planners). These positions are assigned to the Regulatory Division in Riverside and are comparable to traditional Environmental Planner roles.
Individuals in this role will have prior planning experience and will support the District with a broad range of responsibilities related to environmental compliance under laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Clean Water Act, the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, and the California Fish and Game Code. Key duties include conducting field surveys; performing and reviewing technical analyses for flood control projects to assess environmental impacts; and recommending appropriate mitigation measures in accordance with applicable environmental regulations and procedures.
Additional responsibilities include preparing and reviewing environmental documents (e.g., CEQA analyses), as well as regulatory permit applications under Sections 404, 401, and 1600. Associate Regulatory and Environmental Planners may also be tasked with developing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), overseeing consultant deliverables, and coordinating with internal divisions and external agencies at the local, state, federal, or tribal level. This role also involves providing technical support to Project Managers and mentoring Assistant or Junior level staff.
The ideal candidate will have experience serving as a project manager or task lead in a similar role at an environmental or engineering focused consulting firm or within a public works or land use/planning agency, and a background in preparing or reviewing technical studies, including NEPA or CEQA environmental documents (e.g., Environmental Impact Reports, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Negative Declarations, Notices of Exemption). Experience in preparing, reviewing, or negotiating regulatory permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is highly desirable. Familiarity with projects located within the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and/or the Coachella Valley MSHCP is also preferred.
The most competitive candidates will demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles and practices of urban and environmental planning, flood control, and land development. They should have experience interpreting and implementing relevant environmental laws and regulations, including CEQA, the National Historic Preservation Act, Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52), the Federal and California Endangered Species Acts, the Clean Water Act (Sections 401 and 404), and the California Fish and Game Code. Strong analytical, report-writing, project/task management and verbal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). Candidates should also be capable of reading and interpreting environmental documents, technical reports, hydrology and hydraulics studies, drainage plans, and development proposals.
To learn more about the position or the Regulatory Division at the District, click here.
Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District provides for the control and conservation of flood and storm waters and for the protection of watercourses, watersheds, public highways, life and property from damage within its boundaries.• Prepare Requests for Proposal/Scope of Work for capital and maintenance projects; review consultant proposals/scope of work, budgets, and schedules and participate in selection of same.
• Manage consultant progress and work product; provide technical guidance to personnel engaged in complex environmental review processes; review invoices for management approval; use technical knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations to facilitate capital project delivery.
• Provide support and technical assistance to Project Managers of capital projects; participate in capital project delivery including attendance at stakeholder meetings and occasional public meetings.
• Prepare or review California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) technical studies and documents; prepare CEQA compliance documents and notifications for Capital Improvement, Developer, Partner-Led, Routine Maintenance and/or Emergency Repair Projects.
• Prepare applications and obtain 404 permits, 401 certification, and stream bed alteration agreements for construction and maintenance of flood control facilities by working closely with federal, state, and local resource agencies; work cooperatively with stakeholders, including cities, oversight agencies, and affected private developers.
• Travel to property sites and surrounding areas to gather data, such as habitat assessment; analyze collected case or project data and formulate recommendations.Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, environmental engineering, biology (wildlife-related), ecology, planning, hydrology, geology, geography, environmental sciences, landscape architecture, archeology, anthropology or a closely related field. Applicants from other academic backgrounds may also be considered if their experience clearly demonstrates a strong understanding of environmental planning.
A Master's degree in planning, public administration, biology (wildlife-related), chemistry, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the non-specialized required experience.
Experience: Two years of responsible professional environmental planning experience.
Other Requirements:
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. This position involves travel to various locations throughout the county to conduct field surveys and site visits.
Physical Requirements: The position requires the ability to walk over uneven outdoor terrain and work in a variety of environmental conditions. Candidates must be able to tolerate exposure to weather elements and local wildlife while performing field duties.
Knowledge of: Social, economic and environmental conditions which affect public works planning; research, analytical, and statistical methods applicable to public works planning; advanced methods, equipment, including computers, and techniques used in the preparation of planning reports; modern theories, current trends, general principles and practices of urban and public works planning; local, state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and standard practices; CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act (404, 401), ESA, California Fish and Game Code, and other applicable state and federal regulations and guidance; "Water of the US and the State" and Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans.
Ability to: Analyze environmental impacts and make recommendations to minimize or avoid these impacts; conduct biological site surveys; prepare technical environmental reports and comply with federal, state, and local laws; research, compile, analyze, and interpret data; communicate effectively orally and in writing in a variety of situations; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; analyze complex planning problems, technical studies and documents, develop and evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend effective courses of action.Open to All Applicants
This recruitment is open to all applicants.
Applicants who are current County of Riverside employees and/or current employees of the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of applications received.
Qualified applicants may be considered for future vacancies throughout the County.
For questions regarding this recruitment
Contact Vanessa Diaz-Beaird at VDBEAIRD @rivco.org with any questions regarding this recruitment.
