Sonoma County, CA
Santa Rosa, California, United States
Nov 02, 2023
Full Time
Position Information Bring your technical expertise in environmental review and natural resources management to the County of Sonoma! Starting salary up to $56.46/hour ($117,838/year) and a competitive total compensation package.* What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including: Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment Join Permit Sonoma Permit Sonoma is the County's "one-stop shop" for all land use planning and development activities. Virtually any land development or construction that takes place in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County (outside the city limits of the nine cities) is reviewed, permitted, and inspected by Permit Sonoma. Our mission is to serve the people of Sonoma County by providing a customer-focused process to balance environmental protection and sustainable development. We balance our mission with effective resource stewardship and the development and maintenance of standards and practices that protect the public's health and safety. Under Chapter 26 of the Sonoma County Code of Ordinances , our Mining Program Coordinator position is instrumental in the overall development and implementation of the County’s Aggregate and Resource Management (ARM) Program. The position is responsible for inspecting and monitoring ARM program facilities for compliance with County and State mining regulations, new facility or modified facility use permits, and reclamation plans and implementation. The position also coordinates inspection and enforcement with other County programs and local, state, and/or federal agencies and takes appropriate enforcement actions as required. Additionally, our Coordinator reviews financial assurance documents, prepares annual reports on the mining program, and performs grant and project management tasks including developing schedules, managing budgets, developing work plans, and drafting and submitting reports. To ensure compliance with the Sonoma County code and the State of California’s Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) and related environmental protection regulations, our Coordinator must develop effective working relationships with staff and management in other Permit Sonoma divisions (Code Enforcement, Engineering, Planning), other County agencies (Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, Sonoma Public Infrastructure, Regional Parks, Sonoma Water), at the California Department of Conservation Division of Mines and Reclamation, and at mining facilities. What You Bring To become our Mining Program Coordinator and certified SMARA inspector, you will bring your experience related to environmental management, engineering, geology, hydrology, water resource management, or other related natural disciplines . Previous experience interpreting and implementing state and federal regulatory programs for large industrial facilities including aggregate production facilities or the ability to quickly come up to speed on these requirements is needed. Certifications related to sediment and erosion control and stormwater management e.g., Qualified Stormwater Professional (QSP) and a background in designing and implementing monitoring surveys are desired. As our ideal candidate for the Coordinator position, you will demonstrate that you can quickly assess problems with a solution-oriented, customer-focused approach. You have a high level of integrity and can work collaboratively with a diverse customer base. Additionally, as our ideal candidate you are tactful, detail-oriented, and: Possess strong analytical skills, expert judgment, and a commonsense approach to addressing daily challenges Have high-functioning communication skills and the ability to effectively handle inquiries and maintain collaborative working relationships Bring your considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, programs, and court decisions pertaining to environmental protection Can pivot quickly and manage the normal stresses of a high-paced work environment A team player who is passionate about building new programs that work to protect public health and safety Due to the nature of the inspection and monitoring work that the Coordinator performs, incumbents are required to work indoors, in an office setting, and outdoors. They drive across the County in assigned County vehicles on dirt roads, pavements, and in various weather conditions. As this position conducts site inspections, incumbents may be exposed to natural hazards such as poison oak, ticks, and other wildlife. If you enjoy a mixture of office and outdoor work, bring your technical skills in environmental review and positive attitude to Permit Sonoma! Permit Sonoma is currently recruiting to fill a Mining Program Coordinator position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title of the position is Senior Environmental Specialist. *Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory . APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Minimum Qualifications Education: Academic course work which directly relates to the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, such course work would include the equivalent of a four year college degree in planning, engineering, technical writing, physical or biological sciences, physical/biological/social and human environmental relations, or other related courses. Experience: Any combination of experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, two years of experience in engineering and/or public works project experience including some experience in the preparation of environmental reports. OR Positions with specialized assignments require training and education in one of the specialty areas which provides an opportunity to acquire the necessary technical knowledge and abilities to perform the duties of the specialty assignment. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be the equivalent of a four year college degree with course work in fishery biology, wildlife management, zoology, biology, botany, soils science, agronomy, or a closely related field; and one year experience working within the designated specialty area. License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of: Federal, State and local laws, regulations, current programs and court decisions pertaining to environmental protection; environmental considerations in the design, location, and construction of public (flood control, highway, water supply, sanitation) and private (residential, commercial, industrial) projects; and citizen and public interest groups dealing with environmental matters; physical, biological, social and human environmental relationships; and contract management. Specialized assignments require the following: Fish and Wildlife Working knowledge of: fishery and wildlife management principles and methods; the classification, life histories, ecology, habitats, parasites, and diseases of fresh-water fish and California wildlife; research methodology; wildlife resource management, including watershed, range, forestry, fishery, wildlife and recreation techniques and equipment in making biological investigations of fish and wildlife; materials, equipment, and techniques used in fishery and wildlife habitat improvement; and fishery considerations in the design, location, and construction of public works projects relating to streams, lakes, and ecological areas. Botanical, Wetland Resource and Soils Morphology Working knowledge of: vegetation and soils management principles and methods; the classification and morphology of soils, and botanical identification, classification, and life histories of plants; botanical soils research methodology; techniques and equipment in making botanical and soils investigations; materials, equipment and techniques used in botanical habitat enhancements or soil structure improvements; and of botanical considerations in the design, location, and construction of public construction projects relating to wetlands and other ecological areas. Arboricultural/Revegetation Working knowledge of: the classification and identification of native plants and ornamental trees; the growth habits, parasites, diseases, habitat and life histories of native plants and ornamental trees; sources of native plants; soil amendments and fertilizers; irrigation methods, needs, and materials; erosion control methods and materials; and planting monitoring and maintenance methods; tree management principles and methods, research methodologies; forestry, woodland and range resource management; and techniques used in arboriculture; considerations needed to design, locate, and construct revegetation projects in urban and natural settings and to be compatible with the desired function of flood control, water supply, and sanitation facilities; and of arboricultural considerations in the design, location, and construction of public projects. Working knowledge of: construction principles, practices, and terminology; the use of personal computers and various software applications; the use of noise meters, cameras, and various audio-visual aids. Ability to: analyze and design project reports and determine probable effect on environment; write effectively and to use good judgment in the assembling, evaluation and use of information; prepare and present various reports on the effect of projects on the environment to advisory boards, commissions, and elected bodies; assist in planning, scheduling, and training of other employees; make mathematical calculations; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; establish and maintain effective relationships with other staff members, staff of other agencies, organizations, and the general public; and use a personal computer to do word processing, spreadsheets, graphics and modeling. Working Conditions Duties require sitting and standing for prolonged periods. Additionally, walking on level, inclined, uneven, wet and slippery surfaces; reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, and climbing over objects is required in the performance of routine duties while conducting field work. The incumbent may, while monitoring projects in the field, be subjected to all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. During construction and field site inspections incumbents may be exposed to dust and pollen, poisonous and stinging plants, and loud noises. The need to climb stairs, push and/or lift weights up to 25 pounds may be required when using office or field equipment, lifting binders and/or pushing boxes of specifications and reports. Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process. You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions. You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately. Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification. Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process. APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored. The selection procedure will consist of the following examination: An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants. Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position. HOW TO APPLY Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted. The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. HR Analyst: CG HR Technician: RR IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions. COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL* These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers: Paid Time Off : Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment. Health Plan : Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units. Retirement : Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired . IRS 457 Plan : Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum. Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits. Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more. For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900. *IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Closing Date/Time: Continuous