Natural Resource Manager (Open & Promotional)

San Mateo County Department of Public Works (Public Works)

is seeking a

Natural Resource Manager

to oversee the Watershed Protection Services (WPS) group in the Utilities and Watershed Protection Section of the Engineering and Resource Protection Division. The WPS consists of one Senior and 2 journey level Natural Resource Specialists who are responsible for implementation of County sponsored natural resource conservation programs/projects related to maintenance and capital improvements of County maintained infrastructure and facilities, and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California State Water Resources Control Board's Municipal Regional Permit. This position will report to the Principal Civil Engineer of the Utilities and Watershed Protection Section.

The Natural Resource Manager position plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff and consultants. The position also manages natural resources; establishes methods for supporting all conservation projects during planning, permitting, design, and implementation; supports operations' projects, including capital, during planning, permitting, design, pre-construction, and construction; participates in the development of environmental goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; and maintains a thorough understanding of the environmental regulations and other requirements and maintains effective relationships with agencies, regulators, and local jurisdictions that administer and enforce environmental programs applicable to Public Works. In addition, the Natural Resource Manager works with all departments in the County of San Mateo to ensure that natural resource objectives are met county-wide, and Public Works projects do not adversely impact the natural resources within or adjacent to public road rights of ways or easements. The successful candidate should have a specialized practice area in natural resources, environmental management, or other closely related field, and a demonstrated track record of successfully delivering projects, managing staff, and consultants.

Key Duties:

Assess the status of the County's natural resources through field observation and research. Conduct research, monitoring and evaluation of site conditions, survey field sites for flora, fauna, and other wildlife. Assist in the analysis of environmental impacts of projects and recreational use on County parks or other land. Lead the development and implementation of resource management restoration and sustainability plans and programs for specific areas and preserves. Compile information for a variety of studies and reports; develop recommendations and prepare detailed technical summaries, statistical reports, and geographic and other informational materials for the staff and public related to natural resources. Monitor rangeland, forest and other habitat health conditions, including conducting wildlife surveys, and developing plans for vegetation management projects. Provide technical assistance on assigned resource management projects and to field staff, interns and volunteers. Work with other County staff or department(s) and professional societies to develop and maintain resource inventories of County parks or other land. Monitor baseline conditions of natural resources. Assist in the pursuit of grant and other special funding avenues for park or natural resource protection, conservation and restoration programs. Respond to questions and inquiries from the general public regarding resource management issues. Provide and clarify information relative to land use, environmental compliance, capital improvement and other related issues. Coordinate and manage contracts and manage natural resources program budget. Coordinate Natural Resources protection, conservation and restoration projects with outside contractors; oversee contractor work to assure compliance with permit conditions, established standards, contracts and specifications. Participate in the planning, development, scheduling, design and implementation of construction projects. Plan, organize and direct the preparation, distribution, review and approval of environmental permit applications, compliance monitoring, reporting, and grant funding documents, correspondence and related materials. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Possess a bachelor's degree in natural resources management, environmental sciences or similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Master's degree preferred. Have a minimum of five (5) years' experience in functional area with lead worker responsibilities. Three (3) years program and project management experience leading a team of support staff is preferred and can be in addition to or as part of the above work experience. Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in ecology, biology, wildlife, or related field AND five years of increasingly responsible experience in evaluating, surveying, or monitoring natural resource systems in the field of public works construction and maintenance, and demonstrated experience working with people cooperatively and collaboratively.

Knowledge of:

Modern principles and practices of land use management, biology, geology, earth sciences, ecology, wildlife and/or vegetation management. Principles and practices of resource management and site planning. Natural resource management issues and evaluation alternatives. Flora, fauna, geological, aquatic and archaeological resources of California, specifically those found in the County. Methods and techniques of resource protection and restoration. Methods and techniques of research, analysis, and report preparation. Conduct and documentation of field observations. Basic principles of project budget preparation and control; project management and contract administration. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and requirements and related reports. Principles of statistical methods and their application to resource management. Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.

Skill/Ability to:

Interpret resource management programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, other Parks, Public Works and County staff, boards and commissions. Conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations. Assess status of natural resources through field observations. Plan and prioritize implementation of vegetation management, fire fuel reduction, and habitat restoration projects on County land. Monitor changes in natural resource conditions and determine causes. Identify and survey local common and rare plants and wildlife species specifically those found in County land. Read, interpret, apply, and explain technical regulations and other complex Federal, State, and local policies, laws and regulations. Read and understand technical drawings and specifications. Perform field measurements and mathematical calculations with precision and accuracy. Effectively represent the County Parks and Public Works Departments in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals. Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines. 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. Communicate and effectively work with Parks and Public Works partners such as the various resource conservation agencies, non-profit organizations, "friends of" groups and professional societies. Communicate and effectively work with Parks and Public Works staff in articulating the natural resources perspective. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Driver License or equivalent.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.

Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online.

If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the 'Apply' button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to

https://jobs.smcgov.org

to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule

Final Filing Date:

Monday, August 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Screening Date:

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Combined Panel Interviews:

Monday, August 19 and/or Tuesday, August 20, 2024

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.

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