Environmental Compliance Analyst

General Description

The District

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Corporate Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position

Under general supervision, performs a wide range of technical and administrative tasks related to environmental compliance; coordinates preparation of major environmental documents; coordinates and manages environmental review of District projects including compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); applies environmental planning expertise and the use of judgment and initiative to ensure compliance with all environmental laws and regulations.

Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is a stand-alone position where the incumbent performs the full range of duties including seeking compliance with CEQA and NEPA for the District, and coordination with consultants and resource agencies for the permitting of District projects and any associated monitoring and reporting.

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon Headquarters office full-time, without the option for remote work.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, January 27, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Initiate and monitor the environmental review of District capital projects and applicable maintenance activities. Implement CEQA and NEPA requirements in accordance with environmental regulations for District projects and activities.

Coordinate the preparation of all levels of environmental documentation, including notice of exemption, environmental assessments, environmental impact reports, and documents prepared by consultants, project engineers and others. Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws and statutes affecting environmental review and permitting of the District's capital projects and applicable activities. Ensure proper filing of all environmental documents with the appropriate agencies.

Assist in the development of appropriate operational and mitigation measures for any potential impacts from implementing District projects or maintenance activities to comply with all applicable environmental laws and requirements as needed.

Participate in permitting processes with regulatory agencies for permitting of District projects and applicable maintenance activities.

Oversee and direct the work of outside consultants using effective project management skills. Manage consultants’ work to approved schedule and budget; coordinate with consultants in preparation of all levels of environmental review as required by law; review consultant’s work and provide input into finalization of studies and reports; represent IRWD with consultants, monitor and evaluate work in progress.

Plan, guide, and coordinate water resources staff in assisting with environmental review of District projects.

Review and coordinate with District staff the evaluation of environmental documentation prepared by other agencies. Coordinate and prepare the District's comments on any potential impacts to District facilities.

Respond to District staff requests for information and support on water and environmental resources, mitigation strategies and compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements; provide assistance and support to District staff related to environmental review and provide knowledgeable guidance on changes in environmental laws and requirements.

Prepare professional service Request for Proposals, prepare scopes of work for environmental and permitting consulting work, assist in evaluating and selecting consultants; negotiate and administer agreements for professional services.

Prepare Board and Committee reports for consideration of approval of environmental documents.

Provide recommendations for appropriate Board report language as projects are subject to the CEQA process.

Track implementation of project-specific mitigation monitoring and reporting plans and budgets.

Assist in the review and evaluation of proposed environmental legislation and regulation for impact on District operations.

Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with emphasis in environmental studies, water resources, or related field.

Experience:

Two (2) years of work experience in water resources or a related discipline and knowledge of project management principles including two years of experience working with CEQA/NEPA principles, guidelines, and requirements; and current federal, state and local permitting requirements relative to water policies and issues is required.

License/Certifications :

A valid Class “C” California Driver’s License is required.

Knowledge of:

• California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Permitting processes to secure Army Corps of Engineers Clean Water Act Section 404 permits, Regional Water Quality Control Board Section 401 Water Quality Certifications and California Department of Fish and Wildlife Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements.
• Environmental mitigation concepts.
• Natural Community Conservation Plans/Habitat Conservation Plans (NCCP/HCP) guidelines.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees, management and outside agencies.
• Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with outside agencies, consultants and customers.
• Explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures, and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Apply effective project management techniques to oversee and direct the work of outside consultants.
• Evaluate, interpret and explain complex environmental and regulatory compliance laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the District’s projects and operations, reach valid conclusions and develop sound, comprehensive findings, and recommendations.
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages, fractions and decimals
• Proficiently use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
• Read and interpret complex data and information.
• Work on multiple, concurrent tasks.
• Be self-motivated and have excellent oral/written communication skills.
• Be organized with the ability to multi-task and make decisions independently.
• Use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive information.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment. These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. Occasional visits to construction sites where noise level may be higher than typical office environment. Ability to work in an environment which may expose employee to hazardous materials and environment.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Writing Skills Assessment: w hich will evaluate candidates' ability to (properly convey information in writing.) or (effectively communicate in writing.)

Oral Interview Examination : will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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