Description
** This job posting is for the Environmental Analyst I **
The Port is seeking an Environmental Analyst I to support management of San Diego Bay’s natural resources. This is an entry level position in the Environmental Conservation Department and candidates will assist with a variety of environmental initiatives. Responsibilities include conducting field surveys and environmental monitoring; supporting endangered and invasive species management; preparing applications and ensuring compliance with Army Corps of Engineers and Regional Water Quality Control Board permits; leading volunteer events and educational outreach; supporting public committee and stakeholder engagement; assisting with grant writing; and providing general project management support.
Candidates should have a background in marine or coastal watershed science or environmental policy, be familiar with environmental laws and regulations, and possess excellent communication, presentation, and writing skills. The Environmental Conservation Department is a collaborative, close-knit, and upbeat team, and we’re looking for someone who values teamwork and thrives in a supportive, fun, and mission-driven environment.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision (Environmental Analyst I) or direction (Environmental Analyst II), performs a variety of duties involved in the development, implementation, and administration of specialized aquaculture, air quality, blue technology, environmental, hazardous waste management, natural resources, remediation, site assessment, stormwater, sustainability, and water and sediment quality programs within assigned department; ensures Port compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations; conducts a variety of environmental research studies and analyses; enforces environmental regulations of the Port code and required permits; assists in the development, review, and presentation of related reports, documents, and correspondence; represents the Port or assigned department in interactions with the public, tenants, other governmental agencies, member city representatives, and internal contacts; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision (Environmental Analyst I) or direction (Environmental Analyst II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Environmental Analyst I: This is the entry-level classification in the Environmental Analyst series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine sampling or survey activities, monitoring, data analysis, hazardous waste management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and education programs, conduct research and analysis, assist with developing procedures and policies, help prepare reports, and manage tasks or program elements. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Environmental Analyst II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Environmental Analyst II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Environmental Analyst series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Environmental Analyst I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Positions in the Environmental Analyst class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Environmental Analyst II level are normally filled by advancement from the Environmental Analyst I level; progression to the Environmental Analyst II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii)the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Environmental Analyst II level.
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 where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Positions at the Environmental Analyst I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.
- Researches and assists in developing, recommending, implementing, and monitoring activities of assigned aquaculture, air quality, blue technology, environmental, hazardous waste management, natural resources, remediation, site assessment, stormwater, sustainability, and water and sediment quality programs; ensures program compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory agency requirements; researches emerging and new laws and regulations; collaborates with regulatory agencies, tenants, member cities, and other affected organizations.
- Assists with schedules, plans, coordinates, and participates in aquaculture, air quality, blue technology, environmental, hazardous waste management, natural resources, remediation, site assessment, stormwater, sustainability, and water and sediment quality projects involving multiple departments, agencies, and internal and external partners; reviews project feasibility and permitting considerations; drafts, reviews, and executes task authorizations; coordinates budgets; communicates results; participates in analyses of components related to programs of specialty in Port and tenant development and improvement projects.
- Assists with and performs field investigative and compliance work and special studies requiring technical expertise and in-depth knowledge within areas of assigned specialty; supervises and monitors work of field crews; collects, compiles, analyzes, summarizes, and communicates data and findings and develops and recommends courses of action.
- Assists with and maintains environmental spatial datasets; updates GIS layers, and develops as-needed maps, graphics, and figures; verifies utility ownership for Port projects; creates field forms for inspection and monitoring data collection; provides training to field staff on proper GIS field collection protocols.
- Assists with and develops, writes, reviews, and presents a variety of reports, documents, and correspondence related to aquaculture, air quality, blue technology, environmental, hazardous waste management, natural resources, remediation, site assessment, stormwater, sustainability, and water and sediment quality programs issues; composes and presents written technical reports, including findings and recommendations regarding projects; drafts agenda sheets; completes and reviews environmental documentation for Port and tenant projects, develops presentation materials, and presents or assists in presenting designated projects to boards, committees, and other stakeholders.
- Assists with and provides information and technical assistance to other departments, tenants, agencies, and organizations; responds to a variety of environmental inquiries from representatives of different Port divisions/departments and tenants and develops and provides recommendations for addressing aquaculture, air quality, blue technology, environmental, hazardous waste management, natural resources, remediation, site assessment, stormwater, sustainability, and water and sediment quality issues;
- Enforces Port environmental ordinances and other applicable laws and regulations; coordinates with other agencies for information sharing and community education; responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements; represents the department in meetings with internal and outside agencies regarding program issues.
- Assists in developing and administering consultant and contractor tasks, contracts, and project budgets related to assigned areas of specialty; coordinates and oversees work of consultants to ensure contract terms are met; monitors consultant work and schedules to ensure timely project completion; reviews invoices and presents discrepancies to leadership.
- Participates in analyses of aquaculture, air quality, blue technology, environmental, hazardous waste management, natural resources, remediation, site assessment, stormwater, sustainability, and water and sediment quality components related to programs of specialty in Port and tenant development and improvement projects.
- Assists with and develops, writes, reviews, presents, and maintains a variety of reports, documents, correspondence, and records related to areas of assigned responsibility; composes and presents written technical reports; drafts correspondence to other Port departments as well as state and federal regulatory agencies; maintains and oversees maintenance of accurate, complete, and current records.
- Assists in the development of information, outreach, and educational materials; participates in outreach events, makes presentations, and provides aquaculture, air quality, blue technology, environmental, hazardous waste management, natural resources, remediation, site assessment, stormwater, sustainability, and water and sediment quality training to tenants and other Port departments.
- Conducts field and tenant inspections for compliance with grants and/or local regulatory laws and permits; is authorized to provide the needed enforcement actions to bring non-compliant instances into compliance.
- Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.
- Observes and complies with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Incumbents within this classification may be assigned to any of the Port’s departments that conduct environmental or planning services. Core competencies and functions include:
When assigned to Environmental Conservation
- Assists with the implementation of department operational goals and objectives including assisting with obtaining grant funding to support department initiatives.
- Assist with advisory committees, tenant project review, and implementation of the Chula Vista Bayfront Natural Resources Management Plan
- Assists with permits for water projects and permit compliance for nature-based solutions, Port Capital, and Major Maintenance projects.
- Conducts endangered and invasive species management, nature-based solutions, blue carbon initiatives, and wetlands and eelgrass restoration and enhancement.
- Implements the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan for San Diego Bay; conducts environmental education programs; maintains a wetland mitigation bank; ensures compliance with reporting requirements.
When assigned to Aquaculture & Blue Technology
- Assists in a variety of planning and development work to inform aquaculture and blue economy opportunities in and around San Diego Bay.
- Assists in the creation, early development, and initial scaling of sustainable aquaculture and Port-related blue technology ventures; seeks innovative aquaculture and blue technology proposals to address Port environmental challenges and inform future blue economy opportunities.
- Assists in building a Blue Economy Portfolio of new businesses and partnerships that deliver multiple social, environmental, and economic co-benefits to the Port and the region; assists with creating synergies with, and informing, other environmental and economic programs throughout the Port and region.
- Conducts programmatic planning to support land and ocean-based aquaculture and blue economy opportunities; leads specialized studies to inform programmatic planning initiatives; manages partnerships, innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact-driven platforms to advance a variety of blue economy strategic priorities.
When assigned to Environmental Protection
- Assists with overseeing programs that reduce environmental pollutants and protect and enhance the environmental health of the San Diego Bay and the tidelands.
- Conducts investigations and monitors water, sediment, and marine life; conducts site assessments, remediation, and Hazardous Waste Management programs.
- Participates in stormwater permitting, environmental regulatory compliance, and National Discharge Pollutant Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
- Conducts site assessments and field investigations; reviews project development plans; conducts field sampling and other environmental surveys; oversees waste and hazardous waste management programs and clean-up/mitigation efforts.
- Compiles and analyzes data and prepares reports regarding environmental outreach and education efforts to a variety of audiences; prepares environmental findings and makes recommendations for courses of action or enforcement.
Qualifications
Positions at the Environmental Analyst I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.
Knowledge of:
- Principles, theories, methods, and techniques of aquaculture, air quality, blue technology, environmental, hazardous waste management, natural resources, remediation, site assessment, stormwater, sustainability, and water and sediment quality programs.
- Basic principles and practices of program/project planning and management, including contract and budget management for individual projects.
- Principles and practices of public administration, including purchasing, contracting, and maintenance of public records.
- Field investigative work, sampling best practices, and compliance monitoring approaches.
- Environmental spatial datasets, updates GIS layers, maps, graphics, and figures.
- Business correspondence and report writing techniques.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
- Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Ability to:
- Collect, evaluate, and interpret appropriate and applicable data, either in statistical or narrative form.
- Apply sound, creative problem-solving techniques to resolve difficult program issues and problems.
- Ensure the maintenance of all required files, records, and documentation.
- Manage multiple projects within a given time frame.
- Perform environmental field investigative and compliance work and special studies requiring a high level of technical expertise and in-depth knowledge within areas of assigned specialty.
- Collect, compile, analyze, summarize, and communicate data and findings and make sound recommendations on environmental issues.
- Maintain environmental spatial datasets; update GIS layers, and develop as-needed maps, graphics, and figures.
- Assist in developing and administering consultant and contractor contracts tasks, and budgets related to assigned areas of specialty.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Effectively represent the department and the Port in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
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:
- Environmental Analyst I/II: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in aquaculture, biology, marine studies, environmental sciences and/or policy, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- Environmental Analyst I: No work experience required.
- Environmental Analyst II: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in analyzing, planning, and/or implementing environmental-related program assignments.
Recruitment Information
The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.
Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.
Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.
To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsd Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
Placement on Eligible List: The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk 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 occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When assigned to field duties, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and motor boat and to visit various Port sites and work on/over the water; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 30 pounds, or heavier weights up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
Environmental Conditions
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field at undeveloped sites, over the water environments and are exposed to cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
