Environmental Resources Specialist

Job Description:

Environmental Resources Specialist

Description

Introduction

Living in Placer County from Placer County Video Portal

Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! For more information about Placer County, please visit www.placer.ca.gov .

POSITION INFORMATION

The Department of Public Works is seeking an individual to assist in the permitting, planning, environmental compliance, and public outreach and education for the County’s solid waste and recycling programs, as well as related work in support of wastewater and water management programs. Work will include analyzing and interpreting applicable laws and regulations; developing educational materials and messages; engaging with the public; facility permitting; program planning; ensuring compliance with California Environmental Quality Act; and preparing and reviewing technical reports. A strong candidate will have experience in regulatory compliance, solid waste management, public outreach and education, be a motivated self-starter, and have excellent communication skills.


BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To assist in the development, implementation, monitoring, and compliance of the County’s environmental and/or solid waste management programs; to ensure projects and programs comply with environmental review requirements including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); to develop and implement outreach plans and materials; to prepare grant applications and process grant documents; and to participate in the administration of contracts.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Environmental Resources Specialist is the full journey level class within the Environmental Resources Specialist series and is assigned the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating policies and procedures of the work unit.

The Environmental Resources Specialist is distinguished from the Supervising Environmental Resources Specialist in that the latter performs the most complex and difficult planning, compliance, and monitoring activities related to the County’s environmental and/or solid waste management programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from other professional and management staff.

May exercise functional and/or technical supervision over outside consultants, contract employees, and/or lower-level staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and compliance of the County’s environmental programs including solid waste management, recycling and waste reduction, groundwater management, water resources, wastewater, composting, household hazardous waste, and material recovery facility and landfill operations.
  
• Research, compile, analyze, and interpret information and data necessary to meet program objectives.
  
• Consult with department management staff to determine and recommend goals and objectives for the related programs; conduct waste audits and make recommendations to reduce and recycle waste.
  
• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of existing programs and plans; assist in the development and implementation of new programs and plans; work closely with residents, community groups, and local and regional public and private agencies and businesses in the coordination and implementation of new programs and plans.
  
• Prepare grant applications and process grant documents including all progress and final payment reports; assist in the preparation of requests for proposal (RFP) and contract agreements.
  
• Participate in the preparation, administration, monitoring, and evaluation of contracts; participate in negotiating contracts with outside vendors, consultants, or organizations; assist in monitoring fiscal and legal liabilities of the same; review invoices and manage contract budgets.
  
• Analyze and interpret laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies to staff, consultants, and the public as needed.
  
• Monitor facilities and programs for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and state, federal, and/or local plans; recommend program or policy changes to comply with new laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies; coordinate with other departments or agencies on compliance activities as appropriate.
  
• Assist in the preparation, review, and monitoring of program budgets; submit justifications for budget requests.
  
• Prepare, review, and coordinate environmental documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other applicable regulations.
  
• Develop promotional and educational activities to promote public awareness and involvement in environmental issues; prepare informational materials for public and business outreach programs; assist in notifying and developing publicity for various programs; coordinate and deliver informative environmental health and safety resource presentations to members of the public.
  
• Conduct solid waste assessments of businesses to develop recommendations designed to increase waste diversion; provide technical assistance to businesses, recyclers, schools, and residents; meet with business owners and attend community meetings and waste advisory meetings to report on activities.
  
• Monitor solid waste collection and facility operations for compliance with franchise agreements; evaluate, calculate, and implement adjustments to solid waste collection rates and fees; prepare and distribute appropriate legal notices as required by law.
  
• Prepare solid waste facility permit applications and renewals to maintain state approval for operation; prepare and coordinate regulatory permits and approvals related to environmental programs and infrastructure projects.
  
• Prepare a variety of written communications including reports on activities and regulatory compliance; oversee the preparation of graphic materials; prepare agendas for meetings; maintain program records.
  
• Respond to public inquiries regarding environmental issues including recycling and waste reduction programs; investigate and resolve complaints.
  
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, contractors, consultants, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions and in the field requiring travel to various locations throughout the County in a variety of outdoor weather conditions. Work may be performed at a site that is an active landfill, composting operation, and materials recovery facility with associated noises and odors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in solid waste management, recycling, land use, or environmental health planning work, or a related field.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban, regional, or environmental planning, environmental studies, environmental science, environmental or civil engineering, or a related field.
Note: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department.

*Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.
Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned environmental and/or solid waste management program areas.
  
• Principles and practices of environmental review including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
  
• Principles, practices, and methods of environmental and/or solid waste facility program planning and administration.
  
• Principles, practices, and methods used in public information programs.
  
• Principles and practices of environmental health and safety.
  
• Principles and practices of grant application preparation, project, and contract administration.
  
• Statistical research methods and data analysis techniques.
  
• Principles of budget preparation and monitoring.
  
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer hardware and software applications.
  
• English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  
• Principles and practices of customer service.
  
• Principles and practices of work safety.
  

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; read, identify, interpret, understand, analyze, apply, recall, and explain policies and procedures, technical and numerical information, work papers, reports, special projects, and pertinent laws, rules, and regulations; observe and problem-solve operational and technical policies and procedures; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks with frequent interruptions; manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and quickly switch between tasks; focus on a single task for long periods of time; analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine appropriate course of action; maintain awareness of safety at all times; observe safety rules and identify safety hazards.
  
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk, in meetings, or in vehicle for long periods of time. Intermittently walk, stand, kneel, climb, stoop, squat, crouch, twist, balance, reach, and bend to reach equipment surrounding desk and perform field work; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; speak, use a telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; see, hear, and smell with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift moderate weight.
  
• Conduct research and analyze data relating to integrated waste management programs.
  
• Assist in the development and monitoring of program budget.
  
• Provide technical and functional supervision to assigned staff.
  
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of plans and programs in achievement of goals and objectives.
  
• Maintain records and prepare reports and other documents.
  
• Prepare education information and program materials to be presented to the public.
  
• Assist in the preparation, negotiation, and administration of contract agreements.
  
• Organize and coordinate the activities of public and private recycling programs.
  
• Prepare and complete grant applications for program funding including the monitoring of activities and preparation of appropriate reports in support of grants.
  
• Obtain information through interview and interact fairly and courteously with the public.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
  
• Represent the County in meetings with other agencies and the public.
  
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)
Applicants are required to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire,which serves as the examination for this recruitment.

• Evaluation: We use a pre-determined formula to score your responses related to education, training, and professional experience.

Accuracy: Please ensure your application and questionnaire thoroughly reflect your background, as these scores determine your ranking on the eligible list.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:
All permanent appointments to this classification shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:

Professional

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Salary Grade:
PROF-232 - Range A
PROF-232 - Range B

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-Hire Requirements

Candidates must complete the following requirements before their start date if an offer is extended:

• DOJ Criminal Background Clearance: Successfully complete a fingerprint-based background check through the California Department of Justice.
  
• Medical Evaluation: Pass a pre-employment physical, which may include drug screening and/or a psychological evaluation.
  
• Oath of Office: Subscribe to the constitutional oath or affirmation as required for all public employees by the California Constitution.
  
• Employment Eligibility Verification: Provide original documents that establish both identity and the legal right to work in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  

Position-Specific Requirements

In addition to the above, some positions may require one or more of the following:

• Age Verification: Provide documentation verifying that you meet the minimum legal age requirements for this position.
  
• Background Check: Some positions require a background investigation. This may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, polygraph, and/or proof of bonding.
  
• Law Enforcement: Applicants for law enforcement functions must complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process.
  
• Medi-Cal Access/Licensing: Applicants with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification.
  

Failure to clear all requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

Substitute Lists

The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill vacancies in similar roles or lower-level positions within the same career series (e.g., journey-level vs. entry-level).

• Interviews: If contacted to interview for a similar role, the hiring department will provide the specific job details before the interview.
  
• No Risk: Choosing not to interview for a different classification will not affect your standing on the original list for which you applied.
  

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Public Agency Eligible List
If you are a current or recent employee of another public agency, you may qualify for an expedited application process. Visit our Employees of Other Public Agencies page to view eligibility requirements, download required forms, and submit an application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All applicants and employees receive fair and equal consideration in every stage of employment. Employment decisions are based on job‑related qualifications and are not influenced by any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. Refer to our Equal Employment Opportunity Program and Policy Statement (PDF ) for detailed information.

Applicants who need an accommodation during the recruitment or examination process should contact Human Resources at least five working days before the scheduled exam.

Conclusion

Recruitment Contact
For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Janine Martindale, Administrative Technician

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (530 889-4083

Closing Date/Time: 10/13/2026 5:00:00 PM

Salary:

$48.80 - $60.96/hour; $8,458.67 - $10,566.40/month; $101,504.00 - $126,796.80/year