Associate Environmental Specialist

About the role

The Associate Environmental Specialist supports the Permitting and Compliance Department by ensuring on-the-ground implementation of permitted projects complies with the TRPA Code of Ordinances, Handbook of Best Management Practices, Plan Area Statements, Area Plans, and other components of the Regional Plan. This role involves conducting inspections, evaluating compliance, and interacting with the public and local building departments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-grade, intermediate, final, and security return inspections of approved projects to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Review construction drawings, evaluate water quality effects, and determine compliance with TRPA’s Regional Plan.
• Monitor and report on local jurisdiction activities, investigate complaints, and resolve violations for permitted and non-permitted activities.
• Maintain inspection records, input project tracking information into a database, and prepare correspondence for applicants and permittees.
• Facilitate meetings or workshops and engage with the public, interest groups, and agencies to develop practical solutions to policy and planning issues.
• Review plans and ordinances for consistency with the Regional Plan and evaluate potential environmental impacts.
• Collaborate with local jurisdictions, agency staff, and external stakeholders to implement the Shoreline Plan in conformance with the Regional Plan.
• Assist customers at the public service counter, over the telephone, and via email to provide solution-oriented advice.
• Manage assigned projects, including scoping, scheduling, planning, and execution.
• Prepare and present high-quality written and graphic materials, such as staff reports, maps, posters, and topical reports.
• Act in alignment with TRPA’s goals and objectives while delivering high-level service to internal and external customers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local jurisdictions, environmental organizations, business interests, and other agencies.
• Use sound judgment to make independent decisions or seek direction from management when necessary.
• Perform duties related to report writing, data entry, data management, GIS mapping, and assistance with request for proposal preparation.
• Gather and interpret data related to enforcement and education.
• Work with partners around the Basin to increase awareness of TRPA rules and improve program innovation.
• Collect and manage data while maintaining a high level of customer service.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in urban or regional planning, hydrology, geography, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field. A Master’s Degree is desired but not required.
• Three years of increasingly responsible experience in planning and/or compliance, including long-range planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, and/or current planning work. A Master’s Degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• Basic understanding of stormwater quality, non-point source pollution, hydrology, and/or soils science.
• Experience implementing practical solutions for environmental protection measures on construction projects.
• Experience working with the public on the interpretation, explanation, and enforcement of codes and regulations (highly desirable).
• Working knowledge of Tahoe-specific environmental issues and Best Management Practices employed in the Tahoe Region (highly desirable).
• Formal training or experience in code compliance or natural resource protection (preferred but not required).

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of and experience applying planning principles and methodologies.
• Training or experience with group facilitation techniques.
• Ability to understand and interpret the TRPA Code of Ordinances and ordinances of other jurisdictions.
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse constituents.
• Demonstrated influence skills and ability to establish credibility and trust through oral and written communication.
• Willingness to represent the Compliance Program and/or Agency at public events and meetings, including presenting on controversial issues.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently or in a team setting.
• Knowledge of data collection, input, management, and interpretation of natural resource information.
• Initiative and personal motivation to succeed in a challenging environment.
• Strong organization and time management skills, including the ability to complete work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interact with the public in a positive, non-confrontational manner and manage conflict effectively.
• Excellent record-keeping skills and oversight of complex projects.
• Critical thinking and analysis capability to synthesize complex facts and propose tailored solutions.
• Organizational savvy to build alliances and relationships across TRPA departments, programs, and partner agencies.
• Experience collecting field data according to established protocols.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS software.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and web content management.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $67,300 to $100,950. Starting pay is generally between the minimum ($67,300) and the middle ($84,125) of the range, with flexibility depending on experience.

Benefits

• 27 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually for sick and personal time, with accruals increasing over time.
• 13 paid holidays annually.
• Money Purchase Pension Plan: Agency contributes 8% of annual salary toward retirement (immediate participation and 100% vesting).
• Supplemental Retirement Plan: Agency contributes 7% of annual salary toward retirement (immediate participation and 100% vesting).
• Group Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage with four plan options, including 100% employer-paid premiums for select employee-only plans and partial coverage for dependents.
• High Deductible Health Plan with employer contributions to the employee’s HSA account.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability coverage.
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (voluntary).
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (voluntary).
• Dog-friendly workplace.