Job Description

Salary : $105,200.99 - $167,002.43 Annually
Location : Riverside
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]25-74810-02
Department: TLMA Planning
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 09/30/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

ABOUT THE POSITION
Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately to receive priority consideration.

Recruitment will remain open until position is filled.
The County of Riverside's Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA) Planning Department has an exciting opportunity for a Chief Biologist (Environmental Project Manager). This position plays a critical role in managing the Biology Unit within the Department's Environmental Programs Division, located in Riverside.
The Environmental Project Manager position focuses on the management of ecological resources. The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the implementation of, and ensuring proposed project consistency with, Habitat Conservation Plans/Natural Community Conservation Plans.
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and practices associated with land development projects.
• Reviewing and evaluating the biological elements of land use applications to ensure practical implementation of regional ecological policies and guidelines.
• Performing environmental evaluations related to ecological reserve/conservation configurations, urban/wildland interface issues, sensitive habitats/vegetation, animal movement, species relocation plans, revegetation plans, and other land use issues resulting from public and private development.
• Conducting meetings with various regulating agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).
• Reviewing biological assessments to ensure proper mitigation measures and conservation plan consistency, which may include, but are not limited to: Habitat Assessments, Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Consistency Analyses, Jurisdictional Delineations, and Determinations of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP).

The Ideal Candidate
The most competitive candidates will bring a strong technical background in ecological resource management paired with advanced mapping and technology skills. A comprehensive understanding of GIS mapping principles, application utilization, data input, and file sharing is highly desirable. While not required, experience with field mapping using mobile GIS and GPS technologies will be considered a valuable asset.

Candidates with knowledge of, or experience applying, UAV/Drone technologies for site review and documentation will be especially competitive.

This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311 of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.

Meet the Team!
The Planning Department is responsible for Riverside County's General Plan, a comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of unincorporated areas within the County. This department formulates growth management plans and zoning for the County.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide project management support on an array of technically complex projects related to biological compliance documentation and coordination with other wildlife and conservation regulating agencies.
• Plan, organize, direct, review, and evaluate the work of professional department staff and external consultants.
• Participates or directs others in the preparation of the habitat conservation plans; provides technical expertise needed to effectively implement those plans.
• Facilitates the coordination of environmental site research and planning by other agencies, private groups or individuals.
• Reviews biological resource evaluations and assists in determining the types of mitigation required of proposed projects in sensitive habitat areas in order to implement habitat conservation plans.
• Provides information regarding the results of project proposed mitigation measures for habitat conservation to federal and state agencies.
• Reviews biological reports and other environmental data submitted to the County with development/land use applications; makes comments and requests further information as needed and determines the type and nature of appropriate mitigation measures for biological resources assessed on properties.
• May prepare or review relevant sections of environmental documentation for proposed projects, which include development and monitoring of biological mitigation measures.
• Develop and assign biological conditions of approval to land use project and communicates this information to landowners, applicants, developers, consultants and other public agencies.
• May make verbal presentations to the Planning Commission and/or Board of Supervisors and other public entities on matters concerning vegetation, wildlife, and natural resources protection and enhancements.
• Attend periodic meetings with RCA and other wildlife agencies to review project mitigation and compliance strategies.
• Consult with applicants/public inquiries and provide direction about required conservation compliance, clarify conservation plan requirements and explain why they must comply.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably in engineering, physical, chemical, environmental, or biological science, planning, public administration, urban or physical geography, geology, architecture, or closely related field to the assignment. An advanced degree in a scientific field of study is highly desired.

Experience: Four years of professional transportation land use or water resource planning experience, which included two years of experience with responsibility for project oversight in a lead, supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity.

Other Requirements
Candidates must possess one or more of the following:
A California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Scientific Collecting Permit.
A relevant certificate, license, or demonstrable experience in a biological discipline directly related to the work performed by the County, such as:

• Wetlands Delineation
• Regulatory Permitting

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge of: The principles and practices of project management especially as they apply to public works and/or development activities; the principles and practices of land use and transportation planning; environmental monitoring; state and federal standards concerning public works and/or land use design and construction; techniques of project management, personnel management, and project funding and budgeting; the laws and regulations affecting environmental permitting and permit clearance including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Clean Water Act, and California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act.

Ability to: Plan, organize, and direct the work of an environmental or water resources planning unit; lay out and supervise the work of professional or water resources environmental personnel; perform difficult technical research, analyze situations accurately, and adopt effective courses of action; review, evaluate, and comment on proposed environmental plans or legislation that affect the Department's environmental process; review current department practices, prepare policies or revise existing policies to ensure environmental compliance; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
For questions regarding this recruitment
Contact Vanessa Diaz Beaird at [click to reveal email address] VDBEAIRD@rivco.org with any questions regarding this recruitment.
APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the ' Apply ' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at [click to reveal email address] support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free [click to reveal phone number]1-855-524-5627 .
MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE: A Flexible Benefit Credit is provided on a monthly basis as governed by the Management Resolution or applicable bargaining unit. Vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP) at no cost to employee or eligible dependents.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT : County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023, the employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

1. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
2. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
3. A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at [click to reveal phone number](951) 955-4981 ,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at [click to reveal phone number](888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

401(a) MONEY PURCHASE PLAN: County contribution of $50 per pay period towards choice between two 401(a) plan providers.

ANNUAL LEAVE (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 36 months = 8.92 Hours
36 to <108 months = 10.46 Hours
108 or more months = 12.00 Hours

Maximum Annual Leave accumulation is 1,800 hours. Employee may receive pay in lieu of up to 80 hours per calendar year. Agency/Department Head may approve an additional 80 hours.

-Annual Leave for Unrepresented Management Attorneys:
Maximum Annual Leave accumulation is 2,000 hours. Refer to Article 22 of the Management Resolution for a list of job classifications included.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 days can be taken through use of accrued leave balances).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY (LTD): Benefit pays 66.67% of earnings to a maximum of $10,000 per month; 30-day waiting period; pays to age 65. Benefit can be coordinated with other available leave balances to provide up to 100% of pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the Management Resolution or applicable bargaining unit.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, Management Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information..
01

Select the answer that best describes your current driver's license status:

• I have a valid California driver's license.
• I am able to obtain a valid California driver's license.
• I currently have a valid out-of-state driver's license, and I am able to obtain a valid California driver's license.
• I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California driver's license.

02

I acknowledge that I am required to provide proof of my degree or a copy of my transcript(s) as verification of educational units completed prior to the closing date of the job posting. (Official and unofficial transcripts will be accepted. If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation.) Upload to your applicant account or email to [click to reveal email address] vdbeaird@rivco.org .

• Yes
• No

03

What is the highest level of education you have from an accredited college or university in engineering, physical, chemical, environmental, or biological science, planning, public administration, urban or physical geography, geology, architecture, or closely related field to the assignment?

• None of these
• I have my Associates degree
• I have my Bachelors degree
• I have my Masters degree
• I have my Doctorate degree

04

How many years of professional transportation land use or water resource planning experience do you possess? (Include details on your resume/application)

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2
• 2 years or more, but less than 3
• 3 years or more, but less than 4
• 4 years or more, but less than 5
• 5 years or more, but less than 6
• 6 years or more

05

How many years of experience do you have with responsibility for project oversight in a lead, supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity? (Include details on your resume/application)

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2
• 2 years or more, but less than 3
• 3 years or more, but less than 4
• 4 years or more, but less than 5
• 5 years or more, but less than 6
• 6 years or more

06

How many years of experience do you have with field mapping using mobile GIS and/or GPS technologies? (Include details on your resume/application)

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2
• 2 years or more, but less than 3
• 3 years or more, but less than 4
• 4 years or more, but less than 5
• 5 years or more, but less than 6
• 6 years or more

07

How many years of experience do you have in performing ecological resource management? (Include details on your resume/application)

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2
• 2 years or more, but less than 3
• 3 years or more, but less than 4
• 4 years or more, but less than 5
• 5 years or more, but less than 6
• 6 years or more

08

Do you possess a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Scientific Collecting Permit (SCP)?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you possess a relevant certificate, license, or demonstrable experience in a biological discipline directly related to the work performed by the County, such as:

• Wetlands Delineation
• Regulatory Permitting
• Other

10

If you selected "other" please list the type(s) of certificate, license, or demonstrable experience in a biological discipline you possess.
11

Describe your level of experience with UAV/Drone technologies? (Include details on your resume/application)

• I have not had experience, education, or training in this area.
• I have performed this activity on the job under close supervision.
• I have performed this activity on the job, independently on a regular basis.
• In addition to independently performing this activity as a regular part of my job, I have supervised and/or trained others in this area.

Required Question

Job Tags

Daily paid, Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Relocation, Free visa, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours,

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