Port Associate Environmental Planner/Scientist

Job Description

• All completed applications for this position must be submitted online no later than 5:00 pm., on the closing date of the recruitment. PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please follow all submission instructions to ensure your application is complete. The Port of Oakland will not accept resumes in lieu of application, therefore your work experience on the application should be completed in full detail to show that you meet the minimum requirements for the position. Late applications will not be accepted beyond the closing time and date for any reason, including any technical issues, such as system, browser, or computer failures, etc.

The Port of Oakland is a steward to the environment and on a pathway towards zero emission operations. The Environmental Programs and Planning Division implements environmental initiatives and continues to seek innovative technology to meet the goal of a zero emissions, sustainable, and resilient port. Current projects include transitioning fleet and equipment to electric, hydrogen, and other alternative fuels, upgrading/installing electrical substations and associated infrastructure, assessing impacts from sea level rise and ground water intrusion, and seeking grant funding opportunities. The pathway towards zero emissions is an exciting opportunity for the Port of Oakland to continue sustainable and resilient operations. The Port of Oakland is currently recruiting for the position of Port Associate Environmental Planner/Scientist.

Under general supervision, the Port Associate Environmental Planner/Scientist performs professional environmental planning and regulatory compliance work on behalf of Port of Oakland development and operations. The incumbent manages environmental programs and projects, obtains environmental entitlements, and performs a broad range of other related environmental work.

Examples of Duties

Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed. Incumbent may perform other related duties at the equivalent level.

Environmental Planning and Assessment

• Coordinates environmental planning and assessment analyses in support of the Port of Oakland's role as Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for Port and other projects in the Port Area, and as Local Sponsor under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

• Identifies environmental impacts, potential liability and risks from Port and non-Port projects on Port land or private property in the Port Area. Makes recommendations on mitigation efforts.

• Reviews project descriptions for CEQA documents to ensure compliance with environmental protection measures.

• Develops, monitors and reports on compliance and implementation of mitigation programs.

• Reviews and prepares recommendations on proposed projects in adjacent jurisdictions that may affect the Port interests.

• Provides advice to the Aviation, Commercial Real Estate, and Maritime Divisions, and other internal and external stakeholders on developing adequate environmental planning and regulatory compliance measures as well as developing environmental clearance strategies.

Regulatory Compliance

• Develops and implements programs to comply with Federal and State laws and regulations to protect natural resources such as surface and ground waters (i.e. water quality), air (air quality) and land. Water quality programs include the municipal, industrial and construction storm water programs, sanitary sewer requirements, and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, etc. Air quality programs address stationary, mobile and portable sources.

• Provides data to the Finance Division and to the Office of the Port Attorney to support the required disclosure of "Known Pollution Remediation Obligations" under the General Accounting Standards Board ("GASB") 49 program, environmental insurance recovery efforts, new pollution legal liability insurance policies, and overall support regarding soil and groundwater contamination conditions on Port properties.

• Conducts analysis and makes assessments on Port compliance with regulatory statutes.

Regulatory Permitting

• Obtains required permits for Port operations, maintenance, and development of Port assets; and maintains.

• Conducts assessments to ensure Port compliance with permit conditions and regulations (permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, etc.).

• Analyzes permit conditions compliance for public access throughout Port.

• Initiates, develops and implements permitting strategies, prepares applications and negotiates permit conditions with regulatory agencies.

• Assists tenants and private property owners in the Port Area to obtain permits.

Hazardous Materials Management

• Develops and implements programs to inventory, manifest, abate and dispose of hazardous materials and waste, including lead and asbestos in Port buildings, property and facilities;

• Provides technical expertise and develops or oversees the development of Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs) and Spill Control and Counter-Measure (SPCCs) plans. Hazardous materials management includes the payment of required regulatory oversight fees, including fees to Alameda County (CUPA) for HMBPs, the State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the State Board of Equalization.

Environmental Policy and Advocacy

• Participates in industry-related environmental committees and task forces.

• Prepares and makes presentations before public bodies and conferences.

• Advises Port staff and the Board on environmental issues.

• Raises public awareness about the Port's environmental achievements.

• Supports environmental clean-up events, jobs fairs, signage programs, etc., that promote the Port's environmental compliance and stewardship activities.

Other Important Tasks and Duties

• Identifies training needs and coordinates training related to environmental programs and projects, especially regulatory compliance programs for staff.

• Designs and implements programs to solicit input from Port stakeholders on Port development projects.

• Manages solicitation and selection process and manages contracts for professional consultant, laboratory services, and related contracts.

• Monitors and inspects Port land and private property in the Port Area to support Port regulatory and mitigation programs.

• Administers grant programs.

• Performs other related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires a combination of education and experience reflecting possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical minimum combination would include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in environmental science, environmental management, engineering, physical science, planning (i.e., urban, regional, environmental), or a related field AND four year's work experience in a position with direct relevance to the duties of the Port Associate Environmental Planner/Scientist. A master's degree in one of the fields described above may substitute for one year of work experience.

Desired credentials: Professional civil engineer (P.E.), Professional Geologist (P.G.), American Institute of Certified Planners (A.I.C.P.), Qualified SWPPP Developer/Practitioner (QSD/QSP), Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner (QISP), or equivalent credentials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

To perform the typical tasks and duties of the position successfully, the knowledge, skills and/or abilities listed below are required.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and policies.

• Federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and environmental non-profit organizations.

• USEPA and other recognized test methods for analyzing soil, water, air, sediment, etc.

• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) planning skills and experience in preparing CEQA documents and determinations.

• Principles and practices of project management, budget preparation and administration.

• Quality control/quality assurance procedures.

• Sources of information, quantitative and qualitative research and analytical methods.

• Environmental planning and compliance best practices.

• Technical and regulatory aspects of key environmental programs.

• Microsoft Office and other computer software.

Ability to:

• Obtain and manage resources, including the work of consultants, in a manner that promotes the most efficient completion of tasks and management of resources.

• Manage environmental projects and programs including conductance of field inspections, performance of planning tasks, preparation of scopes of work, cost estimates and schedules.

• Ensure implementation of the specified scope of work, track costs and schedules, and update as necessary.

• Be flexible, work effectively with those contacted in the performance of duties, and manage numerous assignments concurrently.

• Work independently, assess trends, evaluate alternatives, make appropriate recommendations and seek direction on assigned work.

• Establish and lead project teams and work effectively in a team environment.

• Complete quality tasks on time and budget.

• Learn Maritime, Aviation, and Commercial Real Estate operations.

• Communicate and present information tactfully and effectively to stakeholders and decision makers verbally and in writing.

• Utilize established systems and databases to document work and inform others.

• Use a personal computer, manage and present data.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Stage I: Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation (Pass/Fail) - The first stage in the selection process will consist of an application and supplemental questionnaire appraisal review (pass/fail). Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire will not be given further consideration. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to the next stage. Only the most suitably qualified candidates will be invited to Stage II.

Stage II: Assessment Examination (Weighted 100%) -The second stage of the selection process may consist of a combination of job-related situational project exercises and an oral panel interview designed to assess technical knowledge and any additional other KSAs. Job-related situational project exercises may consist of written exercises, performance exercises or other situational exercises that would assess the KSAs. The Assessment Examination is designed to test your overall aptitude for the position.

Candidates must achieve a scale score of 70 or more on this examination to be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration.The Port of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

ADVISORIES

Immigration and Reform Control Act: In compliance with the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the Port of Oakland will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Social Security card must be presented, and the name on it must match the name on the application.

Americans with Disabilities (ADA): In compliance with State and Federal Laws, the Port will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The Port is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the selection process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations during the selection process must notify Fina Prak at fprak@portoakland.comwithin seven (7) calendar days of the closing date of the job announcement. The Port requires applicants to provide supporting medical documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation.

The Port of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Additional Requirements

Must possess a valid California Class C driver license at the time and for the duration of appointment.

Successfully completion of a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which included a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and a Security Threat Assessment (STA), prior to being considered for this position. This status must be maintained for employment at the Port.

Must complete and pass a U.S. Customs Airport Security Program Check (19CFR122.182). This status must be maintained for the duration of employment at the Airport.

Be capable of obtaining an Airport badge and TWIC card.