Water Agency Senior Environmental Specialist - Tribal Liaison

The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) seeks a Water Agency Senior Environmental Specialist to join our team as a Tribal Liaison!

Starting salary up to $67.07/hour ($139,983/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

Sonoma Water is seeking a Water Agency Senior Environmental Specialist to serve as the Agency's Tribal Liaison. This position will be responsible for establishing and fostering positive and constructive relationships with Tribes regarding Sonoma Water's water supply, flood control, sanitation, climate adaptation, and regional watershed management activities in the Russian River watershed. In this liaison role, you will work to build trust, enhance understanding, and support advancement of these activities. Other duties of this position include:

Preparing and reviewing documents in compliance with state, federal, and local environmental laws and regulations; land use planning projects; grant applications; and right-of-way activities

Planning and reviewing work related to evaluation and consideration of cultural and tribal resources

Communicating and delivering project information to Tribal representatives and governments as needed to engage Tribal participation or consultation on Sonoma Water projects and initiatives

Coordinating with Tribal representatives and governments in their review of Sonoma Water projects and environmental documents to facilitate receipt of and responses to Tribal comments

Managing agreements with consultant archeologists and drafting and managing Tribal monitoring agreements

Attending meetings (in the office, virtual, or in the field) with staff and managers from other Sonoma Water divisions

Regularly updating and working with the Environmental Resources Division Manager and Executive Team to develop and implement strategic positions supporting tribal consultations

The ideal candidate will possess experience in natural resources, water resources planning, and/or community liaison experience, and many of the following:

Experience negotiating with Tribal communities and governments, regulatory agencies, and other project stakeholders

Excellent understanding and in-depth knowledge of Native American culture, history, tradition, perspectives and experiences

An understanding of tribal communities and governance in the Russian River watershed and/or San Francisco Bay region

Demonstrated knowledge of government-to-government sovereignty protocols

Demonstrated knowledge of AB 52 and the CEQA environmental review process for Tribal stakeholders

Strong stakeholder relationships with Native American Tribal governments and Tribal communities, demonstrated experience with Tribes, and knowledge and experience with industry best practices.

Experience organizing and facilitating public and stakeholder meetings, responding to concerns and issues from stakeholders, and gaining consensus on projects

Note: This position typically works Monday-Friday during regular business hours but may be required to work evening or weekend shifts to attend public meetings and community events. Work includes in-office (in-person) meetings, video conferencing (telework), travel to regional meetings, conferences and visits to project sites in terrestrial and aquatic environments during variable (sometimes inclement) weather conditions.

About Sonoma Water

Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions, including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.

Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma.

What We OfferWorking at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment

Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range

Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year

County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options

Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits

Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security

Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment

Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more

Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

Sonoma Water is currently recruiting to fill a Water Agency Senior Environmental Specialist - Tribal Liaison position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The formal title for this classification is Water Agency Senior Environmental Specialist.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.