Postdoctorate Scientist jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

The County of Riverside’s Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Flood Control District) has an opportunity for a Watershed Scientist. The position will be filled at either the Assistant Flood Control Planner or Associate Flood Control Planner level and will be assigned to the Flood Control District’s Watershed Protection Division in Riverside.

Watershed Protection Division staff are responsible for a wide range of surface water resource management and environmental regulatory compliance activities; conduct investigations supporting creek, river and lake protection; undertake sampling/survey procedures and analytical protocols for field monitoring; research, compile and analyze environmental quality data to determine compliance with regulatory requirements; prepare complex technical reports and guidance documents; manage environmental and laboratory contracts for environmental sampling and analysis; review environmental legislation/regulations for impact on municipal operations; engage with regulatory and interagency committees concerning water quality monitoring and management program elements and reporting procedures; and perform other duties as assigned.

The District requires candidates with excellent communication skills who can directly support the further development of programs and projects protective of Riverside County’s creeks, streams, rivers and lakes.  Candidates with experience preparing high quality technical reports and oral presentations, who thrive in a team-focused environment, and have knowledge of municipal NPDES Stormwater Permits and California’s regulatory programs for water quality protection are highly encouraged to apply.

The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District provides for the control and conservation of flood and storm waters and for the protection of watercourses, watersheds, public highways, life and property from damage within its boundaries.

• Undertake environmental resource, water quality and/or sediment quality investigations.

• Conduct environmental monitoring in potentially challenging environments (e.g., sampling in hot dry and wet weather conditions, hiking canyons, sampling in flowing streams).

• Perform complex statistical and geospatial analyses of environmental quality data.

• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and oral presentations on stormwater quality and water conservation programs.

• Review consultant progress and work products and prepare contract documentation.

• Use in-depth knowledge state, and federal environmental laws and regulations to pertaining to NPDES stormwater permitting to ensure municipal project and program compliance.

• Critically assess stormwater quality improvement programs and plans to identify potential funding sources, feasibility, and system impact, and anticipated environmental documents required.

• Determine costs and benefits of existing and proposed stormwater quality and water conservation programs and projects.

• Serve on technical committees and participate in stakeholder meetings for stormwater quality or water conservation related studies and projects conducted by the District or other agencies.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or a closely related field. (A Master's degree in biology, chemistry, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the non-specialized required experience).

Experience:  Two years of relevant professional environmental management experience.

Knowledge of: Principles of surface water resource management and relating to the control of water pollution in urban environments; statistical methods for analysis and interpretation of environmental quality data; local, state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and guidance for surface water quality protection in California with an emphasis on municipal stormwater management.

Ability to: Evaluate regulatory programs and permits and prepare compliance approach recommendations; analyze environmental impacts arising from municipal infrastructure projects and propose mitigative approaches ; communicate effectively orally and in writing to a range of target audiences; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work (internally with District and County staff and externally with multiple jurisdictions); analyze water quality/waterbody degradation and pollution and make recommendations for elimination and control of pollutant sources and other stressors; apply statistical methods, mapping and modeling techniques to stormwater planning projects; research, compile, analyze, and interpret environmental quality data and prepare reports and presentations to meet challenging deadlines.

***Prior to the closing date, upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts or Foreign Education Equivalency report. ***

Veterans’ Preference  
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy. Upload a copy of your (or your spouse’s) Member-4 Form DD-214 (or NGB-22) 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. See the policy here. 

What’s Next?
This recruitment is open to all applicants.