Journey Environmental Services Specialist

Minimum Pay Rate: $110,801.60 Maximum Pay Rate: $146,785.60 Apply by Date: 10/16/2026 Posting Type: Open This posting intends to fill one (1) full-time position, and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future regular full-time or limited term vacancies over the next two (2) years. This position is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of SMUD's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The role involves turning HCP commitments into an effective, ongoing program by overseeing implementation, compliance, monitoring, and reporting of the plan and its associated permit requirements. The successful candidate will conduct desktop environmental reviews of projects, assign environmental measures, track data, provide environmental training, calculate compensatory mitigation requirements, audit construction implementation of required measures, and prepare reports to ensure compliance with the HCP and incidental take permits. Coordination of these environmental requirements ensures HCP commitments are integrated into project activities and daily operations. The person in this position will be responsible for advancing and strengthening SMUD’s existing HCP implementation program by working with field and operational staff to translate regulatory and biological requirements into practical, repeatable operational processes. Purpose ​​Serve as a technical resource supporting and coordinating SMUD’s projects, environmental programs and regulatory requirements, including:​ Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate environmental programs; Work with contractors and consultants; Train business unit personnel in environmental procedures; Ensure work quality and accuracy as it relates to environmental issues; Ensure compliance with applicable environmental rules, policies, regulations, and procedures. Nature and Scope There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience, and qualification requirements: Flex classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series: Entry : Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level. Journey : Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job. Non-Flex classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series. Senior : Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead and/or supervisory capacity. Supervisor : Working supervisor directing the work of a functional team. Entry to Journey : Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series. Seniors and Supervisors must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series. Duties and Responsibilities Environmental Compliance Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate environmental programs to ensure compliance with applicable environmental rules, policies and regulations. Prepare, review and submit permit applications, technical reports, and compliance documentation in a timely and accurate manner. Monitor organizational activities for compliance and recommend corrective actions as needed. Data Collection and Analysis Conduct field assessments, sampling, and analysis of environmental data (e.g., air, water, soil, biological resources, hazardous materials) to evaluate risks and potential impacts. Interpret environmental data and prepare detailed technical reports, summaries, and recommendations. Provide technical expertise to support decision-making and project planning. Environmental Education and Training Develop, coordinate and deliver training programs for staff and stakeholders on environmental regulations, policies, and best practices. Promote environmental awareness within the organization and community through presentations, workshops, and educational materials. Project Management Manage or serve as a key contributor to environmental projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate environmental considerations into project planning, design and implementation. Track project milestones, budgets and deliverables, ensuring successful project outcomes. Sustainability Initiatives Identify opportunities to reduce the organization’s environmental footprint and improve sustainability practices. Develop strategies, track progress, and report on sustainability metrics and goals. Community Engagement Represent the organization in meetings with regulatory agencies, community organizations, and external partners. Facilitate public outreach, engagement and education efforts on environmental issues and programs. Emergency Response Preparedness Develop and maintain response plans for environmental emergencies such as spills, releases or contamination events. Participate in drills, training, and incident response activities to ensure organizational readiness. Research and Monitoring Stay current on emerging environmental regulations, policies and technologies and evaluate their potential impacts on organizational operations. Conduct research and prepare recommendations for program or policy updates. Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition Research and identify funding opportunities to support environmental programs and initiatives. Prepare grant proposals and manage awarded projects to ensure compliance with funding requirements. Collaboration and Communication Serve as a liaison between departments, leadership, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders on environmental issues. Clearly communicate technical information, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences including non-technical staff and the public. Other Duties Perform other related responsibilities as assigned. Work schedules, locations, and hours may vary depending on business and project needs. Required Education Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental studies, engineering, biology, geology, archaeology, or a related field or equivalent experience. If no degree, seven or more (7+) years of experience are required. Required Experience Qualifications Three or more (3+) years of relevant work experience as an Environmental Specialist or Technician or equivalent role, with specific experience performing relevant environmental tasks and duties. Required Licenses/Certificates Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License (CDL) with a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years). Knowledge Of Environmental fundamentals, procedures, policies, standards, practices, and industry trends pertaining to one or more of the following: California Environmental Quality Act; Clean Water Act; endangered species; stormwater; hazardous materials business plans; soil sampling, management, disposal, cathodic well installation; air quality permitting; water quality permitting; and/or greenhouse gas reporting; Regulatory processes at the federal, state and local levels to effectively represent SMUD in environmental concerns; Methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; Techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; Methods and techniques for record keeping; Standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards. Skills To Plan, develop, implement, and administer environmental programs on one’s own; Conduct environmental audits, inspections and assessments; Interpret, assess and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements relative to environmental fields; Promote regulatory awareness among business unit managers; Recommend changes to work processes to reduce risk and work closely with others to implement changes; Conduct trend analysis of data, identify and assess problems, and recommend solutions; Develop and provide training as needed; Apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; Use a wide variety of electronic equipment and software relevant to the tasks; Communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; Establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally. Desirable Qualifications Implementation and management of complex environmental programs including program development. Environmental compliance experience including biological resources and regulatory expertise. Experience working with regulatory agencies, permitting process and environmental compliance programs. Knowledge of CEQA, federal and state endangered species regulations, and habitat conservation plans. Familiarity with utility construction methods. Ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with planning and field staff, consultants, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders. Experience coordinating cross-functional teams. Independent decision-making and sound environmental judgement. Ability to identify and resolve compliance issues proactively. Physical Requirements Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations. Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together. An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance. SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests. Why Sacramento, California? The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few. Hybrid Work This position will be required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work and, at any of our SMUD locations. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis. CalPERS SMUD is a CalPERS agency . As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov .