Water Agency Environmental Specialist I

County of Sonoma

Santa Rosa, CA

Water Agency Environmental Specialist I

Salary: $93,210.78 - $113,268.00 Annually

Closing Date:  10/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Sonoma Water is excited to welcome multiple passionate and driven Environmental Specialist I professionals to our team!  Join us in protecting and enhancing Sonoma County’s natural resources through meaningful, impactful work.

The Sonoma Water Agency is seeking qualified candidates to fill multiple Environmental Specialist I positions in the Environmental Resources Division. These positions will support the implementation of Sonoma Water’s biological and habitat sampling programs, as well as environmental compliance and permitting for Sonoma Water projects.

At Sonoma Water, Environmental Specialists are responsible for evaluating, analyzing, and reporting on the environmental impacts of water supply, flood control, sanitation, and sustainability projects. To comply with federal, state, and local regulations, these positions assist in developing and proposing mitigation strategies aimed at avoiding, reducing, or offsetting the environmental impacts of projects. The Environmental Specialist I also uses an interdisciplinary approach from applied knowledge of biology, ecology, environmental science, and hydrology to:

•  Develop field data collection methods tailored to project needs, and assist in compiling findings and drafting technical reports

•  Conduct field studies and investigations, including biological sampling, monitoring, and/or habitat surveys, while ensuring high-quality, accurate data through effective quality control oversight

•  Review capital project plans, timelines, studies, and designs, and support project success by helping to develop tracking tools, standard operating procedures, and comprehensive reports

•  Evaluate natural resource studies and reports focused on aquatic habitats, wildlife, plant species, and cultural resources to support environmentally responsible project planning

•  Assist in the preparation and review of documents to comply with state, federal, and local environmental laws and regulations; land use planning projects; grant applications; and right-of-way activities

•  Assist in the preparation of environmental and technical reports, as well as compliance permit applications and documents

•  Work in the field and/or visit project sites to collect data and evaluate project

What We Offer

Working 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:

•  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 employee 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

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

Learn more and apply:  http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=310032

*Salary is negotiable within the established range for the position and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information, including minimum qualifications, & to apply, visit www. yourpath2sonomacounty.org or call 707-565-2331. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.