BIOLOGIST (ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST)
Posted on February 10, 2010
Organization:
County of Los Angeles, Department of Regional Planning
Location:
Los Angeles, CA
| FILING DATES | January 28, 2010 until needs are met |
| SALARY | $3,853.45 - $5,051.27 MONTHLY |
| BENEFITS | Represented Employees
|
| POSITION INFORMATION |
This position has overall responsibility for major areas of research and related activities in a specialized field in environmental science. The primary function will be to conduct review and analysis of land development proposals within the County of Los Angeles and environmental documents prepared regarding these proposals, including Environmental Impact Reports. The Department's Biologist will be expected to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed land development on existing biotic resources. The evaluation will include the review for adequacy of Mitigation Measures proposed by the developer's consultants and to recommend additional or more stringent or alternative measures when necessary to protect biotic resources. |
| ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS |
Provides technical expertise in the field of biology and suggests appropriate mitigation measures for the protection of biological resources to staff of the Department of Regional Planning, the Regional Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, public agencies, and private developers. Reviews and comments on a variety of environmental documents prepared by environmental consultants including Biological Constraints Analyses, Initial Studies, Oak Tree Permit applications, Environmental Impact Reports and Mitigation Monitoring Reports to assure compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Studies project proposals to determine consistency with adopted state and county goals, policies, plans and ordinances; meets with applicants to establish proposed mitigation measures. Reviews comments from public agencies and members of the public; prepares project analyses and comments and indicates environmental impacts and recommendations for mitigation measures. Makes oral presentations before the Regional Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, the Environmental Review Board (ERB), the Significant Ecological Area Technical Advisory Committee (SEATAC), and community organizations. Analyzes and makes recommendations on discretionary projects/permits with respect to established county, state and federal guidelines. Understands natural and biological resources conservation, environmental thresholds, and other environmental issues relating to impacts of development projects to biological resources; interprets adopted state and county policies, guidelines, ordinances and zoning regulations for the public. Drafts agendas and minutes for Significant Ecological Areas Technical Advisory Committee (SEATAC) and Environmental Review Board (ERB) meetings. Serves as Chairperson at Significant Ecological Areas Technical Advisory Committee (SEATAC) and Environmental Review Board (ERB) meetings and is responsible for the coordination and facilitation of the meetings, including preparation of agendas and minutes. Participates in the development of specialized planning documents such as the Countywide General Plan Update and the creation of new community plans prepared by Department of Regional Planning staff. Responds to questions related to general processes as pertains to biological resources, and specific cases. Writes clear, concise and effective reports, communicating information to the public, governmental officials, agencies, and departmental staff. Communicates orally to members of the public, governmental officials, citizen groups and other departmental staff to effectively convey technical information regarding biological resources. Provides responsive, high quality service to County staff and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner. Conducts field work in areas including but not limited to the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Santa Monica Mountain, and is responsible for implementing the Department's Mitigation Monitoring program, reviewing and approving project landscape, fuel modification and irrigation plans. |
| SELECTION REQUIREMENTS |
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited* college in Biology with specialization in environmental science, plant ecology or wildlife ecology and three years' professional field and research experience in the environmental science, plant ecology or wildlife ecology. A Master's degree with specialization in environmental science, plant ecology or wildlife ecology from an accredited college will be accepted for one year of the required experience; a Ph.D. degree with specialization in environmental science, plant ecology or wildlife ecology from an accredited college will be accepted for all of the required experience. |
How To Apply:
All applicants are required to submit a standard Los Angeles County Employment Application. You have the option of filing your application either by Hard Copy Submission - OR - Online (via electronic submission). Please select only one method to file your application.For further application information, please see the job posting at: http://easier.co.la.ca.us/jobs/cfscripts/Bulletin.cfm?ExamNo=50312A&Bulletin=720-59
