Regulatory Permitting Specialist

We are currently seeking resumes from qualified, responsible, self-sufficient, energetic Regulatory Permitting Specialists for our Irvine, California office. The ideal candidate will be motivated to develop and build their personal knowledge and skills to assist with the growth and success of the office. We offer a friendly, professional atmosphere with excellent benefits and a salary commensurate with experience.

Job Description 

This position will work on large and small-scale federal, state, and local infrastructure and development projects. Projects will require inter-discipline coordination within the planning team and coordination with various engineering disciplines.  This role may require task management and the oversight of other in-house and sub-consultant technical leads. Other duties may vary by expertise including but not limited to expertise with CEQA, NEPA, Land Planning, or other specialized compliance-related activities for clientele. We are looking for an environmental professional with excellent teamwork and organizational skills, superior writing and oral communication skills, and leadership skills who can prepare and manage scopes of work/budgets/schedules and keep projects on task while being responsible for overall delivery and client satisfaction. 

Duties:

• Work independently or as part of a project team with minimal supervision
• Fieldwork will include jurisdictional and wetland delineations, but may also include flagging water resources for avoidance and/or construction monitoring, as necessary 
• Technical assessments/evaluations, reporting, and deliverable writing
• Perform research and synthesize findings into delineation reports and permit documentation
• Internal and external communication
• Manage and prepare all levels of Clean Water Act Section 404/401 and California Fish and Game Code Section 1602 compliance documentation, and resource sections of CEQA/NEPA documents
• Prepare labor hour estimates, scopes of work, and schedules
• Collect, compile, and analyze project data including geospatial data using GPS equipment and GIS software 
• Review engineering design plans for compliance with environmental and/or permit requirements.
• Project and team leadership or support and other duties, as assigned
• Assist with business development and marketing efforts, as necessary
• Ability to travel that may include overnight stays for extended periods

Job Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Skills): 

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, wildlife, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related degree
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with water resources permitting in California. Preference will be given to work experience in Southern California for clients/owners such as Caltrans, Riverside County Transportation Department, Orange County Transportation Authority, LA Metro, Metrolink, Southern California Edison, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, counties, or cities. 
• Track record in producing high-quality deliverables and meeting scope, schedules, and budgets on projects. 
• Proficiency with the Clean Water Act, California Fish and Game Code Section 1602, California Porter-Cologne Act of 196, and local environmental permitting requirements
• General understanding of CEQA/NEPA, Endangered Species Act, California Fish and Game Code Section 2081, California fully protected species statutes (and associated Assembly Bill 147), and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
• Experience with desktop analysis for delineation of jurisdictional water resources or determination of field survey needs
• Knowledge of Southern California flora and fauna, specifically in riparian, wetland, and coastal environments
• Field survey experience in California including delineation of jurisdictional waters and wetlands
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• General computer hardware and software skills
• Proficiency with GIS software and GPS equipment is preferred
• Ability to work closely with fellow employees and clients
• Ability to work independently on one’s own initiative as well as a member of a diverse team
• Ability to foster a positive work environment and organize and handle multiple assignments
• Project Specific Requirements may include, but are not limited to, additional background checks and/or drug testing prior to and during work on the project
• Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, wind, and rough terrain)
• Ability to climb stairs without assistance
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and carry a 30-pound backpack for at least 1 hour
• Ability to use a computer while sitting for extended periods daily
• Ability to work in both office and work-from-home environment
• Ability to pass a background check 
• Valid Driver's License, with the ability to maintain insurability under the company's insurance carrier

Other Skills: 

• Preference will be given to individuals that have existing client relationships with USACE, State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and CDFW.
• Experience preparing resource sections of CEQA/NEPA documents and water resources permit applications for transportation, railway, energy, private or other federal agency projects including inter-discipline and agency/client coordination

Competencies (To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies):

• Communicative – interacts openly with others; can maintain relationships, works well independently or with a team. 
• Consultative - Consults with other disciplines as needed; tolerates different perspectives or opinions.
• Decisive & Action Oriented - Has a high level of energy and stamina; gets things done; makes sound educated but rapid decisions even when short of information; enjoys managing challenging projects and works well in fast-paced and pressure environments. Self-motivated and proactive
• Flexible - Adapts to new challenges and circumstances; able to multi-task; thrives on variety and frequently changing environments; creative problem solver. Resourcefulness, with minimal direction. 
• Analytical – Uses sound data, and procedures, and follows all laws, rules, and regulations but is a solutionist or problem-solver.  
• Conscientious and Organized – Believes professional integrity is paramount; understands the importance of project records; responsive to clients and deadline oriented; quality oriented.

Working Conditions and Environment:

This position will require general supervision and will have to use independent judgment within established guidelines. Generally, uses advanced knowledge to analyze, interpret, or make deductions from varying facts or circumstances. Will need the ability to establish rapport quickly with others working on the same project, and be able to promote a positive team environment.  Working knowledge of dealing with a diverse population while using tact, diplomacy, and respect.

AZTEC Culture: 

• Action oriented and flexible
• Zealous supporter of clients and teammates 
• Thinking toward future and personal growth 
• Equitable, inclusive, and diverse 
• Collaborative comradery 

 AZTEC Benefits:

AZTEC offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Paid-time-Off, and a 401(k) plan.

AZTEC Overview:

AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc. (AZTEC) is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and provides diversified technical and consulting services to clients in the United States. AZTEC is part of the TYPSA Group, an international consulting engineering firm with over 3,700 employees and more than 50 offices worldwide providing multidisciplinary consulting services in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, and environment. AZTEC has a diverse culture that focuses on providing rich opportunities for its employees. 

AZTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to affirmative action planning and encourages diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, veteran status, housing status, or any other non-job-related characteristic under applicable law.

Please apply online at www.aztec.us/career.