5644-Principal Environmental Specialist

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB TITLE: PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 5644

DEFINITION

Under general direction, the Principal Environmental Specialist is responsible for strategic planning and managing a program area and its subprograms; overseeing environmental programs and projects; analyzing, recommending, and amending federal, state and local environmental laws and policies; directing a team and supervising staff; and managing program area�s administrative and personnel processes.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Class 5644 Principal Environmental Specialist is distinguished from Class 5642 Senior Environmental Specialist in that the latter is not responsible for the management of program areas and performs duties of a less difficult and complex nature.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises assigned staff within the program area.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Manages environmental programs and projects by overseeing, developing, and evaluating environmental programs and/or projects; and developing and ensuring timely implementation of departmental goals, policies and strategic plans.

2. Supervises staff by planning, directing, and assigning work activities; promoting skills development and advancement through in-house training and effective use of employee training programs; and establishing and implementing a performance review system.

3. Analyzes, interprets and applies policies, laws and regulations related to environmental programs and projects; drafts and reviews legislation on environmental matters.

4. Develops and administers budget for program area; monitors expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget; and assists in overseeing the department's financial long-term planning.

5. Seeks and coordinates fundraising opportunities and prepares grant proposals.

6. Manages grant making processes by developing Request for Proposals (RFP's) for distribution, selection of grant review committee members, oversight of RFP and grantee selection process.

7. Negotiates and implements contracts and grants by approving payments to grantees according to agency memorandum of understanding; tracks expenditures against approved budget; and provide technical assistance to grantees.

8. Develops partnerships with community groups, nonprofit organizations, commissions and other private and public agencies; conducts education and training; researches and develops outreach campaigns and strategies; tracks and analyzes results and issues recommendation.

9. Participates in determining the organizational structure, staff assignments, service levels and administrative systems required to accomplish the division and department's mission.

10. Writes letters, memos, reports, grants, publications and other documents to staff, the general public, community organizations, newspapers and administration in order to communicate information and data.

11. Responds to inquiries from the public, media, public or private organizations, or community members, including complaints and requests for information; manages and directs positive community relations by developing partnerships with other entities, such as the media, private and non-profit organizations, and the community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: financial planning and budget techniques environmental federal, state and local issues, laws and regulations applicable to environmental programs within the specialty area; environmental policies and programming; government structures; environmental trends within the program area; equity, inclusion, diversity, and justice concepts.

Ability or Skill to: manage complex environmental programs and/or projects, supervise and develop staff, plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate programs and/or projects, analyze and apply problem solving techniques, communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with a variety of individuals and organizations, develop and foster working relationships with a variety of individuals, ability to use standard office hardware equipment and software applications proficiently use a computer, including word processing programs, spreadsheets, presentation software, databases, email distribution software, and online tools; manage a team-based environment; write, review and evaluate grant proposals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Eight (8) years of professional experience leading, developing, and implementing environmental programs or policies.

License and Certification:

Substitution:

Additional experience as described above may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis. Thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units equal one year.

Possession of a Master�s degree in public administration, environmental science, environmental health, public policy, public health, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Possession of a Ph.D. in public administration, environmental science, environmental health, public policy, public health, or a related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PROMOTIVE LINES

From: 5642 Senior Environmental Specialist

ORIGINATION DATE: 3/25/02

AMENDED DATE: 9/6/02 (Retitle and Amend); 07/30/25

REASON FOR AMENDMENT: To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation