Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist

Salary

$118,164.80 - $147,721.60 Annually

Location

Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568

Job Type

Full-Time Permanent

Job Number

202300156

Department

Public Works

Division

Environmental Services

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/20/2026 10:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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The City of Dublin is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Environmental Specialist to support the City's environmental compliance, sustainability, and regulatory programs.

General Purpose

Under general supervision, performs advanced professional and technical work related to the development, implementation, coordination, and administration of environmental compliance, sustainability, regulatory, and pollution prevention programs and initiatives. Provides technical expertise and regulatory guidance to City staff, management, contractors, and external stakeholders on environmental laws, policies, and best practices impacting municipal operations and development activities.

Coordinates and oversees assigned environmental programs and projects, including regulatory compliance and reporting activities, integrated solid waste management (waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting), stormwater compliance, climate protection and sustainability initiatives, and public outreach and education efforts. Conducts technical analysis and policy research; monitors regulatory changes and compliance requirements; develops recommendations and program improvements; and supports the City's environmental stewardship and sustainability objectives. Exercises considerable independent judgment, initiative, and technical expertise in the administration and implementation of assigned programs and projects.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable and proactive environmental professional who has led climate change adaptation, Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit, or solid waste programs. They possess a strong understanding of environmental regulations, compliance requirements, and sustainability principles, along with the ability to interpret and apply complex environmental laws and policies.

The successful candidate has excellent program and project management skills who can build robust partnerships to develop long-term strategic solutions and deliver short-term initiatives. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator and relationship builder who fosters strong partnerships with staff, contractors, regional agencies, and the community. In addition, the ideal candidate is a highly effective writer and communicator who can clearly convey complex information to a wide range of audiences.

This candidate is a proactive and solutions-oriented leader who anticipates challenges and responds with practical, forward-thinking strategies. They demonstrate sound judgment, adaptability, and initiative, and are skilled at identifying issues early and implementing effective, sustainable solutions They will be highly organized, analytical, detail-oriented, with experience conducting environmental research, preparing technical reports, managing implementation of regulatory permits, and handling multiple projects simultaneously.

This position requires an energetic self-starter with experience working for or with a government agency or similar organization, as well as the ability to work autonomously or closely and compatibly with team members, as necessary.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Environmental Specialist series. Incumbents perform complex and specialized environmental program administration work requiring independent judgment, technical expertise, and responsibility for assigned environmental compliance, sustainability, and regulatory programs. Employees in this classification are responsible for program development, technical analysis, regulatory interpretation, contract administration, and cross-departmental coordination activities with significant organizational impact.

This classification is distinguished from the Environmental Technician by the level of independent responsibility, complexity of assignments, degree of technical analysis performed, and responsibility for administering and evaluating environmental programs and regulatory compliance activities. While the Environmental Technician primarily provides technical and administrative support for environmental program implementation and compliance activities, the Environmental Specialist is responsible for leading programmatic efforts, developing recommendations and strategies, interpreting environmental regulations and policies, and serving as a technical resource to City staff and management.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• Receives general supervision from the Environmental and Sustainability Manager or assigned management or supervisory personnel.
• May exercise technical and functional direction over technical, clerical, temporary and/or contract personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

• Plan, implement, coordinate, and oversee assigned environmental programs related to integrated waste management, climate action, sustainability, and stormwater protection initiatives.
• Assist in the development and implementation of division goals, objectives, policies and procedures by providing leadership and cooperative participation on programmatic work teams, contributing input and expertise in highly complex and technical program area(s) as necessary and upon request.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to City staff, management, contractors, and external stakeholders regarding environmental regulations, policies, permitting requirements, and compliance obligations.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, permits, and technical guidance affecting City operations, business operations and development activities.
• Coordinate environmental compliance activities across multiple City departments and operational areas to ensure adherence to applicable regulatory requirements.
• Conduct technical research, analysis, and policy planning activities; evaluate operational practices and proposed projects for environmental impacts and compliance considerations; and develop recommendations and corrective action strategies.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and evaluate impacts to City operations, policies, and environmental programs; prepare recommendations and advise management regarding compliance and implementation requirements.
• Develop, administer, and monitor program work plans, budgets, schedules, performance measures, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Prepare and administer grant applications, technical reports, regulatory documentation, staff reports, presentations, correspondence, and related program materials.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, including contract administration, coordination of work activities, review of technical deliverables, and performance monitoring.
• Coordinate and participate in interagency meetings, professional committees, regional working groups, and community outreach activities related to environmental and sustainability programs.
• Review consultant studies, environmental documents, technical reports, and mitigation measures for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Respond to inquiries from regulatory agencies and coordinate inspections, audits, compliance reviews, and corrective actions as required.
• Reviews and analyzes proposed legislation and regulatory issues related to designated and specialized area(s) of expertise.
• Support public outreach, education, and engagement activities to advance environmental awareness, sustainability initiatives, and community participation.
• Lead or coordinate assigned programmatic or administrative teams, assign and review work, and provide technical guidance and support to staff as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, community organizations, and the public.
• Develops and oversees the creation of assigned program work plans, as applicable.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, natural or physical science, public administration, urban or regional planning, or a related field.

Experience:

• Four years of progressively responsible professional-level experience administering environmental compliance, sustainability, regulatory, pollution prevention, or resource conservation programs, preferably in a public agency setting.
• Experience coordinating environmental compliance activities, preparing technical reports, conducting regulatory analysis, or administering environmental programs is highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of integrated waste management, stormwater program implementation, climate action plan implementation, and sustainability.
• Federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, permitting processes, and compliance requirements applicable to municipal operations and development activities.
• Environmental compliance, monitoring, reporting, and regulatory review practices.
• Principles and practices of program planning, coordination, administration, and evaluation.
• Project management and interagency coordination techniques.
• Contract administration and consultant coordination practices.
• Budget preparation, expenditure tracking, and grant administration practices.
• Research methods, data analysis techniques, and technical report preparation.
• Public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and community education techniques.
• Principles of effective customer service and professional public communication.
• Modern office practices, procedures, technology, and software applications related to assigned work.

Ability To:

• Research, plan, organize, administer, and evaluate environmental programs and projects.
• Interpret and apply environmental regulations, policies, permits, and technical guidance.
• Conduct technical research and analyze environmental, operational, and regulatory information.
• Develop recommendations and strategies related to environmental compliance and program implementation.
• Research and prepare clear, concise, and effective highly complex and/or sensitive technical reports, staff reports, presentations, and correspondence.
• Manage multiple assignments, priorities, and project deadlines effectively.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to City staff, management, consultants, and project teams.
• Coordinate effectively with regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, community organizations, and the public.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills in resolving environmental and regulatory issues.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, regulatory officials, consultants, contractors, and the public.

Other Necessary Requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical standards described are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual platforms, including public presentations.
• Use hands and fingers to operate computers, mobile devices, and standard office equipment.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend stoop or traverse uneven surfaces during field visits, site inspection, or community events.
• Occasionally lift or carry light materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Maintain sufficient vision, hearing, and communication abilities necessary to perform assigned duties.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Dublin is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or veteran status. Accommodations are available upon request during the selection process.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The best qualified candidates whose background and experience most closely meet the City's current needs will be invited to participate in an interview/oral board. In addition, the selection process may consist of written and/or oral components. The City reserves the right to test an applicant in any other manner to determine suitability and to alter any aspect of the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job description does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process.

Candidates who successfully complete the interview process may be placed on an employment eligibility list. This list may be canceled at any time, without notice to candidates. All offers of employment are conditional upon the ability to provide verification of authorization to work in the United States.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

In accordance with Federal and State laws, the City of Dublin does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, handicap, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, or age.

The City of Dublin will make reasonable accommodations for the participation in employment, programs, and facilities. Please notify the Human Resources Division at (925) 833-6650 regarding the type of reasonable accommodations needed within three days following recruitment closing date.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT is meant only as a general description guide and is subject to change. The information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract of employment, and these provisions are subject to change.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, view our benefits summary here.

01

Acknowledgement: I understand that while resumes and supplemental materials may be submitted with my application, they will not be used to determine whether I meet the minimum qualifications for this position. I understand that the minimum qualifications review will be based solely on the information provided in the employment application, and it is my responsibility to include all relevant education, training, and work experience within the application itself. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of resumes and supplemental materials.

• Yes
• No

02

Acknowledgement: The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a written exercise or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Please do not refer to a resume or other documentation in lieu of completing the employment history section or responding to the supplemental questions; they will not be reviewed or considered. Incomplete responses, misstatements, omissions, falsification of information, or partial information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

03

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Some College
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, natural or physical science, public administration, urban or regional planning, or a related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field
• Master's Degree in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, natural or physical science, public administration, urban or regional planning, or a related field.
• Master's Degree in an unrelated field
• Doctorate Degree

04

How many years of experience do you have in administering climate adaptation/resilience, Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (or equivalent stormwater NPDES permit), or solid waste programs?

• No experience
• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years but less than 8 years of experience
• 8 or more years of experience

05

How many years of experience do you have in administering climate adaptation/resilience, Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (or equivalent NPDES permit), or solid waste programs in a public agency setting or on behalf of a public agency?

• No experience
• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years but less than 8 years of experience
• 8 or more years of experience

06

In 300 words or less, describe a time when you had to coordinate an environmental initiative across multiple departments. How did you gain buy-in? What challenges did you encounter?

07

In 300 words or less, describe your experience in coordinating environmental compliance activities, preparing technical reports, conducting regulatory analysis, or administering environmental programs related to climate change adaptation/resilience, Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (or equivalent NPDES permit), or solid waste programs. In your response, clearly describe your role and level of responsibility, including whether you led or supported the effort described.

Required Question

Employer City of Dublin (CA)

Address 100 Civic Plaza Drive

Dublin, California, 94568

Phone 925-833-6650

Website http://www.dublin.ca.gov