Who are we?

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
Headquartered in San Francisco, we have 2,300 employees working in seven counties with a combined annual operating budget of over $900 million.

Our Mission: To provide our customers with high quality, efficient, and reliable water, power, and wastewater services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.

Our Vision: We are an innovative utility leader, recognized for excellent results in service, safety, stewardship, and inclusiveness.

We are an award-winning and industry-leading utilities organization committed to our customers, community interests, and the environment. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.sfpuc.org.

We are proud of our infrastructure and programs, but most importantly, we value our highly qualified and dedicated workforce which ensures that this vision becomes a reality. As you explore career opportunities with us, download our career guide and learn about what you can expect during the hiring process.

Natural Resources and Lands Management

The Natural Resources and Lands Management (NRLM) Division within the Water Enterprise of the SFPUC is responsible for the management of approximately 61,000 acres of Bay Area watershed lands under SFPUC ownership as well as 150 miles of utility right-of-way. NRLM Division is responsible for managing, protecting, restoring, and monitoring the ecological resources on these lands and environmental compliance for the operations and maintenance of the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System which serves 2.7 million customers. We are committed to responsible natural resources management that protects and restores viable populations of native species and maintains the integrity of the ecosystems that support them for current and future generations. We strive to become a leader in science-based and collaborative environmental stewardship in order to continue providing high-quality and reliable water supplies to our customers.

Position Information

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Compliance Planner, the 5298 Environmental Compliance Planner will perform complex planning and compliance work in support of the Natural Resource and Lands Management Division as well as the operational and maintenance activities of the Water Enterprise. Responsibilities generally include: 

· analyzing and interpreting data and documents related to land and resources management, environmental regulations, and planning efforts, and preparing recommendations and correspondence based on that analysis;

· responding to other jurisdictions or organizations about proposed projects or planning efforts that may affect SFPUC land interests – includes document review, soliciting and compiling comments from within the SFPUC, and preparing correspondence;

· ensuring that future Water Enterprise maintenance and operations activities will be compliant with environmental laws and regulations – evaluating activities in the context of the SFPUC’s Watershed Management Plans, applying for and negotiating permits (for example under the Fish and Game Code, Endangered Species Act, or Clean Water Act); and suggesting project modifications to help minimize impacts;

· implementing the SFPUC’s Project Review process and assessing project proposals on SFPUC lands for consistency with SFPUC plans and policies and local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations;

· interpreting plans, policies, permits, CEQA or NEPA documents, laws, and regulations; ensuring that SFPUC activities are compliant; and documenting and reporting compliance;

· representing  SFPUC interests to external stakeholders and partners at public and interagency meetings;

· training and supervising the work of subordinates;

· supervising and managing consultant work and contracts coordinating with SFPUC bureaus/divisions and other City departments in completing environmental review of projects;

· working with multidisciplinary teams, departmental officials, managers, staff, regulatory personnel, and the public;

·performing other related duties as required.

Example of Major and Essential Duties:

1. Performs difficult environmental impact evaluations of projects including preparation and review of complex technical reports such as Environmental Impact Reports and other compliance reports related to local, state and federal environmental laws; evaluation of projects include mathematical modeling, surveys, analyses, and forecasts as applied to a range of environmental matters such as air pollution, water, energy, waste and endangered species; applies for permits and agreements from local, state, and federal agencies, and ensures compliance with permit requirement, local, state and federal laws and regulations, and SFPUC plans and policies; communicates directly with local, state, and federal agencies regarding these reports and other permit related matters.

2. Supervises staff members in the preparation of compliance reports, Environmental Impact Reports, negative declarations and various categorical exemption reports and ensure compliance with permit requirements, local, state and federal laws and regulations, and SFPUC plans and policies; supervises subordinate survey, clerical and office personnel in the preparation of various environmental impact documents.

3. Coordinates with SFPUC bureaus/divisions and other City departments in completing environmental impact review of projects, including preliminary conferences, consultations with consulting specialists and submission of reports to the City Planning Commission; works with multidisciplinary teams, departmental officials, managers, staff, regulatory personnel, and the public; represents SFPUC interests to external stakeholders and partners.

4. Analyzes maintenance and operations activities to determine the appropriate level of environmental review, documentation, and/or permitting requirements; directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of consultants in the preparation of various environmental and cultural resources analyses for operations and maintenance projects; prepares and reviews CEQA/NEPA compliance documentation for maintenance and operations activities. 

5. Applies and Interprets local, federal, and state laws, regulations, and ordinances, and SFPUC plans and policies; explains legal, technical, and procedural aspects of environmental review to the public; prepares technical reports and correspondence, and proposes possible project modifications and/or best management practices to minimize environmental impacts.

6. Reviews, documents, and reports complex environmental and regulatory compliance documents and project proposal; communicates and prepares technical correspondence on behalf of SFPUC interests on a wide range of environmental and other issues to regulatory agency personnel;

7. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Nature of Work: The nature of work may require working in the field in remote settings, including watersheds, estuaries, streams, rivers, and on reservoirs. The position mays require driving or hiking to remote locations on unimproved dirt roads in inclement weather.  The positions may require overtime and work on weekends.

Work Location: There are two positions within the Natural Resources and Lands Management division. The positions are located on the 10th floor at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco CA or 1657 Rollins Road, Burlingame CA. The positions may require the employee to temporarily telecommute on a full-time basis until further notice is given to return to the office.

Working Relationships: This position works with City Attorneys, Real Estate Services Staff, SFPUC Managers, Biologists, Foresters, Maintenance and Environmental Planners, Contract Managers, State and Federal Regulatory Agency Staff, Community Stakeholders, and others.

Please note: This recruitment and its resulting eligible list score report may be used to fill additional positions in SFPUC divisions, such as for the Bureau of Environmental Management.

For more information about the position at the Bureau of Environmental Management, please click here.

Applicants interested in the position above should apply to this recruitment.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Education: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university AND 

Experience: Four (4) years (8000 hours) of verifiable full-time equivalent experience either:

A. performing environmental review functions OR

B. in a city/regional/urban planning environment preparing documents for entities such as government agencies overseeing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

OR

Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in city/regional/urban planning, environmental studies, architecture, law, earth sciences, geography, economics, landscape architecture, civil engineering, urban studies or public administration AND 

Experience: Two (2) years (4000 hours) of verifiable full-time equivalent experience either:

A. performing environmental review functions OR

B. in a city/regional/urban planning environment preparing documents for entities such as government agencies overseeing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications requirements by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Special Conditions

One of the Position has the following special condition:

2 years of Water Supply System Environment Regulatory Compliance Experience

The above minimum qualifications reflect special conditions associated with the position(s) to be filled. They may differ from the standard minimum qualifications associated with this classification. 

Desirable Qualifications:

The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify job finalists at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.

Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, including experience with environmental permitting, regulatory documentation, and regulatory compliance, including the CEQA and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

CEQA and permit-related construction compliance, mitigation monitoring and reporting experience

Experience and knowledge of lands and resources management and planning

Database experience and knowledge for environmental or other compliance purposes

Knowledge of water or other utility operations and maintenance.

Verification:

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process.

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at http://sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=456.

Verification of required work experience typically must be on the employer’s letterhead, and must include the applicant’s name, job title, description of job duties, dates of employment, hours per week, and signature of the employer, supervisor, or appropriate representative. 

Employees of the City and County of San Francisco may submit performance evaluations showing duties performed to verify qualifying City experience. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee's class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Commission Rules. CCSF employees will not receive credit for experience obtained outside of their classification unless recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Rule 110.9.1/111A.11.2. 

Experience claimed in self-employment will only be accepted if supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license and experience comparable to minimum qualifications above. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupation and total earnings must be submitted.     

Verification of required valid licensure/certification typically must be a photocopy of the license/certificate including the name of the issuing agency as well as the name of the license/certificate holder, license/certificate number, and expiration date.

Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit www.jobaps.com/sf to register an account (if you have not already done so) and begin the application process.

· Select the desired job announcement

· Select “Apply” and read and acknowledge the information

· Select either “I am a New User” if you have not previously registered, or “I have Registered Previously”

· Follow instructions on the screen

In line with the Official Public Health Order to slow the spread of COVID-19, “shelter-in-place” has been issued for all San Francisco residents that is expected to be in effect until further notice. As a result, Department of Human Resources (DHR)’s office (located at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4^th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103) is currently closed to the general public. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Human Resources Analyst listed on this announcement.

We communicate by email

You may be contacted by email about this announcement and, therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that your registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date.  Also, you must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on your computer by a spam filter.  To prevent blocking, you should set up your email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses: @sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu. You will receive a confirmation email that your online application has been received in response to every announcement for which you apply.  You should retain the confirmation email for your records.  Failure to receive the email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Word of advice

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline.  Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

Have questions about the application process?

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Kenson Wong, by telephone at (415) 638-1026, or by email at kkwong@sfwater.org.

Resumes may be attached to the application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Note: Make sure your application and any attachments to the application submitted at the time of filing are complete and accurate and include details on all experience, education, training and other information that qualifies you for this recruitment. Failure to submit a complete and accurate application at the time of filing may result in your ineligibility for this recruitment.  Only the most qualified applicants will continue on in the selection process.

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (Weight: Qualifying): 

Candidates will be prompted to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire as part of the online employment application. This Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications for this position. Applicants must also complete the official application. It is essential that applicants provide complete information in identifying their education, experience and training. The Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.

Supplemental Questionnaire Examination (Weight: 100):

Qualified candidates will be required to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire Examination as part of the selection procedures. The Supplemental Questionnaire Examination is designed to measure the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the Watershed Keeper position and include, but not limited to:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental analysis.
• Knowledge of accepted practices in implementation of environmental law.
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks decisively and accurately.
• Ability to work effectively in a department team framework.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and in a well-organized, and an effective manner, both orally and in writing, and prepare concise reports.

All relevant experience, education and/or training must be on the supplemental questionnaire in order to be reviewed in the rating process. The information provided on the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination must be consistent with the information on the application and is subject to verification. Once submitted, applicant responses on the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination cannot be changed.  Only those applicants who qualify will receive a score on the Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation.   

Only those candidates achieving a passing score on the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination will have their names placed on the resulting eligible list score report. Candidates will be placed on the eligible list score report in rank order according to their final score.

Eligible List/Score Report:

A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be twelve (12) months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

Upon approval of the Human Resource Director (see Civil Service Rule 111A.26.5), the eligible list/score report resulting from this announcement may be used by other departments that also use this classification or a similar classification. To find other Departments which use this classification, please see https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/Forms-Documents/Position-Count-by-Job-Codes.pdf.

Certification:

The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be Rule of 10 Scores.  Additional selection processes may be conducted by the hiring department prior to making final hiring decisions.

As a selected candidate for a job, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a selected candidate. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances, such as:

§  Candidates for positions with the Unified School District and the Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code.

§  Candidates for positions with the Recreation and Park Department may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under California Public Resources Code 5164.

Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City.

If you are a selected candidate, the hiring department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

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.

Terms of Announcement:

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations.  Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at www.jobaps.com/sf.

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 111A.35.1. The standard for the review of such appeals is ‘abuse of discretion’ or ‘no rational basis’ for establishing the position description, the minimum qualifications and/or the certification rule.  Appeals must include a written statement of the item(s) being contested and the specific reason(s) why the cited item(s) constitute(s) abuse of discretion by the Human Resources Director. Appeals must be submitted directly to the Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission within five business days of the announcement issuance date.

General Information concerning City and County of San Francisco Employment Policies and Procedures:

Important Employment Information for the City and County of San Francisco can be obtained at http://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process or hard copy at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4^th Floor.

Copies of Application Documents:
Applicants should keep copies of all documents submitted, as these will not be returned.

Right to Work:
All persons entering the City and County of San Francisco workforce are required to provide verification of authorization to work in the United States.

Requests:
Applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum eligibility requirements for this job announcement can find information on requesting a reasonable ADA Accommodation at: 
http://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#applicantswithdisabilities

Information regarding requests for Veterans Preference can be found at: 
http://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#veteranspreference

Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams: 
Information regarding seniority credit can be found at:
http://www.sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=20#senioritycredit

Exam Type: CPE
Issued: 4/8/2021
Carol Isen
Human Resources Director
Department of Human Resources
Recruitment ID Number: 108610
PUC/KW/(415) 638-1026

All employees hired on or after January 10, 2009 will be required (pursuant to San Francisco Charter Section A8.432) to contribute 2% of pre-tax compensation to fund retiree healthcare. In addition, most employees are required to make a member contribution towards retirement, ranging from 7.5%-13.25% of compensation. For more information on these provisions, please contact the personnel office of the hiring agency.

For more information about benefits, please click here.