Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
CurrentWorks with a Statewide Team to implement the Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Act, Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects, Restoration Management Permits, and Restoration Consistency Determinations under the Cutting the Green Tape (CGT) Initiative. Consults with practitioners and lead agencies to help them interpret and utilize new permitting law for use in restoration projects in the South Coast Region. Reviews Grant Proposals for CGT Proposition 1 funding. Works with Watershed Restoration Grants Branch to implement statewide programs for grant funded projects by tracking grant progress, reviewing projects, and maintaining digital files for Department records. Acted as Fisheries Restoration Grants Program (FRGP) Regional lead in the development of Public Solicitation Notice and regional grant workshops. Oversees up to ~$30 million dollars in federal and state funding in support of restoration projects. Conducts financial oversight on a project-by-project basis, and tracks deliverables through the grant term and into completion. Contributes to the review and feedback in the design of fish passage and ecosystem restoration projects as they pertain to the natural resources within the State of California. Provides guidance on Departmental policies and restoration documents and shares information on state grant funding opportunities. Makes recommendations on restoration actions and design specifications for fish passage design projects throughout their design phases. Interfaces with other federal, state, tribal, and local government officials to have a dialogue about restoration and mitigation projects and best outcomes for natural resources and protected species. Participates in review of applications for vacant positions within the program, sits on hiring panels, and contributes to decision of hiring action for candidates. Helps to onboard new team members and acts as Program lead when needed.