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Job Announcement

Regulatory Research Analyst — San Francisco Office

Opportunity:

Since 1998, Sustainable Conservation has worked in collaboration with the Natural Resource Conservation Service and local Resource Conservation Districts to simplify the complex regulatory process for landowners wishing to undertake restoration projects on their land. Today there are 11 Partners in Restoration programs at the county or watershed level.To promote greater riparian restoration throughout California, we’re currently focusing on developing statewide programmatic permits for riparian and other aquatic habitat restoration projects.

Sustainable Conservation has an immediate opening for a Regulatory Research Analyst who has a passion for research, analysis and writing to join our Statewide Programmatic Permitting (SPP) team. In addition to a general understanding of federal and state environmental policies and regulations, candidates for this position will ideally have prior experience working with government agencies to either implement or promote restoration, species protection and/or water quality improvement. The Research Analyst will conduct research on existing environmental and regulatory conditions and restoration potential in different regions throughout California. S/he will be responsible for interpreting and applying the research to help inform and influence decisions. Qualified candidates must also be able to synthesize and communicate complex information and make it accessible to a broad array of audiences.

As part of our Statewide Programmatic Permitting team, the Regulatory Research Analyst reports directly to the Associate Director of Restoration on Private Lands (ROPL) and works in close collaboration with our Senior Research Analyst. This is a unique opportunity to substantially increase environmental restoration projects throughout California, build expertise in related state and federal policies, and work with a highly engaged and effective team.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Conducting background research and writing associated documents such as: white papers on existing environmental policy and how policy changes could positively impact environmental conditions; elements of regional and statewide restoration permits; strategy documents and presentations to inform and persuade internal and external partners.
• Coordinating and communicating with partner organizations and regulatory agencies, including RCDs, environmental groups, CDFW, USFWS, NOAA, SWRCB, USCOE and others, on permit development.
• Coordinating and participating in meetings with partners, including completing follow-up action items.
• Learning about, and staying up-to-date on policies and regulations affecting implementation of restoration projects.
• Assisting with development of presentations and outreach materials, as needed.
• Participating in weekly strategic planning sessions as part of the Statewide Programmatic Permitting Team.

Knowledge and Experience Required:

• General knowledge of California specific issues related to water quality, endangered species and land use.
• General knowledge of government agency policies and regulatory/permitting processes (e.g., CEQA/NEPA, CDFW, NMFS, USFWS, RWQCB, CCC).
• Basic knowledge of biology, ecology, hydrology and/or restoration science.
• Experience working with government agencies to either implement or promote environmental restoration projects or programs — or water quality improvement projects.
• Experience conducting research, providing analysis and drafting reports or permits.
• Degree in natural resource management or environmental policy; advanced degree a plus.
• 2-5 years experience with a government agency, environmental nonprofit or environmental consulting firm.

Required Skills and Traits Required:

• Excellent writing and editing skills that are adaptive to the audience, and comfortable summarizing complex technical information.
• Strong analytical skills — able to read and understand complex regulations and rules and interpret/apply them to a given situation (e.g. writing emails, white papers, reports, permits).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain focus, meet deadlines and produce deliverables.
• Highly organized with well-developed systems and time management skills.
• Collaborative, able to work well in a supportive, focused team and keep others informed and updated.
• Politically sensitive and strategic in communications with external partners.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing strategies.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.

Location:

The position will be located in San Francisco, California, with periodic travel throughout the state.

Salary/ Benefits/Culture:

Sustainable Conservation offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with matching contribution. We offer a culture where collaboration and partnership are key to all our work both externally and internally. We work with our staff to identify their strengths, provide opportunities to apply them, and support their professional development.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume as separate attachments in either Word or PDF format to: Jobs@suscon.org. No phone calls please.