Watershed Protection Specialist I

Watershed Protection Specialist I

Salary

$71,820.00 - $96,288.00 Annually

Location

Oceanside, CA, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2627-39

Department

Water Utilities

Opening Date

09/17/2026

Closing Date

10/9/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Introduction

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

About Oceanside's Water Utilities Department & Green Oceanside

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Watershed Protection Specialist I. This program is a part of the City's innovative Green Oceanside environmental division which oversees all aspects of the Watershed Protection, Water Use Efficiency, and Solid Waste & Recycling programs.

The Oceanside Water Utilities Department is a forward-looking organization whose goal it is to ensure ongoing access to safe, affordable drinking water and to reliable wastewater management services by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.

About the position

Green Oceanside is seeking an environmentally-focused problem solver who is capable of assisting programs within this dynamic group in the watershed protection initiative. The ideal candidate is someone who can proactively exercise creative initiative, develop and implement solutions to complex problems, and communicate with the public in an outreach-centric role.

You should be excited about this opportunity because you will…

• Leverage your expertise to help meet the city's long-term watershed protection and waterway objectives

• Promote and oversee best management practices in Oceanside's development and land improvements

• Affect change in official city policy by assisting the preparation of memos, staff reports, agreements and documentation for a variety of watershed, pollution, runoff and environmental issues

• Be a part of a team who is passionate about protecting our ocean and waterways from urban, residential, commercial and agricultural runoff

• Provide public-facing customer service to garner support for watershed protection goals, regulations & objectives

• Provide service information, regulatory guidance and enforcement for Oceanside's many developers and property owners

We will also rely on you for…

Providing your unique expertise in solving complex problems environmental problems; remaining current on new developments in the field of watershed protection, utilities, and public works; and partaking in contract administration and enforcement actions.

If this sounds like you, keep reading!

Examples of Duties

Educates citizens and businesses on storm water pollution prevention practices and applicable regulations and permit requirements, coordinating enforcement actions when necessary. Develops and implements community environmental education and outreach content for various platforms including websites, social media, brochures and flyers. Plans and conducts environmentally-focused community events including litter cleanups and public workshops. Remains informed on federal and state water quality legislation and regulations; works with customers, stakeholders and City staff to resolve questions, problems and complaints related to stormwater compliance. Performs stormwater compliance inspections at industrial, municipal and commercial facilities with increasingly independent authority, with an emphasis on guidance for pollution prevention best management practices. Provides information on environmental ordinances to customers, businesses and the development community. Assists with ordinance development as needed to comply with State and Federal regulations and implement the Jurisdictional Runoff Management Program. Participates in permitting and implementation processes as they relate to watershed protection and habitat restoration projects. Conducts field work to collect water quality and other environmental data as required by stormwater permits and/or pollutant source investigations. Assists with administering grant applications for environmental improvement projects. Prepares State-mandated reports involving interpretation of technical data, creating charts and databases and report writing. Conducts public speaking when necessary; deals with the public tactfully to maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of duties. Effectively utilizes software applications to fulfill duties of the position, e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation applications. Communicates clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing; may be called upon to speak at various City and intergovernmental committees, commissions and City Council meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Data analysis methods.
• Modern principles and practices of chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, environmental policy, or environmental protection applicable to resource management, urban runoff, wastewater, water use, water efficiency, hazardous materials, industrial waste, or solid waste, recycling, and organics management.
• Principles and practices of municipal storm water, solid waste, and/or water conservation laws and legal terminology.
• Public relations principles.
• Applicable state and federal laws.
• Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability to:

• Learn and perform technical analyses to detect, characterize and quantify pollutants and their fate and transport in the environment.
• Learn proper use of monitoring, sampling, and basic testing equipment commonly used to collect environmental data related to water quality, solid waste characterization and/or environmental monitoring projects.
• Conduct research and prepare complete and accurate analyses, reports and recommendations on a variety of environmental issues;
• Utilize computer systems to enter, analyze, and retrieve data;
• Interpret and apply applicable codes and ordinances;
• Exercise sound judgment and common sense;
• Learn to apply procedures, techniques, and interpret and make decisions related to job duties.
• Deal tactfully with the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Read, understand, interpret and apply laws, policies, rules, contracts, guidelines and professional practices;
• Speak clearly and effectively before diverse audiences and groups

Experience and Training

Experience: Six months of experience in environmental science, environmental policy, environmental or civil engineering, hydrology, natural resource management or a related field.

Experience with water quality testing, storm water permit compliance, habitat restoration and management projects, or any other combination of environmental regulatory compliance experience is highly desirable.

Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors degree or higher, with major coursework preferably in the area of biology, engineering, civil and/or environmental engineering, environmental science, environmental policy, resource management, or a related field.

License: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California drivers license.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment; travel from site to site; extensive public contact; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical energy, radiant energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather conditions; work in or with water and wastewater.

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; exposure to computer screens, speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret specifications and regulations.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral interview, application appraisal and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Management Employees of the City of Oceanside (Non-Safety)

Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits

Retirement

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individuals benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical:

• Kaiser HMO
• Blue Shield HMO
• Blue Shield PPO

Dental

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Vision:

• Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.

Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life & AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.

Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

MetlLife Legal Plan

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Leave Benefits

Vacation:

All accurals are based on 80 hours in a paid status

1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours

6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours

11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours

16+ years: 8.19 hours

Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year
• Exempt employees receive 50 hours of Executive leave per fiscal year

Sick Leave:

Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited

Annual pay off: Up to 50% based on annual usage

Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employees immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year

Certification Pay

Determined by the head of the department, a $1.00 per hour will be given to employees with certain State of California Certifications on an as needed basis.

Bilingual and Notary Pay

Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees

Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees

Safety Shoes

The City will provide reimbursement up to $200 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Uniforms

The City will provide an annual uniform allowance, for any public safety employee required to wear one, in the amount of $475.

Term of Compensation Plan

Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026

This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.

01

Please select the highest education level you have attained.

• AA Degree or Less
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• None of the above

02

If you possess a Bachelors or Masters degree, please indicate what concentration your education is in. List the major and college/university the degree was obtained from. Please attach a copy of your degree to the application.

03

Select the certification(s) you possess. Please attach a copy of your certification(s) to your application.

• CPSWQ Professional in Storm Water Quality
• QISP Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner
• QSP Qualified SWPP Practitioner
• CPESC Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control
• CMS4S Certified Municipal Stormwater Specialist
• REHS California Registered Environmental Health Specialist
• CESSWI Erosion, Sediment & Storm Water Inspector
• None

04

Do you have at least six months of experience in environmental science, environmental policy, environmental outreach, environmental or civil engineering, hydrology, natural resource management, communication, public administration or a related field?

• Yes
• No

05

Describe your understanding and knowledge of watershed protection.

06

Describe your professional experience in environmental policy, regulations, analysis, research. Include in your response, employer/agency name(s), dates of employment (From - To), and the duties you performed.

07

Per questions 6, please indicate the number of years of experience in environmentally policy, regulations, analysis, research.

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4+ years

08

Describe your work experience in field monitoring, water quality sampling or analysis. Please provide specific examples of projects where you were responsible for sample collection, data analysis, and reporting.

09

Per question 8, please indicate the number of years of field experience (i.e. monitoring for compliance).

• Less than 6 months
• 6 Months
• 1 Year
• 2 Years
• 3 Years
• 4+ Years

10

Describe your work experience in performing analytical work, including the type of work performed and the types of related reports, presentations, or analyses that accompanied the work.

11

Per question 10, please indicate the number of years with analytical work (i.e. reports and/or presentations).

• Less than 6 months
• 6 Months
• 1 Year
• 2 Years
• 3 Years
• 4+ Years

12

Describe your experience in public speaking and giving presentations. Include in your response a brief description of your presentation(s) and the types of groups you have given presentations to (i.e., community groups, City Council, schools, committees, etc.)

13

Describe your experience in generating community engagement content for watershed protection, or a related field. Include in your response your role in the development of the campaign and what specific materials you created such as websites, fliers, articles, and social media.

14

Please indicate the number of years experience with public outreach and/or communication.

• Less than 6 months
• 6 Months
• 1 Year
• 2+ Years

15

Please list any additional qualifications you have that relate to this position (Certifications, training, etc.)

16

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Oceanside

Address 300 North Coast Highway, City Hall South

Oceanside, California, 92054

Phone 760-435-3511

Website http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us