Title: Environmental Specialist I (2026)

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Environmental Specialist I

Requisition Num.: 2026-026

Open Date: 07/29/2026

Closing Date: Until Filled

Department: Environmental

Classification: Full-Time/Exempt

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Rincon Band of

Luiseño Indians

Location: Valley Center, CA

Opportunity: Under the direction of the Environmental Director, the Environmental

Specialist is responsible for meeting the Environmental goals and objectives of the Rincon

Tribe by developing and implementing Environmental procedures, policies, and projects.

The Environmental Specialist is responsible for conducting various tasks related to the

application, reporting, implementation, and management of ongoing federal and state grants

and contracts, and managing multiple tribal Environmental Protection programs such as

Contact Us:

Water Quality, Solid Waste, Natural Resource Management, Air Quality, Endangered

Species, Habitat Protection and Restoration, Invasive Species Management, Climate

One Government Center

Lane

Adaptation and Sustainability, Environmental Education and Outreach, and NEPA and

Valley Center, CA 92082

Environmental Specialist also monitors, reviews, and investigates environmental

CEQA environmental compliance. Under the direction of the Environmental Director, the

Phone: (760) 749-1051

enforcement issues within the boundaries of the Rincon Indian Reservation for Federal,

Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

State, and Tribal Law Compliance. Must have good interpersonal skills, be a team player;

Monday - Friday

www.rincon-nsn.gov

and the ability to communicate diplomatically with co-workers, customers, government

agencies, and community members. This position is responsible for meeting the Tribal

Environmental goals and objectives of the Rincon Band of Indians under the direction of

Environmental Director. This person will conduct business in a professional and cordial

manner that will uphold the integrity and reputation of Rincon. This position maintains a

thorough working knowledge of and adheres to tribal policies, regulations, and procedures.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all

of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties

from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

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Working collaboratively within the department to develop and implement

resource conservation programs and ensure compliance with federal and tribal

environmental regulations.

Managing and maintaining program records including but not limited to

reporting, scheduling, and creating and maintaining workplans with timelines.

Calculating and compiling data using spreadsheet applications; maintaining a

written record of laboratory results for review; recording data in an accurate

manner that conforms to U.S. EPA procedures; entering laboratory and QC

test results into databases.

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Job Announcement, Cont’d. – Environmental Specialist I

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D

To Apply:

Employment with the Rincon

Band of Luiseño Indians

begins by filling out an

application and resume and

turning it into the Human

Resources Department at the

Government Center, or

emailing it to

jobs@rincon-nsn.gov.

To work for the Rincon

Tribe, you minimally need:

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High School Diploma or

GED

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A valid California

driver’s license

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Applications which are

not completely filled out

will not be considered.

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Preference:

Tribal preference will be

given to eligible Rincon

Tribal Members who meet

the minimum qualifications.

Background investigation

drug and alcohol screening

are required as a condition of

employment. Rincon Band of

Luiseño Indians is an equal

opportunity employer.

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Working closely with consultants, contractors, other Tribal Government

departments, and governmental agency personnel on environmental projects.

Coordinating with local, state, and federal environmental and natural resource

agencies.

Assisting with the development of programs and processes to address

environmental risk factors affecting the community.

Writing reports, collecting data, and analyzing data collected in the field.

Working collaboratively within and across other Tribal government

departments to track water quality test results and ensure water quality-related

regulatory requirements for the Tribe’s public drinking water systems are met

Conducting field inventories and assessments of Tribal natural resources

Monitoring the quantity and quality of natural resources.

Collecting, processing, evaluating, and summarizing scientific and technical

data and ideas to make effective decisions and develop appropriate solutions.

Assessing, implementing, and maintaining control measures to minimize or

prevent various sources of pollution affecting the Reservation.

Scheduling timely household hazardous waste (HHW) and other solid waste

disposals and recycling pickups

Providing public education and outreach to the Rincon Community on topics

such as environmental protection, native and invasive species, and natural

resource regulations and codes.

Developing and conducting community presentations or workshops on

environmental programs or topics

Assist with the development, preparing, and presenting studies and reports to

Tribal Government Council and other groups within the community.

Collaboratively assisting in the drafting operational plans, experimental

designs, and sampling methods and plans, procedures, and forms for

conducting studies or developing new programs.

Collecting GPS data and integrating it and other existing GIS data into

Environmental reports, layouts, presentations, and other documents.

Using sound judgement and personal initiative to accomplish assignments.

Effectively representing the department in contacts and relationships with the

public, local business community and other government agencies.

Working independently within established guidelines, prioritizing, and

coordinating activities, and meeting critical deadlines.

Building and maintaining constructive relationships with those encountered

during course of work.

Reviewing one’s own and other’s work for pertinence, accuracy, and

completeness.

Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, and training in subjects related to

environmental and natural resources protection, health and safety, emergency

preparedness, and others as directed. Occasional travel may be necessary.

OTHER DUTIES

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Ability to multi-task while maintaining vigilant attention to detail.

Follow established government policies and those outlined in the Rincon

Tribal Government Employee Handbook and on our government employee

portal.

Demonstrates an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the

community.

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Job Announcement, Cont’d. – Environmental Specialist I

OTHER DUTIES CONT’D

Selection Process:

All applications will be

reviewed, and the most

appropriately qualified

individuals will be invited to

continue in the selection

process. The process may

include a written and/or oral

examination to assess job

related education, experience

and training. All prospective

employees must live within a

50-Mile Radius from the

Rincon Government Center.

Resumes will not be

accepted in lieu of

completed application

forms but may be

attached.

To Apply:

Employment with the Rincon

Band of Luiseño Indians

begins by filling out an

application and resume and

turning it into the Human

Resources Department at the

Government Center, or

emailing it to

jobs@rincon-nsn.gov.

Applications which

are not completely

filled out will not be

considered.

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Back up to the Environmental Coordinator in a limited capacity.

Maintain a clean and safe working environment.

Adhere to safety standards and regulations of the Tribal Council.

Handle all confidential and proprietary information in accordance

with policies and procedures.

Attend Meetings and conferences as requested or assigned.

Other duties may be assigned at the

SUPERVISION ADMINISTERED

• This position may require the supervision of Environmental Department

contractors.

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must be able to represent the Rincon Tribal Government effectively and

professionally in a public venue.

Education/Experience and/or Training:

• Graduation from a U.S. high school, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S.

institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)

certificate is required.

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, microbiology, or related

sciences.

• 2 years of experience in environmental policy, outreach, or a related field

for Environmental Specialist I.

• One or more professional certifications such as CPESC, CPSWQ, QISP,

CESSWI, QSD, QSP or QSM are preferred, but not required.

• Experience working with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, or ArcGIS 10.x

preferred, but not required.

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• Current OSHA 40-h HAZWOPER certification (with the 8-h annual

refreshers, if necessary) is preferred but not required.

• Strong mathematical, software skills and demonstrated competency with PC

spreadsheet and word processing applications.

• Ability to effectively review official documents such as grants, regulations,

technical specifications, environmental reports, ordinance and statues and

legal terminology is required.

• A knowledge of environmental issues, laws, and regulations applicable to

compliance and protection is required.

• The candidate should be familiar with federal and state agencies including

U.S.EPA, BIA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Indian Health Service (IHS),

CalEPA, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California

Water Resources Control Board, and others. The candidate should be familiar

with federal and state agency programs, environmental statutes, and

regulations such as the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act,

Endangered Species Act, RCRA, CERCLA, NEPA, and CEQA.

Licenses or Certifications:

The following license and certification are required to be maintained throughout

employment and are not subject to waiver:

• Valid California Driver’s License. Must maintain a satisfactory driving record

with the DMV.

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Job Announcement, Cont’d. – Environmental Specialist I

Work-Related Knowledge:

• Principles of environmental compliance assurance and environmental

sciences.

• Principles of chemistry & chemical reactions

• Effects of waste materials on water quality & land quality and the interactions

of waste with the environment.

• Environmental practices with special reference to their general effect on

public health & the quality of the environment. Laws, codes, regulations, and

policies affecting the department’s operations & programs.

• Principles, procedures and practices of fact-finding, interviewing, and

customer service.

• Statistical methods and analysis

• Experience with wastewater and storm water reuse.

• Experience with Federal grant writing and reporting.

• Experience of working effectively in multidisciplinary teams to plan and

execute projects.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to communicate effectively both orally

and in writing; be able to establish and maintain effective working

relationships.

• Strong organizational skills and the flexibility and ability to manage time and

multiple tasks with little supervision.

• Proficiency with all current Microsoft Office programs as well as any other

software programs, online communication platforms and other technology

necessary to perform the job.

• Experience developing communication materials, including PowerPoint

presentations, flyers, brochures, booklets, etc.

• Successful applicants will be a creative thinker, an energetic self-starter who

enjoys new challenges and are able to function comfortably in a fast-paced

team environment or independently.

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Job Announcement, Cont’d. – Environmental Specialist I

Benefits

The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit

package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Benefits include the

following:

• Health & Wellness Coverage: Medical, dental and vision coverage

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Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual

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Holidays: Full-time employees and qualifying part-time employees are

eligible for eleven (11) full paid holidays, and four (4) half day (4 hours) paid

holidays.

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Comprehensive Annual Performance & Merit Reviews

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Job Training based on Business Needs

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Life and Long-Term Disability: $100,000 employer paid Life Insurance and

Long-Term Disability

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Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and Dependent care reimbursement

accounts

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Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

Insurance

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Supplemental Coverage: Disability, Accident, Cancer, Life and Hospital

Confinement

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Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match

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Company Events: Rincon Tribal Government holds great social events for

employees and occasionally raffle many prizes.

Rincon Tribal Government – Core Values

Trust

Integrity

Open and Honest Communication