Environmental Manager Jobs in California
Environmental Manager jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in oil and gas, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and public utilities, with openings at every level from entry-level environmental analyst to senior compliance director. The heaviest hiring happens in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco, where major employers including Chevron, Pacific Gas and Electric, and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts maintain substantial environmental teams. The most in-demand specialties are regulatory compliance, hazardous materials management, and CEQA/NEPA project oversight. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The County of Riverside's Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA) Planning Department has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Project (Biological) Manager. This position plays a critical role in managing the Biology Unit within the Department’s Environmental Programs Division, located in Riverside.
The Environmental Project (Biological) Manager position focuses on the management of ecological resources. The incumbent will be responsible for:
- Overseeing the implementation of, and ensuring proposed project consistency with, Habitat Conservation Plans/Natural Community Conservation Plans.
- Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and practices associated with land development projects.
- Reviewing and evaluating the biological elements of land use applications to ensure practical implementation of regional ecological policies and guidelines.
- Performing environmental evaluations related to ecological reserve/conservation configurations, urban/wildland interface issues, sensitive habitats/vegetation, animal movement, species relocation plans, revegetation plans, and other land use issues resulting from public and private development.
- Conducting meetings with various regulating agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).
- Reviewing biological assessments to ensure proper mitigation measures and conservation plan consistency, which may include, but are not limited to: Habitat Assessments, Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Consistency Analyses, Jurisdictional Delineations, and Determinations of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP).
In addition to the minimum qualifications, competitive candidates will possess:
- Supervisory or managerial experience overseeing professional biological or environmental staff.
- Demonstrated familiarity with the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).
- Experience working within California local government, consulting, resource agencies, or regional conservation programs is highly desirable.
- Strong technical background in ecological resource management paired with advanced mapping and technology skills.
- Comprehensive understanding of GIS mapping principles, application utilization, data input, and file sharing.
- Knowledge of, or experience applying, UAV/Drone technologies for site review and documentation will be especially competitive.
- An advanced degree in environmental, biological science, or a closely related field.
- A California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Scientific Collecting Permit.
- A relevant certificate, license, or demonstrable experience in a biological discipline directly related to the work performed by the County, such as:
- Wetlands Delineation
- Regulatory Permitting
This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311 of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.
Meet the Team!
The Planning Department is responsible for Riverside County's General Plan, a comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of unincorporated areas within the County. This department formulates growth management plans and zoning for the County.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Provide project management support on an array of technically complex projects related to drainage, biology, water ways, water quality, and hydrologic data.
- Plan, organize, direct, review, and evaluate the work of professional department staff and external consultants involved in the oversight of the environmental process for either land use planning, and other urban infrastructure projects or studies; engage and direct staff while coordinating with department project managers, planners, or development applicants during project planning, design and construction phases, or development land use review phases to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and adherence to the County's General Plan and applicable ordinances.
- Direct and review the selection and design of techniques for the collection, coordination and development of methodologies for data applications and research in water quality and conservation planning, studies of land use, environmental resources and water/flood facilities, or patterns of environmental changes and community development in order to identify both existing and future water quality and conservation issues.
- Directly manage the environmental process for specific, high priority projects; prepare and review the scope of work; review and comment on environmental work products; coordinate project tasks and delivery with project managers, planners, and outside approving agencies.
- Direct or participate in consultant selection and proposal evaluation of Service Agreements; prepare Form 11s for consideration and approval by the Board of Supervisors; prepare and review the environmental project scope, budget, and schedule with consultant firms and on call consultants.
- May prepare, manage and monitor project budgets and schedules; review consultants' monthly progress reports to ensure compliance with project scope and agreement provisions, and approve consultants' invoices for payment processing.
- Review and comment on proposed land use or drainage project plans and legislation that affect the Agency's environmental compliance process; review current Department practices for environmental compliance and prepare or revise existing Department environmental policies and practices to ensure continual environmental compliance.
- Represent the Department before other County departments, governmental agencies, environmental regulatory and permitting agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
- Develop and manage environmental compliance through policy and regulatory development.
- Perform research, analyze, prepare, and/or manage complex environmental documents including Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs); provide technical expertise in comprehensive land use drainage or planning activities; may evaluate and/or review field checking project entitlement plans, grading plans, water quality improvement plans, drainage projects, or land use developments.
- May testify in court proceedings or other administrative hearings as an expert witness in areas within assigned purview.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Four years of professional transportation land use or water resource planning experience, which included two years of experience with responsibility for project oversight in a lead, supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity.
Other Requirements
License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. This position involves travel to various locations throughout the county to conduct site visits.
Physical/Environmental Conditions/Requirements
The Environmental Project Manager will:
- Walk over uneven outdoor terrain and work in a variety of environmental conditions.
- Be exposed to a variety of weather elements (e.g., high temperatures, rain) and local wildlife while performing field duties.
Essential job duties must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. For more information, see “Reasonable Accommodations” under APPLICATION INFORMATION.
Knowledge of: The principles and practices of project management especially as they apply to public works and/or development activities; the principles and practices of land use and transportation planning; environmental monitoring; state and federal standards concerning public works and/or land use design and construction; techniques of project management, personnel management, and project funding and budgeting; the laws and regulations affecting environmental permitting and permit clearance including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Clean Water Act, and California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act.
Ability to: Plan, organize, and direct the work of an environmental or water resources planning unit; lay out and supervise the work of professional or water resources environmental personnel; perform difficult technical research, analyze situations accurately, and adopt effective courses of action; review, evaluate, and comment on proposed environmental plans or legislation that affect the Department's environmental process; review current department practices, prepare policies or revise existing policies to ensure environmental compliance; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application Status
How to confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to www.GovernmentJobs.com, click on your name in the upper right corner, and click on “Applications & Status.”
Sign Up for Job Alerts
Go to www.RC-HR.com, click on “Careers,” click on “County Job Openings,” and click on “Subscribe to Job Alerts” icon.
General Information
If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Vanessa Diaz Beaird at vdbeaird@rivco.org or (951) 955-9112. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
See All 163+ Environmental Manager Jobs in California
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Find Environmental Manager JobsEnvironmental Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- AECOM25

- CSG Consultants9

- BKF Engineers8

- Burns & McDonnell6

- Haley & Aldrich4

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services31
- Technology & Software4
- Retail3
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces3
- Manufacturing2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental manager jobs across California.
- Registered Environmental Assessor or HAZWOPER certification recognized in California preferred
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or a closely related field required
- Demonstrated knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and California EPA regulations required
- Five or more years of environmental compliance or project management experience expected
- Experience working with California regional water quality control boards and air districts
- Strong technical writing skills for preparing environmental impact reports and permits
Environmental Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental manager in California?
Most environmental managers in California start with a bachelor's degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field and build toward credentials recognized by California employers. While California has no single mandatory state license for the title, many employers require or strongly prefer a Registered Environmental Assessor designation issued through the California Environmental Protection Agency, HAZWOPER certification, or a Professional Engineer license from the California Board for Professional Engineers. Gaining field experience in CEQA compliance or hazardous materials handling significantly strengthens a candidate's profile.
How much do environmental managers make in California?
Environmental managers in California earn a median of about $174,560 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $98,280 for the lowest 10% to over $303,680 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental managers in California?
Employers hiring environmental managers in California right now include AECOM, CSG Consultants, and BKF Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's scale in energy production, agriculture, and infrastructure development means that utilities, engineering consultancies, and county agencies are among the most consistent sources of openings statewide.
Which California cities have the most environmental manager jobs?
Los Angeles, Oakland, and Sacramento consistently post the most environmental manager openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its concentration of construction, manufacturing, and public agency employers, Sacramento anchors state government and regulatory work, and San Francisco reflects the Bay Area's active tech-adjacent infrastructure and utility sectors, making each city's listings distinct rather than interchangeable.
Are there remote environmental manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Environmental management typically requires site visits, field inspections, and in-person regulatory meetings that limit full remote arrangements. About 63% of environmental manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate the analytical and reporting work, such as writing environmental impact reports or managing compliance documentation, in the remote portion.
How can I get hired as a environmental manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an environmental analyst or environmental technician role at a California county agency, engineering consultancy, or large utility. Employers such as the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, regional water quality control boards, and major engineering firms like AECOM's California offices regularly bring on recent graduates through associate-level programs. Earning a HAZWOPER 40-hour certification and completing coursework or internships with a CEQA focus before applying gives candidates a meaningful edge over others without direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to environmental manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to environmental manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
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