About the Role
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Designer position within the Department of Resource Design plays a critical role in developing, designing, and implementing integrated resource conservation, wildfire resilience, and environmental infrastructure design projects along the District's wildland-urban interfaces and transects.
As part of the Resource Design team, this position blends technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and innovative design to support interdisciplinary projects. The role uses mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization to tell compelling, place-based stories that communicate complex environmental challenges and solutions in an accessible way.
MAJOR DUTIES
Resource Design, Mapping & Technical Work - 45%
Assist the Director of Resource Design in the design of integrated resource projects.
Create two- and three-dimensional representations in support of the design and multidisciplinary communication process, including conceptual and graphic development and visual narratives that communicate site conditions, ecological processes, and spatial and formal interventions involving architecture and landscape or habitat elements.
Use GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, Twinmotion/Unreal Engine, and other advanced software tools to develop visually compelling and data-driven storytelling elements.
Develop mapping solutions that go beyond technical analysis to effectively engage stakeholders, decision-makers, and the public.
Synthesize findings into reports and feasibility analyses and ground-truth existing conditions and designs as needed.
Stay current on emerging software and artificial intelligence tools to optimize workflows and improve project efficiency.
Project Management & Coordination - 35%
In conjunction with the Director of Resource Design, organize, schedule, and facilitate Technical Advisory Committee meetings, community meetings, and internal project meetings.
Coordinate with engineers, architects, biologists, and other project stakeholders to align goals and timelines.
Develop scopes of work, support new project development, and assist in securing funding.
Conduct independent research and establish connections with leading university researchers and professors to integrate current science into projects.
Track project progress, manage multiple concurrent projects, and help ensure deliverables are completed efficiently.
Under the supervision of the Director of Resource Design, manage administrative aspects of grants, including tracking deadlines and supporting compliance with reporting requirements.
Develop strategic graphic-design workflows to automate GIS-based mapping projects.
Under the supervision of the Director of Resource Design, assist with preparing grant applications and supporting documentation.
Continue developing innovative solutions for wildfire resilience and environmental sustainability.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication - 15%
In coordination with the Director of Resource Design and District Manager, act as a liaison among community members, project partners, and regulatory agencies
.
Translate complex environmental and architectural concepts into accessible visual, oral, and written products.
Assist in preparing reports, feasibility studies, and interpretive design projects.
GIS Systems Management and Support – 10%
Serves as the primary point of contact for the District’s GIS software, systems, data storage, and related resources.
Works collaboratively with District departments on GIS projects and needs as assigned by the Director of Resource Design.
Other Duties as Assigned
Performs other related duties as assigned in support of District operations and priorities.
COMPETENCIES
Environmental Design & Visualization-Creates clear two- and three-dimensional representations that communicate site conditions, ecological processes, and design solutions.
Mapping & Spatial Analysis-Uses GIS, spatial data, and mapping tools to analyze conditions and communicate place-based environmental narratives.
Project Coordination-Coordinates communication, information, and responsibilities among architects, engineers, biologists, researchers, agencies, community members, contractors, and other project partners.
Collaboration & Teamwork-Works effectively with architects, engineers, biologists, researchers, agencies, community members, contractors, and other partners. Builds relationships, communicates respectfully across different disciplines and perspectives, and contributes to a collaborative, solutions-oriented team environment.
Effective Communication & Engagement-Translates complex environmental and architectural concepts into accessible visual, written, and verbal materials. Adapts communication to different audiences and effectively conveys project information.
Adaptability & Innovation-Adapts to changing project needs and priorities and uses creative problem-solving and technology to improve workflows, address challenges, and advance wildfire resilience and environmental sustainability.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Studies have shown that underrepresented people often do not apply for technical jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification or requirement listed in a job description. Conversely, people with identities overrepresented in these fields often do not hesitate to apply for jobs even if they do not meet all stated qualifications. RCDSMM does not expect one person to perfectly fit this job description prior to holding a similar position for several years. Prior experience may be transferable, even if it is outside what is described herein. Training and professional development are available to RCDSMM employees to help improve skills. Passionate and interested people with the core competencies listed above are encouraged to apply.
SCREEN OUT REQUIREMENTS-
Must be clearly demonstrated in resume to be considered.
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Environmental Design, Civil Design, or a related field of study.
Visual representation of the required technical and design skills through a digital portfolio, website, or similar work samples.
Strong proficiency in ArcGIS and/or QGIS
PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Two years of professional experience, completed continuously or cumulatively during educational break
s.
Proficiency and/or training in Python and R.
Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Unreal Engine, and other visualization tools.
Demonstrated experience with and work samples demonstrating three-dimensional modeling of landscapes and built forms using Rhino, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar software.
Progress toward licensure in architecture or landscape architecture.
Demonstrated experience using mapping and spatial data visualization to communicate environmental narratives.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to collaborate on complex projects and manage complex tasks independently within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Experience in community engagement, technical writing, and data analysis.
Demonstrated initiative and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to organize time and resources efficiently, with close attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a hybrid position requiring at least two days in-office and occasional on-site work.
This position will require some nights, holidays, and weekends.
This position will require long periods of sedentary desk work.
This position includes work at sites that may have uneven terrain and exposure to outdoor elements in a variety of conditions, including occasional strenuous field work.
This position will be regularly required to stand, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and lift up to 25 pounds.
BENEFITS
Additional $800 monthly health stipend
Employee Assistance Program
CalPERS state retirement system
Optional 457 retirement plan (no RCD contribution)
Accrual of up to 12 days of sick time per year and 2 weeks of vacation (increasing with years of service)
14 paid holidays per year
$50 per month cell phone stipend
APPLICATION
Applicants must apply via Gusto and submit:
Resume (2 pages max)- must clearly demonstrate screen out requirements, qualifications, and experience described above. Resumes that fail to clearly demonstrate the screen-out requirements will not be considered.
Cover letter (2 pages max)- must explain:
Your understanding of what makes this position and the work of RCDSMM unique.
How your background and interests make this position desirable at this point in your career.
A digital portfolio, website, or similar work samples demonstrating relevant design, mapping, visualization, and three-dimensional modeling skills.
Do not include personal identifiable information (PII) or photographs of yourself in any application materials. Applications that include any PII or photographs of applicants will automatically be disqualified.
This recruitment may close at any time once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.