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PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION VIA THIS LINK: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board/

 

The City of San José is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the next Assistant Director of the Environmental Services Department (ESD). As Chief Operating Officer of ESD, the Assistant Director will help lead one of the most dynamic environmental services departments in the nation. This executive position will oversee an approximate $550 million budget and seven direct reports, providing strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of utility operations and environmental programs serving over one million residents, including the city’s solid waste, stormwater, drinking water, and watershed protection services. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in utility operations, regulatory compliance, and public agency administration. They will possess excellent interpersonal skills, technical aptitude, and political acumen, and thrive in a highly collaborative, solution-oriented environment. This is a unique opportunity to help shape San José’s environmental future - apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/5613b8be-7239-44f5-84c0-9e3ee91fd78c

The Environmental Services Department
 

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility services, and climate action. With nearly 582 employees, ESD serves over 1 million residents and thousands of businesses in San José. ESD’s mission is to deliver world-class utility services and programs that enhance health, the environment, and the economy. This mission is executed through the following divisions:
 

• San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF):The largest advanced wastewater treatment facility in the western U.S., serving 1.7 million residents and 17,000 businesses. RWF treats 110 million gallons daily, delivers recycled water, and consistently meets permit standards while earning national recognition.
   

• Capital Improvement Program:A $1.4 billion, 10-year effort to modernize the RWF’s infrastructure, enhancing resilience, treatment capacity, and sustainability for long-term protection of the South Bay.

• Water Resources Division: Operates the San José Municipal Water System, serving over 100,000 residents, and oversees South Bay Water Recycling—the largest recycled water system in Northern California—while exploring future water supply options like potable reuse and desalination.

• Watershed Protection Division: Safeguards San José’s creeks by preventing pollution from entering 30,000 storm drains. Operates an award-winning lab that conducts over 50,000 tests annually and led regional wastewater monitoring during COVID-19.

• Integrated Waste Management Division: Manages waste services for 325,000 homes and 11,000 businesses, maximizing recycling and organics diversion through five contracted haulers to reduce landfill use and maintain city cleanliness.

• Regulatory Affairs and Purified Water Division: Leads implementation of a multi-agency potable reuse initiative and administers the wastewater and air compliance programs for the Regional Wastewater Facility. Supports an integrated regulatory and legislative strategy for wastewater, stormwater, recycled water and drinking water utilities.

• Utility Financial & Business Operations: Provides core support in budgeting, hiring, IT, payroll, billing, and procurement to ensure the efficient operation of all ESD programs and services.

• Communications Division :Leads strategic, multilingual outreach through media, digital campaigns, and public education. Promotes transparency, manages public records responses, and supports emergency communications.

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X, Facebook and Instagram and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
 

Position Duties:

Salary Range

The Assistant Director salary range is currently $178, 713.34 - $288, 700.62. Placement within this range will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the individual selected. This salary includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The salary is supplemented by an attractive benefits package. 

The Position

Reporting to the Director, the Assistant Director serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Environmental Services Department (ESD), overseeing a budget of approximately $550 million and seven direct reports. This executive leader provides strategic and operational direction across a broad and complex portfolio, including Integrated Waste Management, Watershed Protection, Water Resources, Wastewater Management,  Regulatory Affairs and Purified Water, Utility Financial and Business Operations, and Communications. In partnership with Deputy Directors, department leaders, and citywide stakeholders, the Assistant Director drives alignment with City priorities while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness. Key responsibilities include leading utility rate setting, guiding long-range capital and infrastructure planning, and supporting major initiatives such as homelessness response and environmental restoration. The Assistant Director also plays a critical role in supporting the Director by overseeing the preparation of City Council presentations and tracking high-impact departmental initiatives. This position requires a leader with strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals. They will foster a culture of ethical leadership, continuous improvement, and inclusion—strengthening collaboration, building trust, and driving accountability throughout the department. As a public-facing representative of ESD, the Assistant Director will engage in intergovernmental forums, Council sessions, and community meetings, helping to advance the department’s mission while addressing the evolving needs of San José’s residents and environment.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking and grounded leader with a strong command of utility operations, environmental services, and public sector management. They bring not only technical proficiency in areas like infrastructure planning, rate setting, and regulatory compliance, but also the ability to see the bigger picture—connecting long-term vision with practical execution. This individual excels in navigating complexity, whether managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading large and diverse teams, or guiding cross-departmental initiatives in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. Politically astute and operationally savvy, they understand how to build momentum around shared goals while balancing mandates, community needs, and day-to-day realities. Clear and confident communication is a hallmark of their leadership style. They are comfortable representing their department in a variety of settings—from Council presentations and regional forums to internal strategy sessions—translating complex topics into clear, actionable directions. Their presence inspires confidence, and their transparency builds trust across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will be a mentor and team builder who invests in people, values diversity of thought and background, and creates inclusive environments where staff feel supported and accountable. With a strong sense of purpose and humility, they bring curiosity to new challenges and a collaborative mindset to every interaction.

The ideal candidate will also have the following core competencies. You can view the full definition of all competencies here.

• Job Expertise

• Collaboration

• Fiscal Management

• Leadership

• Political Skills

• Problem Solving

• Vision/Strategic Thinking

• Communication Skills

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, engineering, environmental sciences, or related field.

• Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in business management and/or administration, operations, or maintenance is required.

• Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a public agency is preferred.

• Seven (7) years of exemplary supervisory experience is desired.

• Licenses: Possession and maintenance of a valid license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

• Form 700: Upon commencement of employment and subsequently each spring, the incumbent of this position must file the Family Gift Reporting Form together with the Statement of Economic Interest-Form 700. Please view the following link for details related to the State-Required reporting: Form 700 (ca.gov) and the following link for the City of San José Family Gift Reporting Form.

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San José will not sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa that requires an employee application.

Other Qualifications:

HOW TO APPLY:

For first consideration, apply by June 23 at: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board/

Round one virtual interviews will take place on July 14th. Round two in-person interviews will take place on July 22nd. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Levi Kuhlman, with any inquiries:

• levi@wbcpinc.com
• 541-664-0376 (Direct) 
• 866-929-9227 (Toll Free)

Overview:

The Senior Environmental Planner serves as an environmental compliance lead for critical infrastructure projects that provide safe, clean water to Santa Clara County. This role carries out environmental review and permitting for complex operations and maintenance activities for the Water Utility Enterprise, which includes the pipeline maintenance program. Examples of projects are stream gage improvements, pipeline turnout repairs, pump replacements, and culvert repairs. The planner will also provide expert oversight for other projects as needed.

This is a leadership position that will play a role in developing and executing integrated environmental strategies that protect and restore watersheds, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance the long-term sustainability of Valley Water’s operations and maintenance activities.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• CEQA Analysis– Managing the preparation and review of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analyses to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
• Permitting Development of permit strategy for local, State, and Federal regulatory agencies. This includes the development of permit submittals for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Army Corp of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Valley Habitat Agency.
• Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting – Overseeing the preparation and submission of mitigation reports and compliance documentation related to various efforts, as well as other environmental permits. This includes compliance with the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan.
• Regulatory Compliance & Oversight – Serve as a subject matter expert in environmental planning, ensuring that operations and maintenance activities meet all relevant federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Interdepartmental Coordination – Strive for consistency with other Valley Water projects and programs by collaborating with other environmental planners and maintaining alignment with Quality and Environmental Management System (QEMS) protocols and other internal procedures.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• Seven (7) years of professional-level environmental planning or related experience evaluating the impact of proposed public works, capital projects, or facilities in the community and the environment.
• Experience managing CEQA analysis and compliance
• Experience working with State and Federal agencies negotiating permits and ensuring permit compliance.
• Experience in preparing compliance reports.
• Experience in project management.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Work collaboratively and develop common understandings through effective communication
• Improve and streamline environmental review and permitting processes.
• Represent Valley Water and engage with the public, other governmental agencies, and environmental regulators. 
• Work with different subject matter experts and across all levels of staff in the organization.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with strategic and analytical thinking.

Ideal Knowledge:

• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) / National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) expertise.
• State and Federal regulatory laws, regulations, and permitting.
• Field principles and practices of natural sciences, especially related to air quality, biological resources, geology, and soil, hydrology/water quality, and cultural resources.
• Knowledge and familiarity with construction and maintenance practices.

Ideal Training and Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental studies, environmental planning, city and regional planning, environmental science, natural resources management, geography, or a closely related field.

 

Required License or Certificate To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)Water Utility Planning and FAHCE Support Unit (Position Code 705)

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.

The Watershed Planning Project Manager (Class: Project Analyst II or Project Analyst III) will manage projects related to urban river restoration, public access, and open space conservation, master planning, and park development, including design and construction of new park amenities, creation of parkland in urban neighborhoods, renovation of infrastructure and buildings, acquisition of land, and planning in a watershed context. Capital projects include renovation of existing facilities, new construction by contractors and force account, and fee acquisition of land interests.

This is professional and technical work pursuant to the terms of grants, contracts, and applicable regulations, involving frequent communication with others, for a flexible person at an intermediate level. Project managers must also build community and political support, seek funding opportunities, actively cooperate with other government agencies and non-profit organizations, and keep abreast of related planning processes. The work performed will support MRCA’s capital Workprogram for improvements, land acquisition, and major maintenance projects in nature parks within greater Los Angeles, and other MRCA efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development. 

Ability to speak Spanish is required.

Para ver la versión de PDF en español, por favor desplácese hacia abajo.

Type

This is a full-time, non-exempt, at-will position.

Supervision

This position may report to the Chief of Watershed Planning, Chief of Park Development, or other Executive-level staff depending on MRCA's needs. Assorted tasks may be supervised by Executive Staff and may include participation in multi-division teams. The position supervises no other staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

• Implement multiple projects simultaneously: The project manager is the central point of contact on all issues concerning assigned projects and will be responsible for project quality. Perform project tracking, scheduling, and budget management.
• Analyze various planning documents and processes for consistency and impacts on MRCA's watershed planning priorities. Write formal comment letters and informal memoranda.
• Participate in planning processes related to the Los Angeles River and other local watersheds, at both regional and individual project scales.
• Identify potential projects and assess feasibility.
• Write and coordinate grant proposals and research new funding opportunities for land acquisition, park development, and related planning efforts.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, manage contracts, coordinate project team and collaborate with coworkers to ensure that the project scope is completed according to grant agreements, schedules, and cost limits. Assist in selection of consultants/contractors.
• Determine project scope, options, and alternatives to overcome constraints. Revise as often as needed to address unexpected conditions.
• Perform day-to-day administration of grants, prepare required reports and ensure conformance with grant agreements.
• Cooperate with other team members to accomplish project goals.
• Produce written materials including staff reports, text for publication, proposals, progress reports, and a variety of other documents.
• Manage project budgets with funding from multiple sources, keeping abreast of status and expense eligibility requirements, identifying solutions to shortfalls, and keeping up to date as projects evolve.
• Prepare Requests for Proposals/Requests for Bids, and review bids. Select and manage contractors and consultants in conjunction with other staff. Ensure bidding process meets applicable regulations. Assist with estimating and selection of vendors for best value.
• Maintain files, including documentation and authorization for expenses, project progress, contracts and grant agreements, project budgets, contacts, board actions and all other items related to a project’s development.
• Provide support to coworkers on other projects.
• Analyze, verify and obtain payment approvals for invoices.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls, correspondence, and when communicating and providing customer service to citizens who seek assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner’s associations, and the public at large.
• Perform related duties as required.

 

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and participate in group hikes, project site tours, and kayak trips with project stakeholders.
• Quantify and describe the greenhouse gas emissions benefits of potential projects based on latest accepted science, research, and generally accepted methodology.
• Represent the agency in public forums.

Depending on the MRCA's needs, park development may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Assist with coordination of construction. Achieve budget goals by monitoring vendor costs, change orders, and material and supply costs.
• Coordinate as needed with Construction Supervisors to monitor progress of in-house staff (force account).
• Manage the CEQA compliance process for potential projects.

Depending on the MRCA's needs, management of maintenance funding sources may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Analyze proposed expenses for eligibility and determine appropriate funding sources for expenses.
• Assist with budget development and monitoring for multiple locations and funds.
• Liaison frequently between operations and maintenance staff and finance staff to ensure smooth administrative processes.
• Distinguish between maintenance and capital expenses and providing documentation for full reimbursement.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, occasionally move about inside the office to access supplies and office machinery, frequently communicate and exchange information, review handwritten, electronic and facsimile documents, observe site conditions, and operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The employee must occasionally move items weighing up to 20 pounds inside the office.

Required Hours and Location

Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week with some scheduling flexibility. Occasional overtime work in evenings or weekends upon prior approval by supervisor. The position will work out of the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens but may be required to travel to various other locations. Offices at the River Center are spread among multiple buildings and floors. Remote working or a hybrid schedule may be allowed, subject to supervisor approval.

Public Contact

As public parklands, the majority of MRCA properties are open to the general public during operating hours. This position is likely to have physical contact with members of the public in public areas such as parking lots and shared public/office restrooms and during in-person public meetings. The MRCA is committed to protecting its staff by ensuring appropriate physical distancing and proper infection control while supporting equitable access to services. Our requirements are based on the current County of Los Angeles guidance, and are subject to change as the County updates their policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Education and Experience

• B.A. or B.S. degree or higher.  Relevant course studies include natural resources, engineering, planning, environmental science, geography, biology, hydrology, landscape architecture, environmental design, or related fields.
• Two (2) years of highly relevant experience performing project management duties that include: creative problem solving, working on an interdisciplinary team, coordinating consultants, technical writing, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Experience desired in: public speaking; community outreach/engagement; identifying and applying for project specific funding; and construction trade or construction management.
• Ability to speak Spanish is required.

Training and Certification

• Must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record at the time of hire.
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to complete within 6 months).

Knowledge of: 

• Developed understanding the watershed planning context, including in and around the Los Angeles River watershed.
• Intermediate proficiency with Office 365 and email, with particular emphasis on word-processing and spreadsheet programs. Basic understanding of native plants, animals, and ecosystems of Southern California.
• Basic understanding of California Environmental Quality Act requirements (or ability to learn within 6 months).
• Office practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Prioritize varying tasks and projects, manage time, and make regular, consistent progress on multiple projects at once.
• Cooperate with coworkers and revise project approach as needed to accommodate concerns.
• Work independently, or as part of a team.
• Must be organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Revise work approach to address changed conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Quickly change tasks and focus.
• Consistently follow agency procedures.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.
• Prepare written and graphic materials for a variety of audiences.
• Communicate to a variety of audiences about Agency projects and objectives.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.
• Learn technical material and advanced technical writing proficiency.
• Innovate and improve processes.

Competencies:

• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English will be required.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.

 

Other Requirements

Candidates must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record. Employees must be willing to participate in agency emergency response.

All appointment offers are contingent upon the following:

• Background check including submission of fingerprints to the Department of Justice and a record clean of violent crimes or felonies.
• Successful completion of a physical examination including a drug test and TB test.
• Verification of the right to work in the United States.

 

COMPENSATION

Wages

The range of hourly rates for a Project Analyst II is $27.27 to $33.15.

The range of hourly rates for a Project Analyst III is $30.57 to $37.15.

Classification Level

The selected candidate may be hired as a Project Analyst II or Project Analyst III, depending on experience. A Project Analyst II will perform the functions with a moderate level of supervision, making some judgments independently, and regular check-ins for guidance and task prioritization. A Project Analyst III will perform the functions with a low level of supervision and less frequent check-ins to verify tasks and decision support. A Project Analyst III shall have the ability to advance into a team leadership role and determine project direction.

This job announcement is not intended to, and does not, create an employment contract of any kind and does not create any express or implied contractual obligations. Employment at MRCA is at-will without exception. The employee and MRCA may terminate employment at any time with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.