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This is a single-class, non-safety position that performs a range of activities associated with wildfire-related emergency preparedness and prevention, including: overseeing vegetation management projects, supporting the development and maintenance of detection, alert, and evacuation systems, leading public outreach, and education campaigns, and promoting defensible space practices and home hardening strategies. In addition, the role includes developing and delivering emergency preparedness programs that may extend beyond wildfire readiness to cover other natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and life-saving skills training.

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Overview:

Are you an experienced emergency management professional ready to lead critical preparedness initiatives for one of California’s largest water agencies? Valley Water is seeking a dynamic and strategic Supervising Program Administrator (SPA) to lead our Office of Emergency Services (OES).

This position plays a key leadership role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the OES unit and advancing Valley Water’s readiness, response, and recovery capabilities. Reporting to the Assistant Officer of Emergency, Safety & Security, the SPA will supervise two Senior Management Analysts and contracted staff while managing a wide range of emergency management programs and projects.

The SPA is responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing essential planning documents—including the Emergency Operations Plan, Business Continuity Plan, and the Hazard Mitigation Plan—as well as overseeing the agency-wide Emergency Steering Committee. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, program management, and coordination skills, with a solid background in emergency planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic implementation.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish 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:

• Emergency Planning & Coordination:
  1. Lead development and maintenance of key planning documents including the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Hazard Mitigation Plan (in collaboration with Santa Clara County/FEMA), and Business Continuity Plans.
  2. Oversee and support emergency action planning, training, and exercise programs.
• Leadership & Supervision:
  1. Supervise OES team members, including two Senior Management Analysts and contracted staff.
  2. Develop and implement work plans, conduct performance reviews, and ensure accountability in alignment with Valley Water’s strategic goals.
• EOC Readiness & Operations:
  1. Serve in a key leadership role during emergency operations, including EOC Coordinator and Planning & Intelligence (P&I) Chief functions.
  2. Ensure ongoing preparedness and operational capability of the Emergency Operations Center.
• Strategic and External Engagement:
  1. Deploy the OES Strategic Plan and support continuous improvement of emergency management programs.
  2. Act as a liaison between Valley Water and internal/external emergency response partners, including local, state, and federal agencies.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

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

Ideal Experience:

• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in emergency management or a closely related program area.
• At least one (1) year of experience planning, organizing, and directing complex programs or serving as a subject matter expert.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Lead and supervise professional staff, manage team performance, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Direct a comprehensive emergency management program with organization-wide impact.
• Analyze complex problems and recommend practical, effective solutions.
• Apply policy knowledge to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local emergency management standards.
• Develop, manage, and report on large and complex budgets.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively in both written and verbal formats.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Principles and best practices of emergency management, mitigation planning, business continuity, and emergency operations.
• Program development, evaluation, and strategic implementation techniques.
• Federal and state regulatory frameworks governing emergency preparedness and response.
• Valley Water operations and the role of emergency planning within a public utility context.
• Principles of effective organization, personnel supervision, and public administration.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Emergency Management or a related field.

Office of Emergency Services Unit (Position Code 771) 
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, after completion of the probationary period  (one year).