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The Opportunity

The County of San Mateo’s Sustainability Department seeks a dynamic and experienced leader for the position of Assistant Director of Sustainability. This role supports the County’s vision to build sustainable communities that meet the needs of both present and future generations.

The Assistant Director will partner closely with the Director to manage a $40M dollar budget and a high-performing team of approximately 35 professionals to lead efforts to combat and adapt to climate change, ensure access to clean energy, water, and air, and conserve natural resources.

Why this Role Matters

The County of San Mateo is at the forefront of advancing climate action and sustainability through innovative programs and policies that directly impact County operations, residents, businesses, and future generations.

As the Assistant Director, you are the "engine" of the department. While the Director focuses on broad policy and external regional alignment, you will ensure the department’s internal operations, financial health, and program delivery are world-class.

This position helps translate vision into action by aligning resources, managing the Department’s administration and communications functions, mentoring a high performing team, fostering a culture of innovation and professional growth, strengthening partnerships and programs to address inequities, and delivering measurable outcomes.

As the Assistant Director of Sustainability, you will be a primary lead to:

• Transform Systems: Create systemic change by leading policy development and planning, influencing and aligning with state and federal mandates.
• Catalyze Regional Climate Solutions: Advance regional climate solutions by forming impact networks, securing funding, and adopting strategies for economic efficiency.
• Empower Community Leadership and Action: Enable communities to lead and act on climate issues, fostering resilience and adaptability.

What You Will Do

This position supports and leads key operational and strategic functions for the Sustainability Department, including but not limited to:

Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Director to set strategy and turn sustainability goals into actionable plans while driving performance and continuous improvement.

Operations & Program Management

• Oversee daily operations and lead sustainability programs, ensuring resources, workflows, and timelines align with priorities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and support a multidisciplinary team through coaching, performance management, and a collaborative work environment.

Partnerships & Public Engagement

• Build partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders while representing the department to leadership and the community.

Policy, Budget, & Administration

• Support budgets and policy development while ensuring compliance with procurement and regulatory requirements.

Communication & Organizational Impact

• Communicate key initiatives and outcomes to strengthen impact and serve as Acting Director as needed.

Who Thrives Here

Successful candidates bring strong executive leadership experience, strategic thinking, and a passion for sustainability and public service. The ideal candidate is:

• An Experienced Public Sector Leader: Brings approximately 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience, ideally in sustainability, public administration, or related fields, with a strong understanding of California local government.
• A Strategic & Innovative Thinker: Able to identify emerging opportunities and develop practical, forward-thinking solutions.
• A Collaborative & Influential Partner: Skilled at building relationships across departments, agencies, and communities to drive alignment and results.
• Politically Astute & Organizationally Savvy: Comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments and public sector dynamics.
• A People-Centered Leader: Committed to developing staff, fostering an inclusive culture, and creating a high-performing and engaging workplace.
• Strong in Financial & Program Management: Experienced in managing large budgets, allocating resources effectively, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• An Effective Communicator: Able to clearly articulate vision, influence decision-making, and engage diverse audiences.
• Grounded in Equity & Community Impact: Integrates equity, inclusion, and social justice into program design and implementation.

Qualifications

Executive Management & Leadership

• Ability to lead strategic and operational planning in a large organization
• Experience managing programs, budgets, and organizational performance
• Commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into sustainability efforts

Program Management

• Knowledge of public procurement, contracting, and compliance requirements
• Experience managing complex programs and mentoring program staff
• Familiarity with sustainability practices (e.g., climate, energy, waste, transportation, community engagement)

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong team building collaboration and relationship-building abilities
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Public Process

• Experience managing public processes and community engagement efforts
• Ability to work effectively with agencies, boards, and the public

How to Apply

Apply online at jobs.smcgov.org  by April 17, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

• Resume
• Cover Letter, no more than 2-pages, answering the supplemental questions in the job announcement
  • Please describe in detail how your background and experience qualify you for the position of Assistant Director of Sustainability. In particular, please include an overview of your executive management and leadership experience; your experience working in the public sector, working with elected officials, and with the community; your financial and budgetary management experience including the size and scope of the budgets; and your experience and approach to managing and developing teams along with the number of people managed. 
  • Provide detailed information regarding your management experience working in climate change, sustainability, climate resilience, waste management, energy/water conservation or resource protection. Describe how you built capacity in your direct reports and the organization for successful program management. 

Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Opens: March 26, 2026
• Deadline to Apply: April 17, 2026
• Application Screenings: April 24, 2026
• Phone Screenings: April 30, 2026 and/or May 1, 2026
• Panel Interviews: May 6, 2026

Why Join our Department?

The Public Works Department is comprised of Regulatory Compliance, Engineering, Field Maintenance, Facilities/Fleet, Wastewater Treatment, and Asset Management Divisions.  Each division is led by one of two Deputy Directors, who report to the Director of Public Works.  The department is responsible for the City’s major capital projects and infrastructure including streets, street lights, traffic signals, publicly owned facilities, sewer and storm conveyance systems, wastewater treatment plant, pump stations, a major lagoon, dams, and levees; as well as solid waste and environmental programs.  The Department is responsible for regulatory compliance related to Stormwater, Pretreatment, Solid Waste, and other environmental programs, as well as public outreach to raise awareness to the general public and other stakeholders about these issues.

The Public Works Department is committed to high performance standards, utilizing best practices relative to performance management and team-oriented approaches.  Our mission is to enhance the community and its environment by providing sustainable stewardship and innovative approaches to Public Works services.

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

The Position

The Environmental Compliance Inspector performs inspections and sampling of industrial, commercial and residential sources of discharge to the City’s sanitary sewer and storm drain systems to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; inspects hazardous materials storage areas; responds to reports of illicit discharges; performs water quality testing; and conducts public outreach activities.  This classification is distinguished from all other technical and professional classifications in the City by its specialized assignments in support of a variety of environmental compliance programs.  The duties of the class involve courteous, effective and tactful interaction with the community to ensure compliance with wastewater and stormwater discharge regulations.  Persons assigned to this class perform or assist in performing all functions associated with the City’s Source Control (Pretreatment and Pollution Prevention) and Stormwater programs.  This position reports to the Regulatory Compliance Manager or higher level department personnel.

Some additional duties may also include the following:

• Enforce wastewater and stormwater discharge ordinances.
• Conduct on-site inspections of industrial and commercial businesses for compliance with the City’s sanitary sewer and stormwater ordinances.
• Initiate enforcement actions (e.g., issue notices of violation, administrative citations) to persons or businesses in violation of the City’s sanitary sewer and stormwater ordinances.
• Perform field investigations relative to water pollution incidents and/or complaints.
• Collect water samples and perform water quality testing in accordance with established standards and protocols.
• Calibrate and utilize sampling and/or monitoring equipment at appropriate locations; maintain and repair samplers and monitoring equipment.
• Work cooperatively with representatives of other City and County departments to ensure industrial, commercial, and residential conformance with City ordinances.
• Conduct field surveys as necessary to identify the source of or characterize (1) industrial discharges or excessive infiltration and inflow to the City’s sanitary sewer system; and (2) illicit discharges to the City’s storm drain system.
• Keep detailed inspection and follow-up records; maintain organized inspection files and records, both in hard copy and electronic formats.
• Assist with fulfilling wastewater and stormwater regulatory requirements, such as public outreach and education, trash load reduction efforts, and other regulatory requirements, as assigned.
• Measure landfill monitoring well water levels.
• Attend and participate in various technical committees of the San Mateo Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program.
• Attend workshops and training sessions to maintain job skills that are current with existing, new and changing regulations.
• Organize and participate in litter cleanups as required for Stormwater Permit compliance.
• Purchase required equipment and supplies as needed.
• Present pollution prevention information to various audiences as assigned.
• Work irregular or extended hours as necessary to respond to reports of illicit discharges, collect samples and/or conduct inspections.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at www.cityofsanmateo.org

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)

Please click here to view our online brochure.

NOTE: This recruitment was amended on March 20, 2025 to update the role of the current vacancy.

San Mateo County Health is seeking a well-qualified individuals for the position of Environmental Health Specialist IV - Consumer Protection Programs. Environmental Health Specialist will receive general supervision and provide lead direction in performing various countywide environmental health inspection and enforcement activities in one of the several specialized technical areas such as consumer protection, food sanitation, recreational water, water, sewage, land use, and cross connection control; vector control; solid waste; medical waste; and housing and institutions.

There is currently one regular vacancy that will function as a Food Plan Check Specialist within the Environmental Health Division Food and Pool Programs, located in San Mateo, but the position will include travel/driving throughout the county to perform duties of the job.

Environmental Health Services ensures a safe and healthful environment in the County's 20 cities and unincorporated areas through education, monitoring and enforcement of a variety of regulatory programs, as well as ongoing services to the community.

Duties within the Consumer Protection Programs include:

• Lead specialized programs within the Food and Pool Programs, such as Food and Pool Facilities Plan Review, Cottage Food Operations, Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO), Temporary Food Events, Mobile Food Facilities, and Certified Farmers Markets.
• Lead quality assurance, quality control and standardization functions.
• Conduct compliance inspections of programs and projects within the Consumer Protection Programs as assigned.
• Lead or provide direction in the investigation of citizen complaints.
• Lead and implement special projects.
• Set program standards, coordinate activities with various County and City Departments, collaborate with California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health ad hoc committees and stakeholders.

Ideal candidateswill possess:

• Forward thinking; use of innovation for program improvement goals and implementation.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, communication and technical skills in all programs served.
• Experience leading and motivating a team.
• Experience working with diverse members of the community and other government agencies.
• An understanding of retail food construction design, and facility requirements; inspections of retail food facilities, temporary event/certified farmer's market booths and pools/spas.
• Working knowledge of FDA Standards; California Retail Food Code; California Department of Food Agriculture Guidelines; and Title 22 and 24 of the California Building Code.
• Experience related to performing inspections, investigations and research for an environmental health program or sanitation program in a regulatory agency.
• Ability to travel to different sites in San Mateo County to conduct inspections and investigations; this is critical to the position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Candidates must be a California Department of Public Health, Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) in good standing. A copy of a current California certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is to be submitted with the application.
 

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
 

Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide lead direction, training and work review to assigned staff; organize and assign work, coordinate complex projects, and follow up to ensure completion of assigned work.
• Provide input into selection decisions, performance evaluations and disciplinary matters.
• Serve as technical expert and staff consultant in area of specialization.
• Inspect establishments and properties in assigned area for compliance with environmental health laws and regulations.
• Conduct specialized studies, program audits, investigations and inspections and make recommendations; maintain a program of code compliance and implementation in the area of specialization.
• Develop, standardize, and update staff inspection techniques.
• Investigate and resolve citizen complaints, acting as a liaison with community groups, government agencies and private business.
• Compile data, evaluate procedures and draft proposed legislation and guidelines; may review and make recommendations on environmental impact reports.
• Plan and conduct in service and public education training programs.
• Interpret regulations and provide advice relating to area of specialization to city officials, citizen groups, business owners and others.
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.
• May act as expert witness in court proceedings.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• The area of specialty, including its scientific background, technology, principles, methods, investigative techniques and problems.
• Laws, regulations and codes governing the assigned area of specialization.
• Sanitation provisions in the Health and Safety Code.
• Government agencies, community organizations and business establishments as they relate to environmental health.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, direct and coordinate a program of research, study, investigation and enforcement in the specialized area of responsibility.
• Interpret laws, regulations and data.
• Define difficult problem areas, analyze complex data and make valid recommendations.
• Advise and instruct others on compliance requirements in specialized area.
• Enforce local ordinances and state law.
• Work independently.
• Keep complex and accurate records.
• Speak effectively and make public presentations.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Three years of journey level experience as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, including one year of experience in a regulatory agency in the designated option: Option 1 - Water, Sewage, Land Use and Cross Connection Control Option 2 - Vector Control and Solid/Infectious Waste Option 3 - Housing and Institutions Option 4 - Food Sanitation and Consumer Protection

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a California certificate as Registered Environmental Health Specialist.

Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score

A copy of a current California certificate as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is to be submitted with the application.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
 

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button.If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted 5 days in advance in the County of San Mateo Human Resources Department.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.