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Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.

About the Department

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose. 

Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! 

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

About the Division

The Administrative Services Division (ASD) team members gain satisfaction when facilitating trainings for ESD’s workforce; feel empowered when managing a full range of information technology data and services to over 500 employees; deliver quality customer service in utility billing; enjoy their contributions to the success of peers by hiring and promoting the right people for the right positions; and oversee the budget planning and fiscal management for a wide variety of special funds that support the important work ESDers do. Join a diverse and dynamic team that provides key strategic support to ESD staff, programs, and utilities linking directly to the department’s mission. By providing behind-the-scenes support, our team makes a difference!

Position Duties

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Principal Accountant vacancy. Reporting to the Division Manager, the Principal Accountant in ASD serves as the technical lead in finance and accounting for the department and its three major Utility Funds: Wastewater, Municipal Water, and Solid Waste Management (with a total annual O&M budget of close to $500m and a CIP of over $1 billion over the next 10 years). This position serves a critical role in the department’s success and financial stewardship of ratepayer funds. The Principal Accountant serves as a technical liaison with the City Finance Department, leads specialized accounting functions, day-to-day operations of a team of 14 professional employees, including six direct reports, as well as full-service accounting programs.

The Principal Accountant’s responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Direct and manage a team of 14 accounting professionals.
• Mentor staff and build a team environment.
• Recruit staff and prepare annual performance appraisals.
• Oversee the timekeeping, procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed asset accounting and other disbursements for the department.
• Calculate and prepare the department’s internal Cost Allocation Plan in compliance with OMB-87.
• Manage the annual year end close and financial audit for the production of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for three major government enterprise funds.
• Manage the year-end close and financial audit for two single audits (SBWR, CWFA).
• Manage the year end close and financial audit for the Wastewater Treatment Funds and production of the Annual Basic Financial Statements.
• Manage the accounting and administration for the Master Agreement(s) for the Wastewater Funds that includes allocating costs to six other participating agencies.
• Manage the Annual Revenue Program for the Regional Wastewater Facility to allocate costs to participating agencies and rate payers.
• Set Sewer and Storm rates that are complaint with Prop 218 requirements.
• Oversee and manage the cash flow to forecast requirements for a Line of Credit and refunding with debt issuance.
• Manage and oversee annual bond compliance reporting and surveillance calls by rating agencies.
• Oversee and manage debt issuance for the department’s for two enterprise funds (Wastewater and Muni Water) which includes a 10-year, $2 billion capital improvement program for the Regional Wastewater Facility. 
• Use budget experience to oversee the development of the CIP Source and Use documents and use other budget documents for financial forecasting.
• Provide professional and technical advice and recommendations on accounting pronouncements, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Support special rate studies as the subject matter expert on rate setting and allocation of costs.
• Act as the liaison between the department and the City’s centralized Finance Department.
• Act as the expert for various financial software used by the department such as FMS and Gravity.
• Implement the new GASB 103 and DOJ ADA WCAG.
• Level AA Compliance requirements for year-end.
• Be familiar with the requirements of Public, Private, Partnerships (P3) and the associated P3 accounting requirements.
• Attend various committee meetings such as TAC, TPAC, and the CWFA.
• Take on other assignments as needed.

Salary Range

Salary range for this classification is: 

$125,671.52 - $191,880.78 annually

This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field, including eighteen semester units of accounting.

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in accounting or financial management including two years of supervising professional accountants.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license. 

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations; demonstrates knowledge of generally accepted accounting and auditing principles (GAAP), including governmental accounting as established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Government Accounting Standards Board.

Analytical Thinking - Approaches a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.

Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Fiscal Management - Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan.

Planning - Acts to align own unit's goals with the strategic direction of the organization; Defines tasks and milestones to achieve objectives, while ensuring the optimal use of resources to meet those objectives.

Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Supervision - Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Adrienne.Pea@sanjoseca.gov. 

 

Additional Information:

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 Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.  

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application.  If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided.  IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. 

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process. 

 

Please Note: Applications are not accepted through here. To apply to the job, you must do so via this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanjoseca/jobs/5356358-0/principal-accountant-environmental-services-department

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.

About the Department

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose. 

Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! 

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

About the Division

The San José - Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF) is one of the largest advanced wastewater treatment facilities in the nation and treats water from homes and businesses in the cities of San José, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, and unincorporated areas within Santa Clara County. The RWF serves a population of over 1.4 million people and has the capacity to treat 167 million gallons of wastewater per day. For more information visit our website at https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/environmental-services/water-utilities/regional-wastewater-facility.

Position Duties

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill multiple full-time Wastewater Operator I/II/III vacancies at the San José - Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF).

Job Classification Overview - Wastewater Operator I/II/III

Under general supervision, performs a variety of work of routine difficulty involved in operation of the San José/Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. 

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Inspects, operates, adjusts and maintains equipment in one or more areas of the wastewater treatment plant sections.
• Operates pumps, valves, motors, blowers, internal combustion engines, vehicles, and other related wastewater treatment process equipment.
• Reads and interprets SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system, gauges, dials and other process instruments; recognizes and diagnoses alarms and other warning indicators and makes necessary process and equipment adjustments to maintain process integrity.
• Maintains records of instrument readings and performs process computations and graphing as required.
• Performs routine laboratory tests used in sewage treatment process; takes samples and performs various simple tests for process control.
• Removes solids, pollutants, and harmful bacteria from wastewater to make it less objectionable and more stable.
• Reviews and provides improvements to wastewater facility SOP and processes.
• Accurately completes work orders for use in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Other duties as assigned.

Assignments may be made to any shift in an around-the-clock operation, and incumbents must also be available for work on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Salary Ranges

Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience. 

Salary ranges for these classifications are:

• Wastewater Operator I: $92,747.20-$115,502.40
• Wastewater Operator II: $98,384.00-$122,865.60
• Wastewater Operator III: $104,166.40-$130,124.80

Minimum Qualifications

Wastewater Operator I

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: One (1) year experience as a Wastewater Operator Trainee with the City of San José or one (1) year experience at a Wastewater treatment facility with similar processes.

Certifications: Possession of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Operator Grade I or higher Certificate.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license. 

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Physical Requirement: This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.

Wastewater Operator II

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: One (1) year experience as a Wastewater Operator I with the City of San José or one (1) year experience at a Wastewater treatment facility with similar processes while holding a valid SWRCB Wastewater Grade I or higher license.

Certifications: Possession of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Operator Grade II or higher Certificate.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license. 

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Physical Requirement: This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.

Wastewater Operator III

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: One (1) year experience as a Wastewater Operator II with the City of San José or two (2) years’ experience at a Wastewater treatment facility with similar processes while holding a valid SWRCB Wastewater Grade II or higher license.

Certifications: Possession of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Operator Grade III or higher Certificate.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license. 

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Physical Requirement: This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.

For the complete physical/environmental elements, please go to the classification specifications here: Wastewater Operator I/II/III

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

1. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes.
2. Knowledge of the use and purpose, and the ability to use common hand tools and mechanical equipment.
3. Knowledge of general procedures to be used for emergencies and malfunctions.
4. Knowledge of, and ability to, operate pumps and other equipment in response to system demands.
5. Knowledge of city, state, and federal environmental quality standards.
6. Knowledge of general lock out tag out principles.
7. Ability to perform a variety of operation duties and operate a variety of wastewater treatment facility equipment.

Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel.

Flexibility - Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.

Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance

Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Adrienne.Pea@sanjoseca.gov. 

 

Additional Information:

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 Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.  

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application.  If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided.  IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. 

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process. 

 

Please apply via our link, we do NOT accept applications here :

 https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanjoseca/jobs/5350396/wastewater-operator-i-ii-iii-environmental-services-department/

About the Position
 
The Engineering Division evaluates permit applications and reviews permit renewals for equipment and operations that emit air pollutants in the Air District’s jurisdiction. The division provides technical support to other agency programs and assists businesses, trade associations, agencies, environmental groups, and community members with issues related to permitting and compliance.
  
 Beyond specific permitting work, some of the important programs and projects in which the Engineering Division are actively engaged include but not limited to:

• Emissions modeling of toxic air contaminants including Health Risk Assessments
• Verification of emissions inventories
• Data/database development and management 
• Technical support for rules and regulations

The position opens Thursday, May 28, 2026, and the final filing date is Monday, July 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

The City of Sunnyvale is accepting applications for the Regular, Full-Time Maintenance Worker 2 position with five current vacancies in the Water Distribution Division (4) and Sewer and Storm Division (1) in the Environmental Services Department.

The Maintenance Worker 2 will perform a broad range of duties in the basic construction and maintenance trades. This position generally works as a member of a crew, but may be given independent assignments and may, under direction, lead a small crew of trainees or temporary workers and assist with training. This position is subject to callback for after-hour emergencies and after hours on-call/standby duty.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

Maintenance Worker II

A high school diploma or GED equivalent, AND

Six months of experience performing duties comparable to those of the City's Maintenance Worker I classification.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package. A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sunnyvale/jobs/5311629/maintenance-worker-2-water-distribution-sewer-storm

Salary: $37.60 - $47.99 Hourly

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)