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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

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.

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

 Have you ever thought about a career in Building and Safety?

 Do you have building inspection experience and are interested in the safety and quality of new construction projects?

 Are you looking for variety and a fast-paced work environment, where you can work independently?

 Are you able to explain rules and requirements with confidence in an approachable and helpful manner?

 Then we want to talk to you!

                                      POSITION DETAILS:

• Regular, Full-Time position
• Salary range from $31.45 - $40.10 with Excellent Benefits 
• 9/80 schedule with Monday or Friday off
• May require working stand-by hours 

                              MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in the building trades and/or code enforcement.

Experience:

• Two years of increasingly responsible building inspection experience.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid building inspector certificate at time of hire.

                                  JOB DESCRIPTION:

https://www.simivalley.org/home/showpublisheddocument/31049

                                 WHY SIMI VALLEY?

Looking for a thriving community with amazing career opportunities and a high quality of life? Simi Valley has it all! From scenic landscapes to a welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect place to live and work.

CLICK HERE to check out our exclusive video to see what makes Simi Valley so special—whether you're looking for a rewarding career or just an incredible place to call home, you won’t want to miss it!

                                 IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess the following attributes:

• Positive attitude
• Reliable
• Diplomatic
• Problem solver
• Excellent customer service skills
• Deal tactfully with different persons
• Team player
• Highly motivated
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to endure all weather conditions

                                         BENEFITS:

We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Most medical plans, including family coverage, are fully paid for as outlined in the current employee group contract. Additionally, we provide a full calendar of employee appreciation events and activities, along with many other valuable benefits, including:

Retirement/Pension:

• 2% @ 55 CalPERS formula for Classic members (includes Individuals who were active members of a reciprocal public retirement system within the last six months, or were previously employed with the City of Simi Valley and enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013)
  • 4th Level Survivor Benefit
  • Single-highest year final compensation.
• 2% @ 62 CalPERS formula for New members
  • 4th Level Survivor Benefit
  • Three-year average highest final compensation.
• 457(b) plan with a Roth option
  • City contribution of $20.00 per paycheck and match up to $50 per paycheck.
• The City does not participate in the Social Security system; therefore, there is no FICA deduction from wages except for Medicare hospital insurance protection.

Health Insurance:

• Medical Premiums are covered at 100% for most plans, even family coverage.
• Coverage available as early as 1st of the month following start date.
• A variety of PPO and HMO plans are available through the CalPERS Health Program.
• The City contributes $158.00 per month and up to $2,387.04 per month in “Simiflex Dollars,” towards the cost of medical. 
• “Simiflex Dollars” can be used to offset the cost of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance, or other optional benefits. 

Paid Leave:

• Work/Life balance with 5.2 weeks of AL (Annual Leave) per year to start (AL combines vacation and sick time). 
• Accruals increase at 5 years and 10 years of service.
• Cash out option available after one year of service.
• 11 paid holidays per year and one floating holiday per year.

Prescription Drug Plan: 

• Major retail options and mail order program.

Paid Dental Insurance:

• HMO and PPO options available from Delta Dental and fully covered by the City for family coverage.

Vision Insurance:

• Vision insurance from VSP costs the employee $1.46 per month for family coverage.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): 

• An FSA account allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket health and dependent care expenses.
• Eliminate paying federal or state taxes with an FSA account. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 

• Confidential counseling and referral service to help employees and their household members resolve personal problems. 
• Up to 8 free consultations for employees and all members of their household.

Optional Insurance from AFLAC: 

• Available plans include accident, cancer, hospital and critical care.

Employee & Dependent Life Insurance Plans:

• $101,000 employee coverage provided at the City's expense.
• $5,000 dependent coverage provided at the City's expense.

Tuition Reimbursement:

• Up to $1,600 per year.

Alternative Work Schedules: 

• Many positions offer a 9/80 schedule with alternative Monday or Friday off.

This information is intended to give an overview of the benefits available to City employees. It is not intended to be a contract (expressed or implied), nor is it intended to otherwise create any legally enforceable obligations on the part of the City, its agents or its employees.

                              SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Click apply and attach a current resume! You only need to complete the boxes on the application marked with a star/asterisk (*) and the supplemental questionnaire. The most qualified candidates will be invited to the next steps in our hiring process.

This recruitment is reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Recruitment may close at any time or when 50 applications are received. First official review of applications after 2 weeks. Candidates who possess the best combination of qualifications will be invited by e-mail to the next steps in our process.

                             SELECTION PROCESS: 

• Applications will be evaluated based on education, training, and experience as it relates to the position
• Candidates who possess the best combination of qualifications will be evaluated by their responses to the supplemental questions. During the assessment process, the rater(s) will not have access to your name, application or resume. You are solely evaluated on your supplemental responses, so please be detailed as possible. 
• The eligibility list for hire will be determined by the supplemental questions. 
• Additional testing such a written, oral panel interviews, and department level interviews may occur.
• Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must submit form DD214 with application.

*ALL OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE FOLLOWING:

• Passing a background investigation
• Passing a pre-employment physical and/or drug screen, if applicable 
• Providing (3) professional references, including (1) direct supervisor
• Providing copies of degree(s), training certifications/licenses listed on application/resume
• 5-year Verification of employment 

                         REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process, please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing.

City of Simi Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer Encouraging Workforce Diversity.