JOB INFORMATION

Under the leadership of the Mayor and general direction of the E&CP Department the Program Manager reports to the Program and Project Development (PPD) Division Deputy Director and manages the Environmental and Permit Support sections. The Program Manager assists the Department’s project managers to administer their projects through the environmental and permitting processes. The position’s responsibilities include: managing, directing, and reviewing the work of environmental consultants; assisting Department engineers in the identification of permit requirements and preparation of City and resource agency permit applications; representing the Department at meetings, public hearings, and in discussions / negotiations with regulatory and permitting agencies; developing mitigation strategies for projects to include biological, archaeological, and paleontological resources; ensuring that mitigation and monitoring programs are properly carried out during construction according to regulatory requirements; facilitating engineering staff training on various environmental and permit issues; and analyzing projects in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The position works closely with the E&CP management team to advocate for the implementation of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects in an expeditious, cost effective and environmentally responsible way. The Program Manager is lead in interacting with managers and supervisors on permitting and environmental issues for many organizations, including the Development Services and Planning Departments of the City of San Diego, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Transportation, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Army Corps of Engineers and US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Program Manager will oversee up to 20 staff consisting of senior / associate / assistant / junior planners, environmental biologists, and project officers. A hybrid telework / in office schedule is available.

There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Manage and direct the preparation of environmental review, for a wide variety of CIP and other public projects, pursuant to CEQA.
Improve the City’s environmental review process for CIP projects to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
Establish and coordinate Department polices within assigned area of responsibilities.
Work closely and collaborate with various City Departments to implement the environmental and permit review program for the Department.
Work collaboratively with project management and engineering staff to ensure efficient and effective environmental and permit review processes.
Develop and implement project schedules and workflow to assign duties and assignments within the work unit.
Represent the Department on these issues at various public hearings including City Council, Council committees and other public forums.
Work collaboratively with the Department's management team and staff to ensure efficient and effective operation within the Department.
Complete and conduct staff performance plans / performance reviews.
Manage a staff of up to 20 full time employees.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field; and
Five (5) years of supervisory and management experience; and
Five (5) years of full-time professional employment reflecting work in integrating multi-discipline infrastructure planning policies, including, environmental regulations, CEQA and public policy; or
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrate these qualifications.
Desirable Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Strong leadership and staff development skills.
Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to proactively identify and support creative and innovative solutions, including business process improvements.
Extensive technical experience in the fields of planning and discretionary permits, with a strong understanding of environmental regulations and CEQA.
Demonstrated experience managing and / or reviewing environmental documents, including technical studies.
Strong political and business acumen to work effectively with the public, external agencies and businesses, the community, and elected officials.
Knowledge of applicable policies and development regulations as they relate to the City’s environmentally sensitive lands.
Ability to quickly comprehend and analyze complex issues.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders and regulators.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Active and genuine commitment to managing diversity in the workplace.

Benefits:
The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:
Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
City-paid life insurance.

City employees may be eligible to participate in a benefit program including holidays, vacations, savings and retirement plans, health programs, and other benefits.

Eligible City employees initially hired or assuming office on or after July 10, 2021, with the exception of Police Recruits participating in the City’s Police Academy, will participate in the City’s Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS).

Benefits may change due to employer-employee contract negotiations. To learn more about employee benefits, please check the City's Risk Management Department website or review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees.(Download PDF reader)

The Department:
The Engineering & Capital Projects (E&CP) Department provides a full range of engineering services for the City’s capital investments / assets. E&CP is responsible for the planning, design, project, and construction management of public improvement projects which are part of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP); and surveying and materials testing. E&CP’s activities include work on public infrastructure assets to rehabilitate, restore, improve, and add to the City’s owned facilities. E&CP is comprised of the following 10 Divisions:

BOES - Business Operations & Employee Services
CES - Construction & Engineering Support
CMFE - Construction Management & Field Engineering
FPPD - Facilities and Parks Project Delivery
ICM - Infrastructure Construction Management
PDM - Project Development & Management
PMO - Project Management Office
PPD - Program & Project Development
SWTPD - Stormwater & Transportation Project Development
UPD - Utilities Project Delivery

The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.

Application Instructions: Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.

Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at: HumanResources@sandiego.gov
1) Resume;
2) Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and
3) List of three professional references.

NOTE(S):
Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.
Reference Recruitment Number U2517 in the Subject Line.
Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.
Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at HumanResources@sandiego.gov.

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.

City of San Diego/ Engineering & Capital Projects jobs

Program Manager