Manager, Environmental and Sustainability Planning

General

The Manager, Environmental and Sustainability Planning reports to the Director, Planning and is responsible for managing environmental planning and clearance or the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), as well as managing climate resiliency, adaptation and sustainability programs and projects for the SamTrans, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), and the TA.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Responsible for overseeing the development and management of environmental and sustainability projects, programs and plans, including those that advance sustainability and resiliency for agency-owned facilities and assets.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage environmental clearance and permitting for SamTrans capital programs and/or projects under NEPA and CEQA.
• Liaison with internal and external stakeholders on matters related to environmental and sustainability planning, programs, and compliance.
• Oversee work performed by environmental and planning consultants.
• Coordinate with Resource Agencies, the Federal Transit Administration and other State and Federal agencies as needed.
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Duties:

• Oversee environmental and sustainability studies and plans, including the development of Sustainability Strategic Plans, climate vulnerability and adaptation plans, and other long-range related plans for SamTrans and Caltrain.
• Advise senior management on emerging relevant environmental and sustainability trends, topics, and information relating to organizational initiatives, goals and interests.
• Develop or supervise staff in developing project scopes, schedules, and budgets. Manage selection of consultant contract services, and monitor performance and work activities for compliance with established standards.
• Identify sustainability related funding sources. Coordinate with grants department as they develop sustainability grant applications.
• Prepare reports and other communication to senior staff, board members, and outside agencies and committees. Develop presentations to public agencies, officials, and the public.
• Supervise one principal sustainability planner, with potential for additional staff to be hired.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promotes safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision: Works under the direction of the Director, Planning who establishes goals and objectives, monitors and evaluates performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in transportation planning, environmental planning, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of full-time progressively responsible experience in urban planning, environmental planning, transportation planning, or administration of sustainability or environmental-related programs.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge and application of CEQA/NEPA environmental review processes for transportation projects.
• Experience developing and implementing environmental and sustainability programs and projects.
• Public transit experience.
• Experience and familiarity with Environmental Resource Agencies (USACE, US Fish and Wildlife Services, Regional Water Quality Control Board, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, etc.)

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits –District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided – Employer Covers Premiums
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit – Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance – After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
• Health and Wellness – Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off – Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
• Paid Holidays – The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year – New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
• Floating Holidays – District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS –You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic – All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
• Deferred Compensation Options – Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee – max $200,000
• Optional Life Insurance – Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development – Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program – A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
• Computer Loan Program – Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union – Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) – Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
• Commuter Benefits – Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.