Community Projects Review Manager

Santa Clara Valley Water District • San Jose, CA

14d • Hybrid

About The Position

Valley Water is seeking an experienced engineering leader to manage its Water Resources Protection Program. This role involves overseeing the review of public and private development projects in Santa Clara County to safeguard the agency's water supply, flood protection, and stewardship interests, while supporting compatible development. The position leads a team of 18 engineers and technicians responsible for project review, environmental compliance, permitting, inspections, land rights coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The Community Projects Review Manager acts as Valley Water's Permit Authority under the Water Resources Protection Ordinance, managing encroachment permits, CEQA compliance, ordinance enforcement, Underground Service Alert activities, and agreement preparation. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to resolve complex issues, interpret policies, and make permitting decisions that balance development with resource protection. Valley Water is committed to a respectful and inclusive work environment, valuing diverse perspectives to effectively serve the public. Valley Water's mission is to provide Santa Clara County with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy, with a budget of $1.284 billion and approximately 876 employees. The agency provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds, offers flood protection, and partners on trails and open space.

Requirements

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in civil engineering, land development, water resources, public works, or a closely related field, including experience managing complex technical or regulatory programs and projects.
• At least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for leading and developing staff, establishing priorities, managing performance, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, build collaborative relationships, and foster consensus among internal and external stakeholders, including in situations where direct authority does not exist.
• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams by promoting collaboration, leveraging diverse expertise, resolving conflicts constructively, and achieving shared goals.
• Analyze complex technical and policy issues, conduct research, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical, well-supported recommendations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports, correspondence, and presentations for executive leadership, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions by balancing technical, regulatory, operational, and stakeholder considerations.
• Navigate complex organizational and interagency relationships while maintaining a collaborative, customer-focused approach.
• Manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a fast-paced environment while ensuring high-quality work products and timely delivery.
• Knowledge of land development, entitlement, and permitting processes.
• Understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, water resources, and flood protection principles.
• Familiarity with how local, regional, state, and federal agencies plan, regulate, and implement public infrastructure and land use projects.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering concepts applicable to development review and public works.
• Knowledge of land use laws, environmental regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Familiarity with real property concepts, including fee ownership, easements, rights-of-way, and property rights.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California is desirable.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree in engineering or related discipline is desirable.
• Professional training or coursework in one or more of the following areas is ideal: Leadership and organizational management; Project and program management, Land use planning and environmental regulations; Hydrology, hydraulics, and water resources; Public engagement and stakeholder facilitation; Negotiation and conflict resolution.

Responsibilities

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Community Projects Review Unit, including representing Valley Water to city planning, public works, and real estate officials and staff.
• Administers the issuance of encroachment permits as authorized by the Water Resources Protection Ordinance.
• Performs review of difficult and/or high-profile permit requests; prepares responses and performs quality checks on all letters and permits prepared by staff; oversees inspections and completion of permits; resolves non-compliance issues; develops permit fee structure.
• Reviews internal and external CEQA documents and analysis for internal projects, including property transactions and joint use agreements; makes findings in compliance with CEQA for issuance of permits.
• Negotiates terms of joint use cost sharing agreements.
• Prepares agreements subject to legal review and approval.
• Reviewing plans and maps for projects and provides advice to minimize flooding if in flood zone, reviews hydraulic analyses.
• Ensures compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations.

Benefits

• Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager