Environmental Programs Manager (Transportation Planning Manager)

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority • San Jose, CA

9d

About The Position

VTA’s Engineering and Program Delivery Division seeks an Environmental Programs Manager (Transportation Planning Manager – Environmental Resource Planning). Under general direction, this position plans, organizes, and directs professional staff responsible for environmental analysis, compliance, and clearance for VTA programs and projects, and manages environmental resources on VTA properties.

The manager oversees the Environmental Planning and Resources Department’s activities, including compliance with local, State, and Federal environmental laws and regulations, preparation of environmental documents, permit acquisition, mitigation programs, conservation mitigation properties, and the Development Review Program. The role supports complex transportation infrastructure initiatives across multiple modes and represents VTA before public bodies, agencies, and community groups.

The position also leads staff and consultant work, manages budgets and contracts, oversees environmental review and mitigation for capital projects, and contributes to regional and countywide environmental initiatives. VTA describes itself as an independent special district providing sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options. This classification is non-represented; wages, hours, and other employment terms are governed by the applicable Non-Rep Management Benefits Summary. The position is based within a division whose staff work at VTA’s headquarters campus and two field offices; the posting does not specify a particular work arrangement for this role.

Requirements

• Training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in environmental studies, natural or physical sciences, planning, social sciences, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience administering a major environmental program, including analysis and preparation of NEPA and CEQA environmental documents.
• At least two years of the required experience must be demonstrated project management experience.
• A master’s degree in transportation planning, urban planning, business or public administration, or a related field may substitute for one year of the required five years of experience.
• Knowledge of local, State, and Federal environmental laws and regulations and their application to public development and transportation projects.
• Knowledge of environmental assessment and mitigation methods and principles of biology, botany, zoology, and other natural sciences.
• Knowledge of program and personnel management, budget preparation and management, supervision, training, and constructive discipline.
• Knowledge of community and agency consultation methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of analytical principles used for air quality, traffic, noise, land use, visual and aesthetic, hazardous materials, and cultural resource studies.
• Knowledge of conservation land acquisition and management, land development regulations and procedures, and the legal and practical aspects of exactions, dedications, and fees in local government and land development.
• Ability to direct, supervise, train, develop, motivate, and evaluate subordinate personnel; prepare and control a budget; and work effectively with government and community officials.
• Ability to develop practical solutions to complex problems and manage VTA’s review of environmental documents and development applications.
• Ability to analyze development impacts on the transportation system and facilities.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, prepare and review reports and correspondence, and make presentations.
• Ability to represent VTA in meetings with departments, local agencies, elected officials, consultants, vendors, and the public, and to establish effective working relationships.
• Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, education or certification verification, and criminal history review before appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Recent, relevant experience managing CEQA and NEPA environmental documentation and review for roadway, public transit, and transit facilities projects.
• Experience with projects such as BART Silicon Valley Phase II, zero-emission bus infrastructure, wildlife crossings of State highway facilities, multimodal roadway enhancements, or State highway pricing systems.
• Experience leading a public agency sustainability program and preparing and implementing agency-level sustainability and climate action plans and reports.
• Experience managing a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit program.
• Experience overseeing environmental mitigation sites and compliance with the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Phase II Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for Non-Traditional Permittees.
• Commitment to mentoring, succession planning, and leadership development, including designing and delivering staff engagement and development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Select, supervise, train, counsel, and discipline staff.
• Hire consultants, direct and review their work, and monitor and manage contracts.
• Establish standards and procedures for work unit activities.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the unit budget and participate in budget-related activities.
• Review and approve the scope, cost, and schedule of environmental compliance work.
• Review environmental legislation and NEPA and CEQA case law for potential impacts on VTA programs and projects.
• Negotiate wildlife conservation measures with regulatory agencies.
• Identify requirements and potential acquisitions for resource conservation properties, and assist with negotiations and purchases.
• Oversee long-term management of conservation properties consistent with regulatory requirements.
• Manage environmental clearance for properties involved in VTA’s Joint Development – Transit Oriented Development Program.
• Represent VTA in developing and implementing regional and countywide environmental initiatives, including habitat conservation plans and programs.
• Represent VTA in habitat conservation planning meetings and on statewide environmental regulation streamlining task force committees.
• Oversee mitigation monitoring and programs for VTA capital projects, including sensitive historical and cultural relocation activities.
• Assist VTA management in formulating policy on environmental regulatory compliance and other environmental matters.
• Review environmental impact reports for compliance with laws and regulations.
• Represent VTA before its Board of Directors and local, regional, State, and Federal agencies, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Attend and represent VTA at hearings, public meetings, and interagency meetings; present and explain VTA activities, plans, policies, and positions.
• Advise legal counsel on environmental matters and settlement agreements, and potentially serve as an expert witness.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other documents.
• Manage the review of public and private land development referrals and preparation of official VTA responses.
• Perform other related work as required.

Benefits

• Family-friendly workplace recognition through the County of Santa Clara Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program.
• Employment terms and conditions are governed by the applicable Non-Rep Management Benefits Summary; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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