Enviromental Programs Manager - Continuous

Description

The Port of San Diego’s Environmental Conservation Department is seeking an Environmental Programs Manager to lead and manage projects that advance the Port’s mission, strategic goals, and environmental initiatives. This role will oversee a diverse portfolio of programs, including implementation of the San Diego Bay Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, Wetlands Mitigation Bank project, and Chula Vista Natural Resources Management Plan and related development projects. The position will also lead habitat restoration and nature-based solutions efforts, coordinate public meetings, and communication with the Board of Port Commissioners.

The Environmental Programs Manager will be responsible for a wide range of natural resource management activities, such as endangered and invasive species, development and implementation of nature-based solutions, habitat restoration and environmental monitoring, and ensuring compliance with in-water permitting and construction compliance. Additional responsibilities include supporting shellfish and seaweed aquaculture initiatives, tenant and Port development project review, environmental review, volunteer cleanup events, contract management, writing and executing grants, and ensuring adherence to Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations.

This position requires a broad understanding of the Port’s environmental conservation goals and the ability to manage specialized and complex projects and programs. Candidates will have experience working with Federal and State agencies, enforcement of environmental regulations and Port policies, provide environmental policy recommendations, and supervise and evaluate professional and technical staff.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, supervises, administers, and manages specialized environmental and compliance programs; leads, designs, plans, coordinates, manages, implements, and represents all aspects and phases of small to large-scale environmental initiatives, environmental monitoring, and environmental investigation programs; manages agreements, contracts, and budgets, and applies for and manages grant funding; performs extensive, specialized, and in-depth research and analysis into department technical subject matter; manages the effective use of branch resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to management personnel in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over Professional, technical, and administrative staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a program manager classification responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating the operations and activities of the Port’s environmental and compliance programs . Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include program evaluation, recommendation, and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities, and standards related to Port environmental regulations, programs, and policies . Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. Employees serve as a specialist, liaison, and advocate for the department’s environmental programs, with regular contact and interactions with Port senior and executive management, other public resource and regulatory agencies, public and private community organizations, academia, regulatory and governmental agencies, and members of the public.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, develops, administers, implements, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the department’s programs and core services.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the program; recommends within department policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Schedules, assigns, supervises, and evaluates the work of contractors, consultants, and professional, technical, and administrative staff.
• Develops, administers, and oversees program budget; determines funding needed for consultant services, staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors expenditures and submits invoices for supplies and equipment; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
• Manages large-scale Port-wide programs or projects; formulates overall program/project goals; researches, develops, and implements program or project plans to meet goals and service objectives; develops, recommends, and manages program budgets, features, and metrics; develops and implements or recommends associated program policies and operating and administrative procedures; identifies and recommends solutions to program resource needs and requirements; develops a program or project work plan; plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates work activities to meet established overall program or project goals and objectives; analyzes alternative methods or processes to meet program and service delivery goals, including conducting cost benefit and resource requirement analyses.
• Convenes and participates in local, regional, and statewide task forces and committees, develops program partnerships with external agencies and organizations, develops agendas, and facilitates meetings.
• Manages Board authorized advisory committees in compliance with the Brown Act
• Develops and oversees consultant or contractor contracts related to assigned areas of specialty; oversees consultant work to ensure contract terms are met; monitors work programs and schedules to ensure timely project completion; tracks task authorizations, reviews and approves invoices, and identifies discrepancies and non-compliance issues.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of program activities and makes or recommends program modifications; monitors conformance with program/project budget and other requirements; prepares narrative and statistical program performance reports and recommendations.
• Develops, writes, reviews, and presents a variety of technical reports, documents, correspondence, and records related to projects; drafts correspondence to other Port departments and state and federal regulatory agencies; drafts Board agenda items; oversees maintenance of accurate and complete records.
• Provides consultation, information, and technical assistance to other departments, tenants, agencies, and organizations; understands and applies laws, regulations, rules, policies, processes, and procedures related to areas of responsibility for Port management, staff, and tenants; coordinates with other agencies for information sharing and community education; responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements; represents the department and Port in meetings with internal and external agencies regarding program issues; plans, develops, and conducts internal and external training, work groups, and meetings to refine relationships and cross-departmental coordination addressing environmental initiatives.
• Researches and identifies potential funding sources for programs/projects; secures and administers grant and other funding from governmental agencies, foundations, and other funding sources; tracks project progress under grant requirements; completes and submits grant reporting and tracks invoices and grant budgets.
• Plans and directs field sampling and other environmental survey activities and efforts associated with various environmental programs, including, but not limited to aquaculture, blue technology, sustainability, natural resources, stormwater, watersheds, bay water, and sediment quality, hazardous waste property inspections, trash and invasive species including vegetation, clean- ups, restoration and enhancement of wetlands, permit compliance, in water construction monitoring, mitigation, and their associated educational programs; plans and organizes the activities of field crews for Port and tenant environmental surveys and permit compliance; biological surveys, oversees and participates in the compilation and analyses of data and findings and recommends courses of action.
• Participates in and monitors reviews of Port and tenant development projects to ensure compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Coastal Act, environmental and other relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and Port policies and procedures; provides environmental conditions of approval for Port tenant project approvals; provides assistance to tenants and Port staff to ensure projects comply with all environmental conditions, including applicable federal and state environmental laws, regulations and permitting obligations.
• Ensures Port projects and programs comply with permit conditions, requirements of Port natural resources management plans, stormwater requirements, and hazardous materials regulatory requirements; reviews project charters, plans, specifications, and site studies for possible environmental impacts; assists with the preparation of documents and presentations regarding current and future litigation; responds to emergency situations.
• Facilitates planning and environmental activities with other federal and state regulatory and governmental agencies; serves as the Port’s representative on local, regional, and national associations of interest to the Port’s mission; participates in meetings, conferences, conventions, and other professional forums to keep abreast of regional/national planning trends, upcoming regulations, environmental initiatives, and emerging strategies.
• Researches, analyzes, prepares, and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Monitors legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes, and court decisions that may affect environmental programs; attends workshops, legislative update sessions, and meetings to ensure Port compliance with mandated activities.
• Represents the Port and participates at meetings, seminars, trainings, and workshops for assigned program areas such as environmental restoration, environmental education, monitoring and surveying, stormwater, regional harbor monitoring, hazardous materials, and watershed programs.
• Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  
  

In addition, positions within this classification may be assigned to any of the departments within the Port’s Planning and Environment efforts.

When assigned to Environmental Conservation

• Leads, implements, and executes departmental operational goals, objectives, and program budget, including obtaining grant funding to support department environmental wetlands and nature-based solution initiatives.
• Manages Board-approved committees; ensures permit compliance for the Chula Vista Bayfront development and Major Maintenance projects.
• Performs endangered species management; establishes and monitors blue carbon initiatives; ensures appropriate wetlands restoration; implements the Chula Vista Natural Resources Management Plan and the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan for San Diego Bay.
  
  

When assigned to Environmental Protection

• Leads, implements, and executes departmental operational goals, objectives, and program budgets,
• Manages and oversees programs that reduce environmental pollutants and protect and enhance the environmental health of the San Diego Bay and the tidelands.
• Ensures compliance with the Port’s environmental programs and policies; investigates and monitors water, sediment, and marine life; conducts site assessment/remediation and hazardous waste management.
• Performs stormwater permit oversight, environmental regulatory compliance, and National Discharge Pollutant Elimination System (NPDES) permits, site assessments, and field investigations; conducts reviews of project development plans, field sampling and other environmental surveys, waste and hazardous waste management, and clean-up/mitigation efforts.
• Compiles, analyzes, and reports data regarding environmental protection efforts; conducts environmental outreach and education to a variety of audiences; develops environmental findings and makes recommendations for courses of action or enforcement.
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles and practices of public administration and management including budget administration.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, guidelines, and procedures relating to assigned programs.
• Principles, theories, methods, policies, and techniques of current and advanced land use, urban and environmental planning, natural resources, stormwater; sustainability, site assessment and remediation, and watershed management.
• Principles, methodology, and application of natural resource management, environmental investigations and monitoring, climate change impacts and resiliency, environmental protection and conservation, habitat restoration, nature-based solutions, and sustainability.
• Best management practices, construction methods, building code, mitigation and encroachment, threatened and endangered species, and other specialized fields related to the area of environmental code enforcement.
• Navigation of scientific literature, research methods, data collection, and analytical techniques, and evaluation and interpretation of data to perform and review quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Project management methodologies and software.
• Advanced principles, practices, and methods of program, administrative and organizational analysis, including workflow analyses and business process reengineering.
• Advanced principles, practices, tools, and techniques of program/project planning and management, including change management and control.
• Theory, principles, and practices of strategic planning and long-term business and operation planning.
• Principles, practices, and methods of project budgeting and cost control.
• Techniques for effectively representing the Port in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and ongoing developments, current literature, and sources of information related to environmental programs.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication, interpersonal/public communication, and effective interviewing techniques.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  
  

Ability To

• Plan, organize, oversee, develop, implement, and administer environmental programs.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Prepare and administer budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Understand, interpret, apply, and explain all pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards pertaining to assigned area.
• Identify problems, research, and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Gather data and prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Plan, organize, manage, and direct a variety of complex program functions and activities to achieve program/project goals, objectives, timelines, and deliverables over a multi-year period.
• Collect, evaluate, and interpret appropriate and applicable data, either in statistical or narrative form.
• Coordinate program/project activities with multiple stakeholders and facilitate development of consensus among diverse groups and individuals.
• Apply sound, creative problem-solving techniques to resolve difficult program issues and problems.
• Understand, interpret, and respond to internal and external customer needs and expectations.
• Present conclusions and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively to both internal and external program/project stakeholders.
• Make public and stakeholder presentations on projects, Port initiatives, and policies.
• Effectively represent the division and the Port in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  
  

Education And Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biological or marine science, environmental science, natural resources management, business administration, or a related field.
  
  

Experience

• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible environmental project management or program development experience, including two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
  
  

Licenses And Certifications

• Certain assignments may require a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program.
  
  

Recruitment Information

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make

reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.

THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT (30%) AND APPRAISAL PANEL (70%) ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025.

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsd Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

Placement On Eligible List

The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Port sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 24 pounds.

When assigned to field sites, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle or boat and visit various Port sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.?The job may involve instances of fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field at undeveloped sites, over the water environments and are exposed to cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.