What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Projects Review Manager position at Santa Clara Valley Water District (CA)?
Overview:
Are you an experienced engineering leader who enjoys solving complex land development challenges while protecting vital water resources? Do you thrive in building partnerships with cities, developers, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders to guide projects from planning through construction? If you're looking for an opportunity to lead a high-performing team that helps shape the future of Santa Clara County, Valley Water invites you to apply for our Community Projects Review Manager position.
The Community Projects Review Manager leads Valley Water's Water Resources Protection Program, overseeing the review of proposed public and private development projects throughout Santa Clara County to protect the agency's water supply, flood protection and stewardship interests, while supporting compatible development. The position manages a team of 18 engineers and technicians responsible for review, environmental compliance, permitting, inspections, land rights coordination, and stakeholder engagement to ensure development projects comply with Valley Water standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Serving as Valley Water's Permit Authority under the Water Resources Protection Ordinance, the Community Projects Review Manager provides strategic leadership for the administration of encroachment permits, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, ordinance enforcement, Underground Service Alert activities, and the preparation of agreements. The position works collaboratively with cities, developers, consultants, and regulatory agencies to resolve complex technical and policy issues, interpret land rights and District policies, and make final permitting decisions that balance community development with the long-term protection of Valley Water's critical infrastructure and natural resources.
Our Commitment:We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
About Valley Water:
Valley Water’s mission is to provide Santa Clara County with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. The FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget of $1.284 billion supports approximately 876 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.
Who We Are:
To learn how Valley Water provides safe, clean water and environmental stewardship for the Santa Clara community, please click here
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- 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.
Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
Ideal Experience:
- 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.
Ideal Skills and Abilities:
- 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.
Ideal Knowledge:
- 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.
Ideal Training and Education:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related field. 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.
Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California is desirable. If P.E. License is obtained, the incumbent will be reclassified to the Engineering Water Resources Manager Classification group and range.Community Projects Review Unit
Valley Water Telework Program: 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. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.
This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.
(2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.
NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.
Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.
Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.
Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.
Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.
Salary : $196,206 - $250,598