Summary

This job involves leading a team to plan, design, and build improvements to county roads, bridges, and transportation systems in Santa Clara County, California, aiming to enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion, and support better mobility for cars, bikes, and pedestrians.

It also includes managing development permits, surveying land, and overseeing lighting maintenance in public areas.

A good fit would be an experienced leader passionate about innovative infrastructure projects with a focus on community benefits and sustainability, ideally from a background in public works or civil engineering.

Key Requirements

Extensive experience in planning, design, and construction of roads and bridges
Proven leadership in managing capital improvement programs and construction operations
Knowledge of transportation planning, land development, and utility permitting
Strong skills in regulatory compliance with state and federal transportation laws
Ability to oversee land surveying and public rights-of-way management
Experience building community relationships and representing the agency at various government levels
Background in sustainable and innovative infrastructure practices

Full Job Description

Lead Infrastructure Development. Make a Real Impact.

The County of Santa Clara is not just any government agency, it’s a premiere public agency known for its high standard of excellence, strategic leadership, and innovative thinking.

With a population of more than 1.9 million residents, Santa Clara County is the largest of the nine Bay Area counties in Northern California, and larger than 12 states.

The County’s Roads and Airports Department’s customers comprise the traveling public, including pedestrians and bicyclists within Santa Clara County, residents of the unincorporated areas who reside along County roads, airport users, residents and businesses within the County Lighting Service Area, and residents and businesses within County Sanitation District No.

2-3. The County organization is made up of public servants dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our community.

As the Deputy Director of Infrastructure Development, you will lead the Infrastructure Development Division in the County’s Roads and Airports Department, responsible for the planning, design, and construction of improvements to the County’s roads and bridges.

These projects improve safety, reduce congestion, and improve mobility for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

This includes oversight of the capital improvement program, land development and utility permitting, land surveying, and transportation planning.

The Division also provides the maintenance and program management services for the County Lighting Service Area.

This executive-level position reports directly to the Director of Roads and Airports and plays a critical role in shaping the County’s transportation system for generations to come.

The Roads and Airports Department operates and manages over 60 miles of expressways throughout Santa Clara County and over 600 miles of rural and urban roadways in unincorporated areas including 23 miles of sound walls, 168 bridges, 39 miles of carpool lanes, 164 signalized intersections, 4,500 street lights, 25,000 regulatory signs, 2,185 drain inlets, 60 miles of expressways, and two general aviation airports.

This is your opportunity to lead a best-in-class transportation capital projects program that sets a new standard for innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

Your Mission

Lead and manage highway and bridge design, construction operations, land development, planning, and survey functions.

Oversee the County’s transportation capital projects program, manage public rights-of-way, and guide long-range transportation planning while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and maintaining strong community relationships.

What Makes This Role Unique

Scale and Complexity: You’ll manage a diverse portfolio of transportation projects, from major road improvements to bridge construction, serving a region with over 1.9 million residents.
Innovation in Infrastructure: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we’re redefining what public works looks like—leveraging technology, sustainability, and forward-thinking design.
Community Impact: Your work will directly influence mobility, safety, and economic vitality for millions of people.
Leadership Opportunity: You’ll lead a talented team, set strategic priorities, and represent the County at local, regional, state, and federal levels.

What You’ll Do

Develop and execute the capital projects program, including contract development and construction management.
Oversee public and private land development review and manage activities related to public rights-of-way.
Lead short- and long-range transportation planning and participate in regional transportation studies.
Develop and monitor budgets, secure grant funding, and ensure fiscal accountability.
Represent the Department at boards, commissions, and community meetings.
Provide policy recommendations to County leadership and act as Deputy County Road Commissioner when designated.
Select, train, and motivate staff to achieve operational excellence.

What You Bring

Deep Technical Expertise: Advanced understanding of public works procurement, design and construction management, land development processes, and right-of-way permitting.
Strategic Funding Knowledge: Familiarity with transportation funding systems and agencies such as Caltrans, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the Federal Highway Administration, and ability to navigate complex grant and funding structures.
Comprehensive Planning Skills: Experience with transportation planning and special district operations, ensuring alignment with regional and state priorities.
Operational Excellence: Proven ability to manage schedules, costs, and resources effectively, with strong skills in work planning, budgeting, and performance management.
Leadership Beyond the Role: Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and accountability, with the vision to influence not only the Division but also broader County priorities—including airports, maintenance, traffic, and administration.
Executive Presence: Ability to build trust and credibility with the Board of Supervisors, County leadership, and external partners such as VTA, Valley Water, and local cities.
Future-Focused Mindset: Potential to advance beyond Deputy Director, bringing innovative ideas and strategic foresight to shape the County’s long-term infrastructure goals.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 6–12 months, you will:

Deliver a clear roadmap for capital projects and infrastructure priorities.
Strengthen stakeholder relationships and improve transparency in project delivery.
Establish performance metrics for project timelines, budget adherence, and community impact.

In the long term, you will:

Modernize infrastructure planning and delivery processes.
Secure sustainable funding streams and expand grant opportunities.
Position Santa Clara County as a regional leader in innovative, equitable transportation solutions.

Why Join Us?

Influence the future of transportation in one of California’s most dynamic regions.
Be part of a mission-driven public agency committed to innovation, sustainability, and equity.
Enjoy a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work culture.

Our Competitive Executive Benefits

Strategic Financial and Retirement Benefits

CalPERS pension with reciprocity across most California public agencies (2.5% @ 55 for Classic Members, 2% @ 62 for Non-Classic Members)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan with both pre-tax and Roth options, up to IRS limits
$325,000 in term life insurance plus $300,000 in accidental death and disability coverage
Eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Executive-Level Health, Wellness, and Family Support

Premium health insurance options (Kaiser, HealthNet, Valley Health Plan) with up to 96% County-paid coverage
Fully covered dental (Delta or Liberty) and vision (VSP) plans for individuals and families
Employee Assistance Program Dependent Care Assistance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Access to wellness and leadership development programs designed to support executive performance and resilience

Leadership Mobility, Time Off, and Professional Growth

39 days of annual leave with a cash-out option, plus 13 paid holidays
Relocation assistance to support seamless transitions
Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development programs
Valley Transportation Agency Smart Pass/Clipper Card for sustainable commuting
To learn more about benefits, check out our dedicated page

Ready to join the leadership team? Apply now.

Learn more about the County and the impact you can have as a leader.

Application Process and Key Dates

Filing Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026

This recruitment may close or be extended as early as 10 days after posting. Early application is strongly encouraged. Please check the website regularly for updates.

Apply at: https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers

What to include in your application:

Résumé

Cover Letter (maximum 3 pages) Describe why you are the ideal candidate, highlighting relevant leadership experience and accomplishments.

Next steps in the process:

Following mutual interest, a comprehensive background investigation and reference check will be conducted. Finalists will be asked to provide at least five professional references, with prior authorization obtained by Executive Services.

Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to Kendra Conrad, Executive Services at kendra.conrad@esa.sccgov.org.

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Deputy Director, Infrastructure Development

Job Description

Summary

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Full Job Description

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