Sustainability Program Manager - Climate Resilience (Open and Promotional)

Full Job Description

The County of San Mateo Sustainability Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sustainability Program Manager - Climate Resilience.

About the Sustainability Department

Formed in July 2014 as a part of the County Executive’s Office, the Sustainability Department strives to improve the sustainability of the County’s operations and the greater community through work that is designed to bring solutions today while solving for tomorrow.

The Sustainability Department has programs to help the county both fight and prepare for climate change, ensure clean energy, water, and air, and conserve resources for future generations through waste reduction.

At the Sustainability Department, we:

• Transform Systems: Create systemic change by leading policy development and planning, influencing and aligning with state and federal mandates.

• Catalyze Regional Climate Solutions: Advance regional climate solutions by forming impact networks, securing funding, and adopting strategies for economic efficiency.

• Empower Community Leadership and Action: Enable communities to lead and act on climate issues, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Role Overview

We’re seeking a candidate with experience in the areas of climate resilience and greenhouse gas emissions reduction; water quality and stormwater management; community and business empowerment; and strong program and staff management skills.

Under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director, the Sustainability Program Manager leads the six-member Climate Resilience team focused on reducing greenhouse gases in county operations, improving watershed water quality, implementing community resilience initiatives, and incorporating resilience in policy and planning documents.

Responsibilities include overseeing implementation of the Government Operations Climate Action Plan; Stormwater Municipal Regional Permit compliance; County employee commute alternatives program; Green Business Program; and adaptation and resilience planning to address impact such as extreme heat, drought, sea level rise, and wildfire smoke.

The role also involves overseeing program budget, grant administration, vendor contracts, and monitoring policy and program developments.

Key Responsibilities

As the Sustainability Program Manager – Climate Resilience, your responsibilities will include:

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic results-driven leader demonstrating deep understanding of both emission reduction and climate adaptation strategies, with extensive experience in environmental sustainability and resilience planning.

They have a proven track record of program and staff management, financial oversight including managing multi-million-dollar budgets, developing funding strategies, and achieving measurable outcomes.

With a high level of political acumen, they can navigate complex issues and collaborate effectively with elected officials, County departments, and regional and community partners.

Strong communication skills are essential, as this role requires the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

The candidate is passionate about designing and implementing programs that create tangible community benefits and empowerment.

They excel at building strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, resolving community concerns, and facilitating large public initiatives.

The ideal candidate would have at least eight years of progressively responsible experience leading sustainability programs and managing staff.

A collaborative and innovative approach to leadership, combined with a strong commitment to public service and environmental sustainability, is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to qualify is three years of experience in the field of sustainability or resource conservation which has included complex program implementation and coordination.

Knowledge of:

Skill/Ability to:

Additional Information

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply.

Current County of San Mateo employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their passing score on the final examination in this process.

Application Materials: The following are required to be submitted:

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%).

Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button.

If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.

Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form.

A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule:Application Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2025 Screening: Wednesday, January 14, 2025Combined Panel Interviews: Tuesday, February 3, 2025 About the CountySan Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay.

With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

As an employer, the County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment.

The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

Analyst: Sarah Huynh (12152025) (Sustainability Program Manager - D008)