Director, Environmental Conservation (Limited)

The Planning & Environment Branch is currently conducting an internal recruitment for the Director, Environmental Conservation position (limited). The Director, Environmental Conservation is an important leadership position and is responsible for a wide variety of environmental programs and initiatives in and around San Diego Bay, such as endangered and invasive species management; permitting and compliance for in-water construction and dredging;  environmental education; implementation of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and Chula Vista Natural Resources Management Plan; biological review (NEPA/CEQA) for tenant and port development projects; management of two advisory committees; advancing nature-based solutions and shoreline management; mitigation banking; bay-wide environmental studies and surveys (e.g. fish, bird, eelgrass); marine debris removal initiatives; budget administration, including the Port’s Environmental Fund; emergency management support, and much more.

This position a director level and is not eligible for the Telework program. We are looking for internal candidates who are interested in this unique and exciting Director-level opportunity at the Port, please apply by February 6, 2025. 

The Port of San Diego is currently going through a class and compensation study. The job title and job duties are subject to change.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under policy direction, plans, assigns, monitors, coordinates, evaluates, directs and manages the activities of a multi-disciplinary staff engaged in a variety of ocean, coastal and environmental programs. Programs and work projects include supervising the work of professional, technical and administrative staff and directing multiple aspects of the District's, environmental conservation and blue economy related programs, consisting of ensuring District compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and requirements of regulatory agencies and the District policies. Leads endangered species management; directs and oversees mitigation banking; supports ocean planning; manages District natural resources program; coordinates with the US Navy on bay-wide natural resources issues; oversees environmental education; facilitates board committees including the Environmental Advisory Committee and Wildlife Advisory Group; supports implementation and evaluation of large-scale blue economy projects; proactively interacts with consultants, tenants, resource agencies, and negotiates permit conditions with key regulatory agencies and stakeholders on environmental and blue economy matters. Directs and monitors environmental review of District and tenant projects; business operations, budget administration, and contract management; provides expert professional assistance and guidance to District officials and managers District environmental programs, master plan amendments, capital improvement and major maintenance programs, economic development, and business operations; facilitates the resolution of issues between key stakeholders; acts as a complement and substitute for  Assistant Vice President or other supervisory role for Planning & Green Port, department or teams, as assigned; represents the District in high-level interactions with community, tenants, business and professional organizations; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Director, Environmental Conservation is a department management level position responsible for directing, planning, assigning, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the work of professional and technical staff in environmental conservation and may be responsible for other Planning & Green Port departments or teams, as assigned. The incumbent is responsible for leading and implementing and executing environmental conservation operational goals and objectives and coordinating with other departments. Responsibilities and assignments require a thorough understanding of District and department policies, practices and procedures, and involve significant accountability and high-level decision making. Responsibilities require independent judgment on issues that are complex, interpretive, and evaluative in nature. Responsibilities and assignments require a thorough understanding of District and department policies, practices and procedures, and involve significant accountability and high-level decision making. The incumbent plans and formulates detailed department plans and budgets, directs and manages the development of annual work programs and objectives, and monitors and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The incumbent is assigned highly complex and specialized responsibilities requiring advanced professional-level knowledge of the goals, objectives and technical requirements of environmental conservation and related blue economy programs like aquaculture and blue technology. Responsibilities are broad in scope, requiring strategic vision and thinking and allowing for a high degree of policy, program and administrative discretion, and are evaluated in terms of overall effectiveness of the department's plans, policies and services.The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

1. Leads, plans, organizes, controls, directs, integrates and evaluates the work of the department; with subordinate managers and staff, develops, integrates, implements and monitors work programs, policies and processes to achieve division and District mission, strategic and business plans, goals and performance measures; participates in development of and monitors performance against the department's and District's budget.
2. With other members of the management team, participates in the development of District's strategic plan and key strategic initiatives; develops and implements department business plans, work programs, processes, procedures and policies required to achieve strategic initiatives and overall departmental results in alignment with District-wide core values, guiding principles, goals and priorities.
3. Supervises, provides leadership and works with managers to develop and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff through selection, compensation, training and day-to-day management practices that support the District's vision, mission, core values, guiding principles, objectives and service expectations; provides leadership and participates in programs and activities that promote workplace diversity and a positive employee relations environment.
4. Plans, directs, manages, coordinates, evaluates and oversees the department; coordinates programs and projects with other District staff and local officials; formulates and directs detailed program plans and budgets; develops and recommends environmental and related blue economy program policies and operating administrative procedures; oversees development of annual work programs and calendars; plans, organizes and implements department work activities to meet established environmental and related blue economy program goals and objectives; analyzes alternative work methods and makes changes where appropriate; monitors and ensures program compliance with all applicable laws and regulations; oversees tracking of program expenditures.
5. Directs and reviews environmental work and special studies; directs environmental survey activities and efforts associated with natural resources, mitigation banking, environmental education, capital improvement and major maintenance programs, and related blue economy programs like aquaculture and blue technology; review District and tenant environmental developments; oversees, directs and participates in the compilation and analyses of data and findings, and develops and recommends courses of action.
6. Plans, implements and manages complex environmental and related blue economy, projects and programs; plans, directs and oversees environmental reviews of District and tenant development projects; directs and monitors review activities to ensure project compliance with all relevant federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and District policies and procedures.
7. Ensures program activities are in compliance with regulatory requirements and are coordinated with pertinent outside agencies and environmental action groups; provides guidance to staff on appropriate levels of coordination; develops program partnerships with external agencies and organizations; directs the creation of formal agreements for multi- state agency efforts; directs and monitors review activities to ensure projects' compliance with all relevant federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and District policies and procedures.
8. Directs, oversees development of, develops, reviews and approves a variety of reports, documents and correspondence related such as technical reports, including findings and recommendations regarding environmental projects, agenda sheets, and environmental documentation for District and tenant projects; oversees the compilation of environmental data and reviews data to ensure accuracy and completeness; oversees or participates in reviewing, assessing and commenting on consultant and other pertinent reports and documents related to development or environmental impacts; oversees or participates in developing presentation materials and presents projects and studies to the Board of Port Commissioners and other appropriate sources.
9. Provides environmental expertise, consultation, information and technical assistance  to other departments, tenants, agencies and the District Board; responds to a variety of environmental inquiries from representatives of different District departments or tenants and develops recommendations for addressing environmental issues; applies laws, regulations, rules, policies, processes and procedures related to areas of responsibility; responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements; represents the department and the District in meetings with internal and external agencies.
10. Works with in-house staff to plan, organize and implement effective public and media relations goals and strategies for environmental issues; plans and directs initiatives to encourage public participation in environmental programs.
11. Develops and manages consultant contracts; oversees the work of consultants to ensure contract terms are met; approves consultant invoices.
12. Issues correspondence to other District departments and state and federal regulatory agencies; drafts Board agenda items; ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete environmental records.
13. Plans, implements and manages complex environmental projects and programs; plans, directs and monitors activities to ensure projects' compliance with all relevant federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and District policies and procedures.
14. Develops and recommends revisions and improvements to department guidelines and pertinent District policies and procedures; keeps abreast of and incorporates training regarding national/international developments in environmental programs and policy.
15. Conveys and receives information regarding environmental issues; enhances District and public awareness of the District's growth, planning and environmental challenges and plans; addresses civic and business groups and other organizations regarding the District's initiatives; meets with community representatives and plans, organizes and facilitates meetings and activities with citizen committees and commissions.
16. Participates in regional, state and national industry and professional meetings and conferences to maintain a current understanding of trends and technology related to District operations, particularly in areas of assigned accountability.

Knowledge of:

1. Advanced project management methods, tools and techniques.
2. Principles, practices and methods of program, administrative and organizational analysis.
3. Principles and practices of organizational planning and management.
4. Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, contracting and maintenance of public records.
5. Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.
6. Principles and practices of sound business communication.
7. Computer capabilities applicable to functional responsibilities.
8. Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.
9. District Personnel Rules and Regulations, policies and labor contract  provisions.

Ability to:

1. Plan, direct, manage, organize, review and evaluate the District's environmental conservation and related blue economy programs.
2. Provide technical assistance and staff leadership on all aspects of the department's functions.
3. Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex management and administrative issues.
4. Understand and apply local, state and federal policy, law, regulation and court decisions, as well as District policies and procedures, applicable to areas of responsibility.
5. Define and communicate program goals to all stakeholders clearly, succinctly and persuasively.
6. Prepare clear and concise program plans and documents, reports of work performed and other written materials.
7. Represent the District effectively on a variety of complex issues.
8. Develop and implement appropriate department procedures and controls.
9. Negotiate effectively on behalf of the District.
10. Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations.
11. Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education, Training and Experience:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in environmental sciences, natural resources management, or a closely related field; and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience involving implementation of related professional programs of similar complexity and scope in private or public agencies, and at least four years of which were at a supervisory level. Experience in a public agency is preferred. Time served as a District Intern counts towards the years of experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Certain assignments may require a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program.

This position may be subject to a pre-employment background check. The District will conduct a California Department of Justice/FBI fingerprint and criminal history check; felony convictions may be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recently they occurred. Criminal arrests and convictions during employment may result in termination or limitations in job duties if no reasonable accommodations can be made.

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 People Services to be appropriate. The Department of People Services 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 APPRAISAL PANEL (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 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 degree and/or 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 People Services 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.

UNCLASSIFED SERVICE
This position meets one or more of the criteria for the unclassified service as outlined in San Diego Unified Port District Act Section 72.5(b), and as such is exempted from the classified service.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.
 
Resolution #: 2018 – 117
Dated: June 12, 2018

Salary : $173,916 - $258,857