Watershed Protection Project Manager

Description

The City of Palo Alto’s Watershed Protection Group has an exciting opportunity for a Project Manager on its Public Education and Policy Team!

Watershed Protection Team Overview : Public Works Watershed Protection is part of the City of Palo Alto Public Works Department Environmental Services Division.

The team is charged with protecting water quality in local creeks and the San Francisco Bay by working with industry, businesses, residents, and City operations to reduce pollutants entering surface waters by way of the sanitary sewer and storm drain systems.

Public Works Watershed Protection creates and implements innovative watershed protection projects and programs, develops policies, ordinances and public education, and ensures compliance with the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit.

In addition, the Watershed Protection team oversees the City’s programs for industrial wastewater pretreatment, recycled water, and maintains regulatory compliance for the Regional Water Quality Control Plant which serves Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, East Palo Alto Sanitary District, and Stanford University.

The Opportunity : The City seeks an energetic and resourceful individual with proven project management experience, a strong knowledge of water pollution prevention and the environment, and experience in science-based public education and outreach.

Key Responsibilities :

Project management : Develops and implements projects aimed at reducing environmental pollutants to creeks and San Francisco Bay.

This includes public education initiatives, policy development and assisting with capital improvement or multi-agency project management.

Prepares scopes-of-work and related materials for contract solicitations and vendor selection. Manages consultants and contract deadlines.

Public Engagement : Outreach, education and public engagement for the Watershed Protection Team programs and projects including those related to pollution prevention for stormwater and wastewater, recycled water, and sea level rise planning efforts.

Represents the team at internal, regional and stakeholder meetings, public events, training sessions, and assists or leads on technical and program-development committees and working groups.

• Classroom Education Program : The Project Manager will hire and oversee a consultant to implement established curricula for the Watershed Protection School Outreach program, which historically reached more than 3,000 students in the Regional Water Quality Control Plant service area each year.
• Develop and Implement City Policy : Coordinates the development and implementation of City Policy in the areas of sea level rise, pollution prevention, integrated pest management, green purchasing initiatives, and others.

The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for our Watershed Protection Program is a dedicated environmental steward with a strong background in project implementation.

A collaborative communicator, who excels in engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering partnerships to achieve goals. Has a passion for public education, with a creative and inclusive approach to outreach.

Additionally, is committed to continuous learning and stays informed about emerging trends and best practices in watershed protection, contributing to the sustainable management of our precious natural resources.

Other ideal preferred candidate traits :

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive background in public education, including planning outreach campaigns, creating multimedia outreach materials, and fostering community partnerships to promote environmental awareness.
• In-depth knowledge of stormwater pollution prevention, wastewater treatment, recycled water, and sea-level rise, and ability to interpret the importance of technical environmental concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience in policy and procedure development, with a track record of successfully implementing and enforcing effective policies.
• Proven capability of driving a project forward while maintaining positive communication and interpersonal relations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment to achieve project goals.
• Subject matter expert who identifies issues and proposes innovative solutions to address challenges.
• Collaborates effectively with others within the organization, other agencies, and with the public.

Benefits : Fantastic benefits package! To learn more, click HERE.

Compensation (Management) : Comprehensive compensation plan. To learn more, click HERE.

Schedule : Enjoy the option of a 9 / 80 work schedule (with every other Friday off) or a 5 / 40 work schedule. This position is also eligible for a Hybrid work schedule (up to 2 remote days per week).

Essential Duties :