Alameda Creek Watershed Center Programs and Operations Manager (0922) – Natural Resources and Lands Management Division (Sunol, CA) – SFPUC (167137)

About the Natural Resources and Lands Management Division

The Natural Resources and Lands Management (NRLM) Division within the Water Enterprise of the SFPUC is responsible for the management of approximately 61,000 acres of Bay Area watershed lands under SFPUC ownership as well as 150 miles of utility right-of-way. The NRLM Division is responsible for managing, protecting, restoring, and monitoring the ecological resources on these lands and environmental compliance for the operations and maintenance of the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System which serves 2.7 million customers. We are committed to responsible natural resources management that protects and restores viable populations of native species and maintains the integrity of the ecosystems that support them for current and future generations. We strive to become a leader in science-based and collaborative environmental stewardship in order to continue providing high-quality and reliable drinking water to our customers.

About The Position

The Programs and Operations Manager provides daily oversight, leadership and strategic direction for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center (ACWC), advancing its mission as a hub for public education, community engagement, and watershed stewardship. This position oversees daily operations, including the establishment of clear policies and procedures that support safe, consistent, and high quality operations. The Manager supervises staff and volunteers, fostering a high performing and inclusive team environment. The Manager will be a visible, approachable, and supportive leader who builds trust, develops staff, encourages collaboration, and fosters a positive workplace culture where employees and volunteers can thrive. This position is responsible for overseeing the development of high quality educational and interpretive programs, and ensuring a welcoming and meaningful experience for all visitors. The Manager plays a leadership role in shaping the Center's public identity, developing partnerships, and leading community engagement efforts that support SFPUC's mission of service, stewardship, and equity. This position works collaboratively across the Division and the SFPUC on planning and programming efforts that strengthen public understanding of the Alameda Creek Watershed, local ecology, cultural history, and the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System. The role requires initiative, sound judgment, and a commitment to equity, public service, and environmental stewardship.

Work Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday with occasional work on evenings and Sundays for special events, subject to change if necessary.

Working Relationship: This position will report to the Alameda Watershed Resources Manager and will supervise a team of staff and volunteers. Initially this position will supervise the ACWC Facility Coordinator and the Education and Volunteers Coordinator, along with 6 part-time staff and several volunteers. This position will require professional, welcoming and friendly interactions with the public and community/agency partners. This position will require collaboration with the facilities team, communications, staff and managers throughout the division, key staff in PUC, including the Assistant General Manager for the Water Enterprise.

Nature of Work: Portion of the work duties will be outdoors, exposing the incumbent to inclement weather, potential hazards, and animals common in a natural landscape. The position may stand and/or walk for extended periods of time. Ability to work in a busy, noisy environment. Occasionally may lift and/or push 30 pounds of equipment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Strategic Operations and Facility Management

• Provide daily oversight of facility operations to ensure a safe, welcoming, and mission aligned visitor experience.
• Lead the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures that guide facility use, visitor services, safety practices, and daily operations.
• Oversee the aquarium, exhibits, grounds, and community spaces to ensure safe, high quality and consistent standards.
• Direct the care, protection, and organization of collections and interpretive materials.
• Oversee safety, security, and emergency preparedness efforts in alignment with SFPUC policies and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs with the facilities team and contractors, proactively identifying operational needs and improvements.

Interpretation, Education, and Program Leadership

• Provide leadership for the development and delivery of interpretive, educational, and public programs that support SFPUC goals and community needs.
• Establish interpretive themes related to watershed ecology, cultural and tribal history, and the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System.
• Develop program guidelines, procedures, and quality standards to ensure consistency and excellence across offerings.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and develop summary reports using data and community feedback, supporting continuous improvement.
• Maintain subject matter expertise in regional natural and cultural history and SFPUC systems.

Community Engagement and Partnership Development

• Lead outreach, community engagement, and communications strategies that increase visibility and participation in ACWC programs.
• Build and sustain partnerships with public agencies, schools, community based organizations, tribal representatives and local governments.
• Represent the ACWC, the Division, and the SFPUC at public meetings, professional conferences, and community events.
• Support initiatives that strengthen community relationships, advance equity, and expand access to programs and services.

Staff and Volunteer Leadership

• Build and maintain staff capacity to ensure the ACWC is fully and reliably staffed for public operating hours, programs, and special events
• Develop staff guidelines, volunteer protocols, and workflow procedures to support consistent operations.
• Lead staff development, performance management, scheduling, and training.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and engagement programs.
• Provide coaching, and support to staff and volunteers, promoting a collaborative, inclusive, and service oriented culture.

Administration and Strategic Planning

• Manage budgets, contracts, procurement, and HR related processes in alignment with SFPUC policies.
• Develop and maintain administrative policies and procedures that support efficient, compliant, and transparent operations.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the development of long term goals, policies, and operational plans for the Division and SFPUC.
• Prepare reports and performance metrics that support accountability and continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate And Competencies

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record and ability to exercise the following leadership competencies which are critical for success in the role of Alameda and Tuolumne Watershed Resources Manager at SFPUC's Natural Resources & Lands Management Division.

Relationship Management: Builds open, honest, and respectful relationships through effective communication and collaboration techniques. Develops networks and lasting partnerships across boundaries to maintain strategic relationships and achieve common goals. Utilizes a variety of communication approaches to successfully gain support, influence others, and strengthen relationship.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Experience: Five (5) years of professional work experience coordinating or directing environmental stewardship, education or related community programs in visitor services, educational programming, interpretive center operations, or community engagement; Experience managing budgets, contracts, or administrative processes and collaborating with community partners, public agencies, educators, or local governments.
• License: Possession of a valid and current California driver's license.
• Substitution: Additional qualifying professional experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis for up to 2 years. One (1) year is equivalent to thirty (30) semester units/forty-five (45) quarter units. Note: One year of full-time employment is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week.)

Desirable Qualifications

• Supervisory experience with staff and volunteers interacting with the public.
• Experience developing or implementing policies, procedures, or standard operating guidelines for community, non-profit or public facilities, such as visitor centers or education centers.
• Experience supporting operations for a community facility (opening/closing, safety procedures, coordinating maintenance and repairs).
• Experience representing and working within a public agency or large governmental or nonprofit organization, such as a park agency, public utility or municipal government.
• Leadership experience in supporting interpretive centers or environmental education programs.
• Experience developing interpretive exhibits, educational materials, or public programs.
• Knowledge of California natural and cultural history, ideally focused on the Diablo Range and Bay Area, including the regional geography, plants and animals.
• Experience in community engagement and outreach.
• Knowledge of and experience working with local tribes.
• Experience collaborating with regional Bay Area community and environmental organizations.
• Experience managing contracts.
• Experience building partnerships with diverse communities and supporting equitable access to public services.