Community Projects Review Manager

Career Center Job Seekers View All Jobs Launching Your Career Employers Advance Your Career Choosing the Planning Profession Mentoring at APA Consultants / RFP-RFQ 2025 Planners' Salary and Benefits Survey HomeCareer CenterJob SeekersJobs Search Employer? Post a Job Now Community Projects Review Manager Valley Water San Jose, CA United States How to Apply URL: https://apptrkr.com/9738562 Job Description Community Projects Review Manager Valley Water Salary: $196,206.40 - $250,598.40 Annually Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 02007-E Location: 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, CA Department: Watersheds Stewardship and Planning Closing: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Overview: Are you an experienced engineering leader who enjoys solving complex land development challenges while protecting vital water resources? Do you thrive in building partnerships with cities, developers, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders to guide projects from planning through construction? If you're looking for an opportunity to lead a high-performing team that helps shape the future of Santa Clara County, Valley Water invites you to apply for our Community Projects Review Manager position. The Community Projects Review Manager leads Valley Water's Water Resources Protection Program, overseeing the review of proposed public and private development projects throughout Santa Clara County to protect the agency's water supply, flood protection and stewardship interests, while supporting compatible development. The position manages a team of 18 engineers and technicians responsible for review, environmental compliance, permitting, inspections, land rights coordination, and stakeholder engagement to ensure development projects comply with Valley Water standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable local, state, and federal laws. Serving as Valley Water's Permit Authority under the Water Resources Protection Ordinance, the Community Projects Review Manager provides strategic leadership for the administration of encroachment permits, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, ordinance enforcement, Underground Service Alert activities, and the preparation of agreements. The position works collaboratively with cities, developers, consultants, and regulatory agencies to resolve complex technical and policy issues, interpret land rights and District policies, and make final permitting decisions that balance community development with the long-term protection of Valley Water's critical infrastructure and natural resources. Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To: Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Community Projects Review Unit, including representing Valley Water to city planning, public works, and real estate officials and staff. Administers the issuance of encroachment permits as authorized by the Water Resources Protection Ordinance. Performs review of difficult and/or high-profile permit requests; prepares responses and performs quality checks on all letters and permits prepared by staff; oversees inspections and completion of permits; resolves non-compliance issues; develops permit fee structure. Reviews internal and external CEQA documents and analysis for internal projects, including property transactions and joint use agreements; makes findings in compliance with CEQA for issuance of permits. Negotiates terms of joint use cost sharing agreements. Prepares agreements subject to legal review and approval. Reviewing plans and maps for projects and provides advice to minimize flooding if in flood zone, reviews hydraulic analyses. Ensures compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations.Ideal Candidate's Background Includes: Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below. Ideal Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in civil engineering, land development, water resources, public works, or a closely related field, including experience managing complex technical or regulatory programs and projects. At least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for leading and developing staff, establishing priorities, managing performance, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.Ideal Skills and Abilities: Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, build collaborative relationships, and foster consensus among internal and external stakeholders, including in situations where direct authority does not exist. Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams by promoting collaboration, leveraging diverse expertise, resolving conflicts constructively, and achieving shared goals. Analyze complex technical and policy issues, conduct research, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical, well-supported recommendations. Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports, correspondence, and presentations for executive leadership, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and the public. Exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions by balancing technical, regulatory, operational, and stakeholder considerations. Navigate complex organizational and interagency relationships while maintaining a collaborative, customer-focused approach. Manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a fast-paced environment while ensuring high-quality work products and timely delivery.Ideal Knowledge: Knowledge of land development, entitlement, and permitting processes. Understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, water resources, and flood protection principles. Familiarity with how local, regional, state, and federal agencies plan, regulate, and implement public infrastructure and land use projects. Strong understanding of civil engineering concepts applicable to development review and public works. Knowledge of land use laws, environmental regulations, and permitting requirements. Familiarity with real property concepts, including fee ownership, easements, rights-of-way, and property rights. Ideal Training And Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related field. A master's degree in engineering or related discipline is desirable. Professional training or coursework in one or more of the following areas is ideal: Leadership and organizational management; Project and program management, Land use planning and environmental regulations; Hydrology, hydraulics, and water resources; Public engagement and stakeholder facilitation; Negotiation and conflict resolution. Required License Or Certificate Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California is desirable. If P.E. License is obtained, the incumbent will be reclassified to the Engineering Water Resources Manager Classification group and range.To review the Job Description, please click here Community Projects Review Unit (Position Code 388) Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite. To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/9738562 je-6c884c9aaeb1409ba2017db9071e64a6 Experience Level AICP Level Specialty Salary Range Experience Level Mid II (4-8 years) AICP Level None Selected Specialty Community or Neighborhood Development Salary Range $196,206.40 - $250,598.40 Contact Information Career Center Job Seekers View All Jobs Launching Your Career Employers Advance Your Career Choosing the Planning Profession Mentoring at APA Consultants / RFP-RFQ 2025 Planners' Salary and Benefits Survey HomeCareer CenterJob SeekersJobs Search Employer? Post a Job Now Community Projects Review Manager Valley Water San Jose, CA United States How to Apply URL: https://apptrkr.com/9738562 Required License Or Certificate Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California is desirable. If P.E. License is obtained, the incumbent will be reclassified to the Engineering Water Resources Manager Classification group and range.To review the Job Description, please click here Community Projects Review Unit (Position Code 388) Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite. To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/9738562 je-6c884c9aaeb1409ba2017db9071e64a6 Experience Level AICP Level Specialty Salary Range Experience Level Mid II (4-8 years) AICP Level None Selected Specialty Community or Neighborhood Development Salary Range $196,206.40 - $250,598.40 Contact Information Required License Or Certificate Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California is desirable. If P.E. License is obtained, the incumbent will be reclassified to the Engineering Water Resources Manager Classification group and range.To review the Job Description, please click here Community Projects Review Unit (Position Code 388) Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite. To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/9738562 je-6c884c9aaeb1409ba2017db9071e64a6