County of San Diego - Department of Public Works
Assistant Program Manager - Watershed Protection
Assistant Program Manager – Watershed Protection
Salary: $140,000 to $150,000 Annually
The County of San Diego is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, and innovative leader to serve as the Assistant Program Manager (Official Title: Group Program Manager) in the Department of Public Works, Land Development Division, Watershed Protection Program (WPP).
This unclassified management-level position reports directly to the WPP Program Manager and plays a key role in advancing watershed priorities and strategies. The Assistant Program Manager will oversee critical stormwater programs that ensure compliance with State and Federal water quality regulations while managing regional coordination efforts with Copermittees under the State-issued Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.
The Watershed Protection Program, one of the largest programs within DPW, manages a $40+ million budget and a team of 45 full-time employees responsible for watershed planning, compliance inspections, community engagement, stormwater monitoring, and stormwater infrastructure planning. In addition to supporting the Program Manager in the development and implementation of program needs and operational budgeting, the Assistant Program Manager will represent the program in interdepartmental meetings and community outreach efforts, coordinate and communicate with executive management, and formulate departmental policies and ordinances related to watershed protection. The Assistant Program Manager will also collaborate with other County stakeholders to align priorities, perform fiscal management to optimize resources, and oversee personnel matters within the assigned program area.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess a professional history that demonstrates the following necessary leadership competencies and experience:
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulatory codes and rules related to the Clean Water Act and Porter-Cologne Act
• Extensive experience managing multi-faceted stormwater programs and successfully navigating complex regulatory compliance challenges.
• Expertise in stormwater requirements including water quality improvement plans, stormwater action levels, jurisdictional runoff management programs, and principles of code enforcement and watershed planning.
• Ability to interpret materials such as contracts, ordinances, legislation, policies and procedures, directives, and manuals.
• Strong skills in budget and fiscal management, including forecasting, planning, and tracking.
• Strong political and organizational awareness with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across public agencies, government officials, community organizations, contractors, and diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in navigating multiple perspectives and political landscapes to build consensus and communicate complex issues clearly at all levels.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to assess staff strengths, effectively manage personnel, and foster professional development through mentorship and collaboration.
• Proven experience in building, organizing, and motivating high-performing teams to drive change, manage complex projects, and achieve strategic goals.
• A forward-thinking approach, actively seeking innovative solutions and staying current with trends and best management practices in the stormwater industry.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience which demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the classification AND a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, OR a combination of education and/or experience as stated above.
Notes: A master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Stormwater Certification (i.e. QSD, QISP, CPESC, CPSWQ) is highly desired but not required.
Apply at the following website: Assistant Program Manager – Watershed Protection -25031804UW | Job Details tab | Career Pages