Environmental Programs Manager; Transportation Planning Manager

Under general direction, the Environmental Programs Department Manager (Transportation Planning Manager - Environmental Resource Planning) plans, organizes, and directs professional staff involved in environmental analysis, compliance, and clearance for VTA programs and projects, and manages environmental resources on VTA properties.

This class has overall responsibility for managing the activities and functions of the Environmental Planning and Resources Department including compliance with local, State, and Federal environmental laws and regulations, Federal Congressional Acts, and Executive Orders; the preparation of environmental documents; the acquisition of permits; the management of mitigation programs; the supervision of VTA conservation mitigation properties, and coordination of the Development Review Program.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished environmental planning and sustainability leader with demonstrated experience overseeing a broad portfolio of environmental planning and sustainability functions that support complex infrastructure initiatives across multiple transportation modes. The selected individual will bring exceptional organizational and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to lead diverse activities within VTA’s Environmental Programs Department in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will have recent, relevant experience managing CEQA and NEPA environmental documentation and review processes for a wide range of roadway, public transit and transit facilities projects. Upcoming and ongoing projects of particular interest include the BART Silicon Valley Phase II, zero emission bus infrastructure, wildlife crossings of State highway facilities, multimodal enhancements for roadways, and pricing systems on the State highway system.

Additional beneficial experience includes leading a public agency sustainability program, preparing and implementing agency-level sustainability and climate action plans and reports, and managing a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit program. The ideal candidate will also have experience overseeing environmental mitigation sites and compliance with the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Phase II Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for Non-Traditional Permit tees.

The ideal candidate will be aligned with VTA’s and the division’s commitment to mentoring, succession planning, and leadership development. This includes working closely with the Division Chief and department managers to design and deliver creative, effective staff engagement activities and development initiatives.

Above all, the ideal candidate will be motivated by VTA’s mission and demonstrate a genuine commitment to advancing safe, accessible, and impactful transportation improvements for the residents of Santa Clara County.

The Engineering and Program Delivery (EPD) Division is responsible for delivering VTA’s capital projects and managing a diverse portfolio of programs. Its capital project responsibilities span the full lifecycle, from conceptual planning through environmental documentation, design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and closeout, for transit, transit facility, highway, roadway, and transportation technology projects. The division is comprised of a robust mix of agency staff and in-house consultant staff with the division led by a management team including the Environmental Programs…