Description of Position

The San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA) is seeking an experienced forward-thinking, and dynamic leader with a collaborative management style to fill the position of Senior Project Manager of Capital Flood Protection Projects. The Senior Project Manager of Capital Projects is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing various activities, including planning, design, outreach, and overall successful delivery of SJAFCA’s capital improvement initiatives to reduce flood risk in San Joaquin County. This is a dynamic role and ensures comprehensive management of flood protection infrastructure projects, including levee systems, habitat restoration, and other related key water resources projects. The Senior Project Manager will work closely with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the State of California Department of Water Resources, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, local agencies, and other critical stakeholders to ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, while maintaining a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

The role of the Senior Project Manager involves leading a diversified team of engineering, planning, environmental scientists, construction management, and project management staff. This individual influences relationships with project stakeholders to implement SJAFCA capital projects. The Senior Project Manager excels in team collaboration, resource negotiation, adapting to industry changes by striving for continuous improvement, driving efficiency, innovation, and effective communication. This critical role requires a deep understanding of flood protection issues unique to California’s Central Valley, including water resources plan formulation, environmental regulations, engineering, and ecosystem restoration. This position requires a leader who is both a thoughtful strategist and a pragmatic manager.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Manages all stages of project development, including planning, design, permitting, construction, inspection, overall project budget, schedule, progress, strategies, and final delivery
• Directs performance of services by consultants and contractors for successful project completion
• Manages and directs third-party coordination and civic engagement activities related to project planning, design, and construction
• Oversees real estate transactions and construction agreements
• Serves as a liaison to reclamation districts, water boards, and other key partners
• Collaborates with leadership to prioritize projects and allocate resources efficiently
• Manages risk assessment and mitigation strategies to address potential project challenges
• Fosters and maintains strong relationships with internal teams, regional agencies, community stakeholders, and funding entities
• Manages risk assessment and mitigation strategies to address potential project challenges
• Ensures compliance with SJAFCA’s policies and procedures and applicable state, federal, and local regulations
• Prepares and presents reports and project status to executive and management staff, the Board of Directors, and outside regulatory agencies, and elected officials
• Works collaboratively with the project team to resolve design and construction issues which arise during the project
• Responds to inquiries from members of the public, executive management senior staff and elected officials as required
• Communicates with constituents and other members of the public to resolve complaints and issues resulting from construction projects
• Tracks project cash flows on a current and pro forma basis
• Represents SJAFCA at meetings, conferences, and public events
• Perform other duties and takes on responsibilities as assigned 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required of Incumbent:

• Strong understanding of a flood protection project life cycle from planning through construction along with the operation and maintenance requirements
• In-depth knowledge and comprehension of industry standard project management processes and procedures with experience in its practical application
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to mediate between parties with differing or contradictory opinions
• Able to direct, supervise, mentor, and motivate assigned staff
• Able to effectively communicate complex technical concepts and issues non-technical stakeholders, including the public and elected officials
• Ability to identify and resolve various design and construction issues
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with limited or supervision
• Excellent organizational skills
• Adept at working in an environment of changing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

Possession of bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, environmental sciences, business, finance, construction management, or a related field from an accredited college or university

Experience

• Eight years of continued growth in management and leadership responsibilities in project management work related to the development, design, and/or construction of major capital infrastructure projects,
• Five years of supervisory, administrative, and capital improvement management project experience

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• California license as a Professional Engineer (PE) preferred
• Driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred