PROJECT MANAGER

About the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (SFCJPA) –

The SFCJPA is a local agency formed and funded by five entities: Cities of East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Palo Alto, Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) and San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District. We plan and implement multi-benefit capital projects that reduce the risk of flooding in our member cities area. To accomplish this, we seek grant funding for design and construction for our flood risk reduction projects. We bid, award, and manage large consultant contracts, and we closely manage grant funding. We have an engaged community and strive to keep them informed of our work. SFCJPA staff reports to a Board composed of elected officials from our five member agencies.

The SFCJPA currently leads two major projects: Reach 2 Project, a flood risk reduction project along San Francisquito Creek, and SAFER Bay, a shoreline resilience project to protect communities from tidal flooding and sea level rise.

Our stream maintenance activities are a growing effort. We lead an annual maintenance walk of the creek to identify creek blockages, fallen trees, or other items that require action. We are currently in the process of obtaining a Creek Maintenance Permit that will allow us and our partner agencies to perform routine maintenance activities in accordance with permitting regulations.

About the position –

The selected candidate will work a variety of SFCJPA projects as needed, with primary focus on the Reach 2 Project. The SFCJPA Comprehensive Plan  describes our projects including monitoring and adaptive management of the completed Reach 1 project from Highway 101 to San Francisco Bay, and the SAFER Bay Project. The selected candidate will report to and work closely with the Senior Project Manager. This position has the potential for advancement to Senior Project Manager.

The SFCJPA is part of the San Francisquito Creek Multi-Agency Coordination (SFC MAC) group. We provide Subject Matter Expertise by monitoring storm threats, and we coordinate recommendations to activate the SFC MAC. The SFCJPA also manages part of a watershed monitoring system that provides real-time information on rainfall and streamflow conditions within the San Francisquito Creek watershed.

When requested, we support our member agencies by reviewing proposed development, residential remodel plans, or work in or adjacent to the creek. The SFCJPA does not have regulatory or enforcement authority. Our goal is to provide meaningful input during plan development to minimize development close to the creek in accordance with our member requirements and our Bank Stabilization and Revegetation Master Plan.

The SFCJPA is a small public agency, with an allocated staff of four full-time positions. Work in this small team requires frequent and clear communication, the ability to perform other duties as assigned, and cross over into other areas of expertise to support the work of the organization.  

The SFCJPA strives to provide a healthy work-life balance. Work schedule and work location can be flexible. However, the role requires regular in-field and in-person work, including attendance at monthly board meetings, and other in-person team meetings, and is not be a fully remote position. In addition, there may occasionally be a need to work on weekends, evenings, or holidays, particularly for public engagement.  

Job Responsibilities Include:

·       Manage consultants through various project phases, including planning, design, environmental review, permitting, funding, and construction

·       Develop, review, and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, contracts, procurement, and technical deliverables

·       Review and comment on consultant deliverables, including engineering plans and specifications

·       Coordinate with SFCJPA partner agencies, consultant teams, and local, state, and federal agencies, including USACE, CDFW, Water Board, and BCDC

·       Stakeholder and community engagement, including public meetings, presentations, surveys, coordination with community organizations, and communication with residents and property owners

·       Prepare staff reports, Board packets, and project updates for SFCJPA Board and partner agencies

·       Prepare consultant contracts and amendments; review and approve invoices and contract deliverables

·       Pursue grant funding and assist in grant management, including grant applications, funding agreements, quarterly reporting, and invoicing and reimbursement

·       Manage the SFCJPA’s rain and streamflow gages, including maintenance coordination, data monitoring; support flood preparedness and emergency response

·       Lead annual creek walk with partner agencies to monitor creek conditions and identify downed or hazardous trees, trash and/or debris that may cause blockages or pose a water quality threat

·       Communicate with residents and other stakeholders as necessary to discuss and resolve creek-side issues

 

Required Qualifications –

·       3-5+ years of experience in environmental, civil, construction, restoration, flood protection, or similar projects, demonstrating increasing levels of complexity and leadership.

·       Experience managing consultants on complex civil engineering and/or environmental projects with numerous stakeholders

·       BS/BA degree in a relevant field, higher education preferred

Desired Characteristics and Experiences –

·       Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies on environmental and permitting requirements, particularly in California and/or Bay Area; knowledge of CEQA/NEPA

·       Experience preparing or reviewing engineering, landscape geotechnical or structural plans and specifications

·       Ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and consultant performance.

·       Strong ability to build collaborative relationships, navigate conflicts, reach consensus, and develop effective solutions.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing Board and public presentations, meeting materials, grant applications, and project documentation.

·       Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing tasks, manage deadlines, and anticipate potential project impediments.

·       Ability to identify and resolve complex project issues and adapt effectively to changing requirements and circumstances

·       Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual meeting tools; familiarity with a range of software and technologies and willingness to explore new tools to improve the agency

Employment Type: Full-time position with benefits. This is an at-will position, which means that either the SFCJPA or the Employee may terminate employment for any reason at any time.

Employment Duration: Sixty-day probationary period, after which the selected applicant will either be re-classified as a permanent employee or be dismissed, depending on job performance.

Compensation: The annual salary is $110K - $140K/year, depending on qualifications and experience. The SFCJPA offers an excellent benefits package including CalPERS retirement (in addition to Social Security); paid holidays, vacation, and personal leave; Employee Assistance Program, and medical, dental, vision and life insurance.

Work Location: The SFCJPA office is located in downtown Menlo Park, CA. The selected candidate will be expected to work a minimum of three days in each regular work week at the SFCJPA office, with full availability during remote workdays. The Project Manager will need to be available in-person for project team meetings, monthly Board meetings, field visits or tours along the creek or shoreline, public presentations, and to review work products with consultants, and colleagues.

 

How to Apply: Interested applicants are requested to submit a one-page cover letter and a resume to (mhparker@sfcjpa.org) with “Project Manager Application” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until October 19, 2026, 2026. We anticipate conducting interviews from October 21-29 and making a hiring decision by October 30, 2026.