Program Manager

Program Manager

Under the general direction of the Director of Planning and Development, the Program Manager plans, organizes, and coordinates a wide range of strategic, environmental and capital planning activities that support NCTD's long-range goals and regulatory obligations. Responsibilities include management of long-range planning projects, environmental compliance oversight (including stormwater and hazardous materials programs), and land management functions, such as licenses, leases, and easements. The position also manages consultant and staff resources to ensure timely and compliant project delivery. Duties involve data collection and analysis, GIS and mapping applications, and coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and local jurisdictions. The Program Manager collaborates with senior management and partner entities to advance District initiatives and ensure alignment with NCTD planning, environmental, and policy objectives.

This position is distinguished by its lead role in managing and integrating NCTD's strategic, environmental, and capital planning efforts. The Program Manager is responsible for advancing NCTD's long-range planning initiatives, implementing its environmental compliance programs, including stormwater and hazardous materials management, and land management functions.

The role requires a high degree of independent judgment, technical expertise, and coordination across departments and external agencies. The Program Manager manages complex multi-disciplinary projects, prepares and reviews technical analyses, documentation, and reports, and supports both short- and long-range planning, environmental and land use initiatives that contribute to the effective, sustainable, and compliant operation of NCTD services.

This position reports to the Director of Planning and Development and works closely with other District staff as required. Exercises supervisory authority over a team of up to four (4) staff and may provide guidance to District staff on related projects or subject matter inquiries. This position is responsible for coordinating with District staff, regional stakeholders, and consultants. Further, this position is expected to share expert knowledge and participate as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between NCTD facilities / sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Performs advanced professional work on a variety of planning and environmental compliance assignments, ensuring accountability and compliance with all current and applicable local, state and federal laws, District and regulatory agency policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Provides oversight and management of environmental compliance programs, including stormwater management, hazardous materials handling, and compliance with NEPA, CEQA, and related regulatory requirements. Coordinates and oversees the preparation, implementation, and updating of environmental plans, permits, and reports, including SWPPPs, SPCC plans, and hazardous materials business plans.
• Manages consultant contracts for planning, environmental, and engineering efforts in consultation with District Procurement and Contract Administration staff, including the development of RFPs, scopes of work, and project budgets, and review and evaluation of consultant proposals.
• Administers and manages land management functions, including the review, negotiation, and coordination of licenses, leases, easements, and other property agreements to ensure protection of District interests and regulatory compliance.
• Provides direction and supervision to assigned staff, consultants, and contractors, including work planning, performance management, and ensuring compliance with District standards and objectives.
• Acts as a liaison to external agencies, local jurisdictions, and special interest groups for assigned projects to ensure successful completion and consistency with District goals and obligations.
• Serves on regional staff-level planning committees, including those established by SANDAG or other partner agencies.
• Reviews, analyzes, and provides comment on proposed plans and projects for community and transportation impacts, and environmental impacts, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provides guidance to, and oversight of, consultants on projects proposed for, or under development on, NCTD property, including key NCTD planning studies, environmental reviews, and pilot projects.
• Presents information and recommendations to senior management, elected officials, advisory groups, partner transit agencies, local jurisdictions, SANDAG, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.
• Develops and implements effective community participation and public outreach programs for District projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's Degree in transportation planning, urban planning, business or public administration, environmental planning or related field required. Minimum of four (4) years prior directly relevant experience. A combination of experience / skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Possess and maintain a California driver's license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years. Maintain compliance with the District's policies regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

Knowledge of principles and practices of public transportation planning, land use and environmental planning, including applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies and regulations related to transit, environmental compliance (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, Hazardous Materials regulations, etc.), and land management. Knowledge of environmental compliance programs and best management practices, including stormwater pollution prevention, hazardous materials handling, environmental permitting, and regulatory reporting requirements. Knowledge of land and property management principles and procedures, including the review, negotiation, and administration of licenses, leases, easements, and other property agreements. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents, such as environmental reports, engineering plans, maps, schedules, site plans, lease agreements, spreadsheets, and related project documents. Ability to interpret and apply relevant local, state, and federal regulations and ensure project and operational compliance with applicable planning, environmental, and land use requirements. Ability to engage effectively with internal departments, external agencies, and the public through strong communication, negotiation, and partnership-building skills in alignment with NCTD goals and objectives. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; able to gather, organize, interpret, and present complex data, plans, and environmental findings to a variety of audiences including executive management, elected officials, and regulatory agencies. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including the ability to prepare and deliver high-quality reports, correspondence, presentations and policy documents. Demonstrated professionalism and sound judgment; exercises a proactive, solutions-oriented approach and commitment to organizational excellence and continuous improvement. Proficiency in computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) and database management systems. Experience with data visualization, graphics, or environmental data tools is desirable.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a daily basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone. Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.