Job Description

VTA is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Planner to lead environmental programs and sustainability initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water consumption, prevent stormwater pollution, reduce the generation of waste, and build climate resiliency. This is a unique opportunity to work within VTA’s Engineering and Program Delivery Division to protect the environment!

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of environmental and sustainability expertise with the ability to manage multiple projects, monitor sustainability metrics and report progress to VTA’s Board of Directors, implement VTA’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), and provide oversight of VTA’s Sustainability Program. Ideally, this candidate will have a genuine passion for the environment, knowledge of green infrastructure and sustainable design principles, and a proven track record of managing projects to achieve sustainability related goals for a public agency.

Definition

Under direction, a Senior Environmental Planner supervises professional staff and/or consultants engaged in the preparation of environmental documents; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; acquisition of regulatory agency permits; development and management of required mitigation plans and programs; review of land development applications and documents; and the performance of joint development activities.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the first supervisory level in the Environmental Planning series. Incumbents at this level work under direction and supervise professional staff and/or consultants. They must use substantial judgment and initiative in resolving problems and making recommendations. Assignments at this level are highly complex and sensitive in nature. This class is distinguished from the Environmental Planning Manager in that the latter has overall responsibility for managing the activities and functions of the Environmental Planning Department.

About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

About the Engineering & Program Delivery Division

This division is responsible for the design and construction of all capital projects and infrastructure required to provide a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system for Santa Clara County. These responsibilities include program and project management, design development, engineering management, project controls, construction management and turnover of various projects that are part of VTA's rail, facilities and highway transportation improvement programs.

This division is also responsible for the implementation of the projects identified in the 2000 Measure A Program, which includes the planning, design, and construction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART Silicon Valley) Project. This project will extend the BART regional heavy rail system to Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara. Click here for the Divisional Organization Chart.

About the Environmental Programs Department

The Environmental Programs Group is responsible for environmental review, VTA’s Sustainability Program, and VTA’s Stormwater Management Program. Environmental review consists of environmental analysis, compliance, and clearance of VTA programs and projects. This includes preparation of environmental documents; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; acquisition of regulatory agency permits; management of mitigation plans and programs; and coordination on a wide range of environmental topics. VTA’s Sustainability Program is responsible for reducing the consumption of natural resources and the generation of greenhouse gases in the provision of transportation services through utility management, transportation electrification, climate action planning, waste reduction, and education. VTA’s Stormwater Management Program is responsible for implementing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit known as MS4. The Program aims to reduce pollution of local creeks and the Bay through the implementation of best management practices in project design and construction, educational initiatives for staff and the public, and enhanced maintenance and sustainable landscaping.

Our Community
Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.

The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.

To learn more, go to: vta.org

Classification Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Application Deadline: 1/5/2025 @ 11:59pm

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

Supervises, develops, and evaluates assigned staff engaged in the preparation of environmental documents, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, acquisition of regulatory permits, development and management of required mitigation plans and programs, the review of land development applications, and the performance of joint development activities;
Trains, counsels and disciplines staff;
Assists in the preparation of the section's budget;
Assists in formulating policy relating to environmental regulatory compliance and other environmental matters;
Reviews environmental legislation and NEPA and CEQA case law for possible impact on VTA programs and projects;
Reviews Environmental Impact Reports for adherence to laws and regulations;
Advises legal counsel on environmental matters and may serve as an expert witness;
Manages and coordinates environmental planning, research, and analysis of proposed VTA projects which are highly complex and sensitive in nature;
Acts as VTA's advisor on environmental matters;
Attends and represents VTA before various councils, commissions, governing bodies, and interagency and public meetings;
Oversees the review of public and private land development referrals;
Oversees the preparation of official VTA responses for all land development referrals;
Assists in the performance of duties associated with the joint development of VTA property
Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards

Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in environmental studies, natural or physical science, transportation or urban planning, or a related field and five (5) years increasing responsible experience in preparing, managing and processing environmental documents for compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines; managing related environmental compliance and mitigation programs; and reviewing environmental documents and development applications for project impact on transit systems and/or facilities, at least two (2) years of which was in a lead capacity.

(A Masters Degree in transportation or urban planning or related discipline may be substituted for one year of the required professional experience).

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

Local, state and federal environmental laws and regulations and their implementation as they pertain to transportation programs and projects;
Methods of environmental assessment and mitigation;
Principles of biology, botany, zoology, and other natural sciences as they pertain to environmental analysis;
Principles of analysis used for air quality, traffic, noise, land use, visual and aesthetic, hazardous materials, and cultural resource studies;
Land development regulations and procedures;
Local, state and federal land development regulations and their implementation as they pertain to public and private development;
Legal and practical aspects of exaction, dedication and fees as they relate to local government and the land use development process;
Transportation planning terms and procedures;
Principles and practices of supervision and training;
Project management methods and techniques;
Basic budgetary principles and practices.

Ability to:

Direct, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of subordinate personnel;
Analyze situations, identify problems, and recommend solutions;
Compile and analyze complex data;
Oversee the coordination of VTA's review of environmental documents and development applications;
Analyze development impacts to the transit system and transit facilities;
Negotiate terms, conditions, and mitigation measures.

What’s in it for You?

Work/Life Balance: 40-hour work weeks, and a option of a flexible/hybrid remote schedule.
Health:VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.
Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees
Vision:VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Leave:17 days of vacation first year, 80 Hours of sick time (accrued), 12 paid holidays per year.
Retirement:
- Participation in CalPERS

Classic Members: 2%@55
PEPRA Members: 2%@62

- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)

457 pre-tax
457 Roth
Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees

- Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree’s medical premium

Additional perks:
- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional Development Fund
- Wellness Programs

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

General Instructions
Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.

Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

Application Processing Information
All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.

All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority jobs

Senior Environmental Planner