Director of Planning and Sustainability

Job Description and Duties

Under the administrative direction of the Chief of Planning and Engineering, the Director of Planning and Sustainability (P&S) is responsible for advancing the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) implementation of the high-speed rail (HSR) program through the development and oversight of all Authority policies and procedures pertaining to planning and sustainability. The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring compliance to all state and federal laws, statutes, and Authority policies and procedures. The Director of P&S ensures contractors fulfill strategic and contractual obligations to the Authority for the successful delivery of the HSR project on schedule and within budget. The incumbent will work closely and collaboratively with the Legislative Affairs Office, External Affairs and Communications Office, and Statewide Regional Office to assist in the implementation of various program functions.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position works primarily in the office, but limited telework may be available for California residents.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply for this position. You must provide narrative responses and specific examples for each item listed below in your SOQ to be considered for this position. Your SOQ must be typed in 12-point font, no longer than 3 pages, organized by including the question below and numbered as reflected below, and then provide a response to these 6 items:

1. Describe your experience serving as a principal policymaker in developing, implementing, and revising organizational policies, procedural manuals, and governance frameworks.
2. Describe your experience formulating and overseeing strategic climate and sustainability programs for large-scale infrastructure or transportation initiatives.
3. Describe your managerial experience leading long-range corridor planning, route selection, alternative analyses, and station site design for high-speed rail, intercity passenger rail, or major regional transit systems.
4. Describe your executive leadership experience managing high-level professional staff, multidisciplinary consultant teams, and large program budgets.
5. Describe your experience facilitating station area development, transit-oriented development, and utilizing local land use strategies.
6. Describe your experience navigating complex, highly sensitive, or controversial political environments. How have you successfully collaborated with executive officials, state and federal agencies, local elected leaders, and public stakeholders to maintain support for major public projects?

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience with high-speed rail or related rail planning and operation in California and/or North America.
• Experience with major regional and federal transportation agencies on strategic planning, program and project development, environmental planning, operations and maintenance planning, and funding.
• Experience with real estate development, the land use planning process, zoning and code process, and urban design.
• Experience at the managerial level with extensive knowledge of principles, practices, and trends of urban planning, transportation planning, high-speed rail planning and design, and intercity transportation.
• Experience in providing technical expertise and leadership in sustainability of a high-value project.
• Experience at the managerial level with overseeing station area planning activities.
• Experience in administering the implementation of policies and procedures throughout an organization.
• Experience at the managerial level with extensive knowledge of principles, practices, and trends of state and federal environmental review processes, public administration, organization, and management.
• Strong management, analytical, and decision-making skills and the ability to work and communicate with diverse and multi-disciplinary staff, federal, state, local officials, and stakeholders about Authority issues regarding planning major transportation projects.
• Experience directly managing direct-report staff and consultants in multiple offices.
• Experience in complex partnerships, such as Public/Private partnerships, and/or Joint Powers Authority.
• Experience at the managerial level with the ability to develop and maintain a network of contacts with federal, state, and local officials and the public to ensure an open exchange of information regarding the project and ability to coordinate planning, and environmental strategies and goals with local, regional, and federal officials.
• Knowledge at the managerial level of the Authority organization, operations, and relevant policy issues.
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-531914 and Director of Planning and Sustainability, 311-685-7500-002 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.