Director of Operation

Director of Operations Capital Flood Protection Projects

The San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA) is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and dynamic leader with a collaborative management style to serve as Director of Operations Capital Flood Protection Projects. Working under the general direction of Executive Director, this senior management position is responsible for directing capital improvement projects designed to reduce flood risk throughout San Joaquin County.

The Director of Operations oversees all project lifecycle phasesincluding planning, engineering design, real estate acquisition, environmental compliance, and public outreachwhile establishing the operational controls, contract workflows, schedule tracking systems, and resource management frameworks required for successful program execution.

The ideal candidate brings extensive, proven expertise navigating U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and State of California Department of Water Resources (DWR) processes, alongside strong operational acumen in managing project controls, consultant contracts, and multidisciplinary team workflows.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Direct day-to-day project operations across the agency's capital improvement program (CIP), establishing standardized project delivery frameworks, progress tracking tools, and operational metrics.
• Establish, implement, and maintain agency-wide project management policies, standard operating procedures, quality control/quality assurance (QA/QC) protocols, and document control systems.
• Oversee the operational lifecycle of consultant and contractor procurement, including scope development, RFP preparation, contract negotiation, amendment controls, invoice approvals, and contractor evaluation.
• Proactively identify project risks, scope creep, and operational bottlenecks across the capital pipeline; implement corrective action plans and mitigation strategies.
• Research, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and standards, as well as SJAFCA policies and procedures, as they pertain to assigned programs and functions.
• Analyze complex administrative, operational, and technical problems; evaluate alternatives and their potential consequences; and develop, recommend, and implement effective courses of action consistent with agency policies, objectives, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Direct and coordinate the review and approval of engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, right-of-way plans, and environmental compliance documents.
• Manage capital projects through every phase of developmentfrom early planning and environmental review through final design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and operational handover.
• Represent SJAFCA in operational and project-level coordination with federal, state, and local partners (e.g., USACE, DWR, CVFPB, local cities, and counties).
• Develop and present clear, data-driven operational reports, project performance dashboards, and executive memos to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Support agency-wide strategic planning, resource planning, and team leadership. Represents SJAFCA at meetings, conferences, and public events.
• Support Executive Director as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of a flood protection project life cycle from planning through construction along with the operation and maintenance requirements
• Thorough understanding of public infrastructure project lifecycles, with specific emphasis on flood protection, levees, pump stations, and multi-benefit water resources projects.
• Exceptional capability to resolve complex design, construction, scheduling, and contract disputes between contractors, consultants, and partner agencies.
• In-depth knowledge and comprehension of industry standard project management processes and procedures with experience in its practical application
• Strong operational expertise in public contract law, consultant agreement structuring, progress billing, fund accounting controls, and grant/funding compliance.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex project metrics and technical data clearly to non-technical stakeholders, board members, and public officials.
• 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 leader with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment of changing priorities
• Adept at working in an environment of changing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Education & Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Construction/Project Management from an accredited college or university.
• 10+ years of progressive executive or senior management leadership experience overseeing public infrastructure operations and capital programs.
• 8+ years of direct experience in capital infrastructure project management and operations, including scheduling, budget control, and contract administration for major infrastructure developments.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience managing engineering project managers, technical staff, and multidisciplinary consultant teams.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience managing flood control, water resources, or public works infrastructure programs within a public agency, special district, or municipality.
• Experience coordinating capital projects with state and federal agencies (e.g., USACE, DWR, FEMA).
• Experience working in a public agency or governmental environment is highly desirable.

Certifications / Licenses

• Professional Engineer (PE): Valid registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California (Highly Preferred).
• Project Management Professional (PMP): PMP certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI) (Highly Preferred).
• Driver's License: Valid California Class C Driver's License with a clean driving record

Application & Selection Process

This position is open until filled and may close at any time once a qualified candidate pool is established.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your educational background, relevant work experience, and interest in the role to: sylvia.razniak@sjafca.org

Hiring Process

1. Round One: Virtual Interview
2. Round Two: In-Person Interview

(Final appointment will require completion of reference checks with current and former employers.)