Project Manager, Public Works-Long Range Planning

County of San Diego; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Diego is seeking a Project Manager, Public Works - Long Range Planning to lead strategic planning initiatives and align long-range projects with Board policies. The role emphasizes data-driven analysis and cross-department collaboration in a hybrid work setting.

The incumbent will mentor staff, translate complex data into actionable plans, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders to drive meaningful change within the Planning & Development Services Department.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree plus five years of project management experience in a related field; or nine years of combined education and experience.
• Master's degree can substitute for one year of experience.
• Current Project Management certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of the Long Range Planning Division.
• Connect planning efforts and develop innovative strategies aligned with policies.
• Mentor and guide staff to support professional development.
• Communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitution

PM Certification

Job description

The County of San Diego Invites Your Interest in an Excellent Career Opportunity!

Project Manager, Public Works - Long Range Planning

Interviews will take place the week of November 30, 2026

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.

Future Salary Increase

June 2027 – 4.49% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.49% Market Adjustment)

The following additional pay incentives and premiums

** 5%Engineer Premium (applied to time worked)

The County of San Diego's Planning & Development Services (PDS) is currently seeking applications for Project Manager, Public Works-Long Range Planning, open to County employees, and incumbent will be assigned to the Long Range Planning Division.

If you are an innovative thinker who thrives in a dynamic and collaborative environment, and if you have a passion for mentoring and professional development, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. The Long Range Planning Division of PDS is looking for an individual with strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to analyze complex data, identify trends and connections, anticipate future challenges and opportunities and develop forward-looking actionable plans. This position will be responsible for providing strategic oversight of the Long-Range Planning Division, making connections between different planning efforts, and developing innovative strategies in alignment with Board policies and strategic initiatives. This position requires strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill information and communicate complex concepts and ideas effectively and clearly to diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally. Incumbent will also mentor and guide staff members, assisting and empowering them in their professional development journey. By providing guidance, support, and opportunities for skill-building, this position will foster a culture of continuous learning and development within our organization.

Overall, this position presents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within the County’s Planning & Development Services Department and our unincorporated communities. The Long Range Planning Division of PDS is looking for a visionary individual who can combine their strategic thinking abilities with a passion for mentoring and professional development. If you are ready to take on this challenge, contribute to our dynamic team, and drive meaningful change, we encourage you to apply for this role!

Work Location: The selected candidate may be assigned a hybrid schedule consisting of teleworking or working remotely; and working at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa.

Hiring Process and Timeline:

1. I. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
2. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
3. II. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
4. III. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
5. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

1. 1) A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in engineering, land surveying, business administration, public administration, environmental science, urban planning, or closely related field, AND, five (5) years of project management experience in public administration, business administration, engineering, or related experience in a public works, planning, or land development setting; Or,
2. 2) Any combination of education and experience described above which equals nine (9) years.

Note: Possession of a master's degree or higher in the majors listed above under #1 can substitute for a maximum of one (1) year of the experience requirement.

Note: Current Project Management certification is highly desirable.

Working Conditions

May be subject to occasional overtime and weekend work.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Conditions of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.

Veteran’s Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

Strategic Plan

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the Strategic Plan for more information.

Disaster Service Worker

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

Diversity & Inclusion

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our number one priority.