Public Works Facilities Planning Program Manager

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Program Manager to create and lead a new Physical Security Program within the Facilities Planning Division. The Facilities Planning Division consists of six employees and is primarily responsible for overseeing the Capital Improvement Plan, planning facility capital projects, and managing a variety of facility-related programs.

This new, high-profile Program Manager role will collaborate closely with departments such as Information Technology, Risk Management, and the County Executive Office, demonstrating strong diplomacy, influence, and teamwork. The Program Manager will initially lead countywide facility security assessments, coordinate multi-departmental governance, guide project prioritization, and ensure that security enhancements are strategically integrated into capital and maintenance projects. This is a high-impact position requiring leadership, technical insight, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving.

The Program Manager classification includes responsibilities such as planning, organizing, coordinating, evaluating, and administering complex departmental programs and initiatives, as well as leading multidisciplinary efforts and advising department leadership.

Click here to view the full job description for Program Manager.

For more information regarding the Public Works Department, please visit our website at Public Works – County of San Luis Obispo. 

The Ideal Candidate

 

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with program management experience who can evaluate complex environments, translate assessments into actionable plans, and prioritize needs across diverse facilities. They are an exceptional facilitator and communicator, skilled at guiding committees, building consensus, and clearly presenting technical information to non-technical audiences. Highly organized and analytical, they excel at developing new programs, standards, workflows, and governance structures while managing competing priorities with professionalism and clarity. Working knowledge of physical security principles is highly beneficial, as establishing a comprehensive physical security program will be the initial focus. Long-term, this Program Manager may support a variety of programs managed by the Facilities Planning Division.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public administration, business administration, public policy, or a closely related field. In addition, three years of progressively responsible professional experience in the planning, coordination, administration, or management of programs, including responsibility for program operations, budgets, contracts, grants, and staff.

Licenses and Certificates

Certain positions within this classification may require driving. Positions that require driving as an essential job function will be communicated in the job posting. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

How to Apply

 

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veteran’s Preference Points 
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran’s preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points.  Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit.  Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.