Senior Clean Energy Specialist

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, you’ll find a workplace culture that is anchored in our collective mindsets: collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, thoughtful decision-making, active listening, and always believing the best in people. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule, with an opportunity for remote work based on operational requirements, while supporting both in-office collaboration and remote productivity.
• Salary: The hiring salary for Sr. Environmental Specialist is starting at $97,067. The full pay range for Sr. Environmental Specialist is $82,964-$132,742.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: August 6, 2025.

About the Job:

The Planning, Noise, & Environment department is looking for a Sr. Clean Energy Specialist with a strategic focus on clean energy and electrification to advance the Authority’s sustainability goals. This role is grounded in environmental compliance but expands into shaping how one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world transitions toward a low-emission future.

This position will lead energy and sustainability initiatives across the Authority, with a focus on overseeing the airport’s Electric Vehicle (EV) roadmap and supporting components of the Strategic Energy Plan. The specialist will collaborate across departments to integrate energy-related projects into broader infrastructure and operational planning—turning high-level strategy into on-the-ground progress.

This role is an opportunity to be a changemaker in public sector climate leadership—improving how we operate today while helping define the SAN of tomorrow. At the forefront of sustainability innovation in American airports, be part of the team that is shaping what clean energy and electrification look like at the busiest single-runway airport in the US.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead Clean Energy and Electrification Initiatives: Oversee and implement the Authority’s EV roadmap and support components of the Strategic Energy Plan, including electrification of fleet, facilities, and equipment.
• Advance Sustainability Programs: Contribute to the planning and development of environmental and sustainability programs related to air quality, water use, waste reduction, and emissions.
• Support Cross-Departmental Integration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders—Facilities, Design & Construction, Ground Transportation, IT, and others—to embed clean energy strategies into airport-wide projects.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal energy, air quality, and environmental regulations; conduct ongoing research into promising electric vehicle practices, emerging trends, and potential opportunities for existing and new electric vehicle-related innovations, policies, programs, and projects; conduct audits, permitting, and program reporting;
• Conduct Field Assessments and Data Analysis: Perform site investigations and monitoring of charging infrastructure; compile and analyze data to track sustainability-related performance, assess modeling tools and outputs, and support strategic decisions.
• Manage Consultants and Project Deliverables: Oversee external contractors, budgets, schedules, and reporting for assigned programs and initiatives.
• Communicate and Educate: Prepare reports, presentations, and outreach materials; advocate for energy and environmental initiatives through clear communication and interdepartmental engagement.
• Engage External Stakeholders: Facilitate dialogue with utility providers, public agencies, and the broader community to support decarbonization strategies; build trust and maintain long-term relationships that strengthen program success.
• Support Grant and Funding Efforts: Assist with development of grant applications and funding proposals that help advance sustainability-related projects and initiatives across the Authority.
• Contribute to Broader Environmental Goals: Support and lead components of other environmental programs as needed to align with departmental priorities (e.g. storm water, zero waste, etc.) and Authority-wide sustainability targets.
• Work-Related Driving (or Operational Driving)*: Conducting site visits, investigations, giving tours to stakeholders, visiting development projects.

The Skills You Need:

1. Strategic Systems Thinking — Understands the interconnection between energy, infrastructure, and sustainability; anticipates long-term impacts and aligns programs with organizational goals.
2. Energy & Regulatory Expertise — Applies deep knowledge of EV infrastructure, clean energy systems, and applicable environmental regulations to inform decision-making and ensure compliance.
3. Project & Program Management — Independently leads complex initiatives; scopes, plans, and delivers energy-related projects on time and within budget.
4. Influence & Advocacy — Confidently presents ideas, builds consensus, and champions initiatives across departments and with external partners.
5. Analytical Decision-Making — Reviews technical data, emissions metrics, and operational information to recommend effective, data-driven solutions.
6. Collaborative Communication — Communicates clearly and persuasively in written, verbal, and digital formats; adapts messaging for technical and non-technical audiences.
7. Adaptability in Complex Environments — Navigates ambiguity and evolving priorities in a public agency setting with resilience and flexibility.
8. Equity & Public Service Mindset — Champions sustainable outcomes that benefit both the airport and the broader community; considers environmental justice and accessibility in program design.

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Six years of progressively responsible experience involving analysis, planning, and/or implementation of professional environmental-related program assignments, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in environmental science, public or business administration, or a closely related field.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements:

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.

Preferred Education, Certification, and Licenses:

• Designation as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP), WELL Building Standard Accreditation (WELL AP), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Climate Change Professional (CC-P), Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), and Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP).

*Driving is an Essential Function

This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role. 

**Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated 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 they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.