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, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. 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 Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department.
- Salary: The hiring salary for the Assistant Environmental Specialist is starting at $66,240 to $73,600. The full pay range for the Assistant Environmental Specialist is $56,616 to $90,585.
- Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and childcare benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, and 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: February 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.
About the Job:
The Planning & Environmental Affairs Department is seeking an analytical, forward‑thinking, and highly motivated professional to join our team as an Assistant Environmental Specialist. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of the nation’s LEED‑certified airports, where sustainability and environmental responsibility isn’t just a priority—it’s part of our culture.
In this role, you’ll play a key part in advancing the Airport Authority’s Environmental Programs including Sustainability Management and Regulatory Compliance. You’ll collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, airport tenants, government agencies, and community stakeholders, driving projects that make a measurable difference in resource protection, biodiversity, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and overall environmental performance.
What You’ll Do:
- Program Development: Contributes to the planning and development of various environmental programs including integrated pest management, biodiversity, hazardous materials management, stormwater, water stewardship, energy efficiency, zero waste, employee engagement and training, or other assigned specialty.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborates and maintains visibility on environmental programs and initiatives with tenants, internal stakeholders, and the public. Develops, implements, and tracks progress of program initiatives.
- Reporting & Community Engagement: Develops, writes, and maintains a variety of reports, documents, correspondence, and records related to areas of environmental/regulatory compliance and sustainability. Tracks trends, compiles, and communicates data and information. Participates in promotional and outreach activities. Develops and presents learning plans and information. Facilitates participation in program initiatives and responds to inquiries.
- Monitoring & Organizational Effectiveness: Monitors projects, timelines, specifications, program plans, and metrics. Analyzes current practices, identifies improvement opportunities, and implements strategies to support company goals.
- Manage Change: Uses change management strategies to guide the organization through transitions in structure, processes, or systems with minimal disruption. Shares standards, best practices, and innovative approaches.
- Work-Related Driving*: Operates and drives Authority vehicles to work sites to complete required inspections or project coordination
The Skills You Need:
Change Management - Identifies and implements available tools, techniques, and behaviors necessary to support change efforts that require the adoption and realization of change to achieve business outcomes and initiatives; adapts to evolving situations and effectively addresses resistances and concerns. Project Management – Accurately assesses project scope, budget, and timeline by determining required process steps and resources needed to achieve defined outcomes and objectives; monitors and verifies task completion and resolves coordination issues to assure efficient, timely completion. Relationship & Interpersonal Skills – Cultivates interpersonal rapport and trust, both up and down, by exhibiting consistency and reliability; demonstrates awareness of others’ needs. Influence – Communicates and writes proficiently to gain others’ support for ideas, proposals, projects, and solutions. Articulates clear rationale in discussions. Leveraging Technology - Effectively uses and generates information electronically; integrates technology solutions and systems.
The Experience You Need to Have**:
- Graduation from a four-year college or university in environmental science, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
- One year of experience involving analysis, planning, and/or implementation of professional environmental-related program assignments
- Or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :
- A valid California Class “C” driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
- Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio, and telecommunications equipment.
Preferred one or more of the following Licenses or Certificates:
- LEED, Envision, or WELL accreditation preferred.
- QSD/QSP/QISP Certifications
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) State Certification
*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.
