Located two miles north of downtown San José, Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) is a completely self-supporting enterprise, owned and operated by the City of San José.
The Airport Improvement Program, currently
underway, will result in a state-of-the-art
international airport. The program is being
built in two phases, with phase one set to be
completed by 2010. Phase one features a
new Terminal B, upgrades to the existing
Terminal A, and the demolition of the current
Terminal C. Also included will be new
parking and rental car facilities, as well as
improved roadway access.
"It’s a great environment andI work with people from many different fields such as networking, engineering, coding, phone systems etc so there is always something new someone can teach you here." -Daniel Freedman, Intern of 2008.
"The internship has been a great experience in exposing me to the management and operation of an airport. The internship has only increased my drive to choose Airport Management as a career." -Steven Crane, Intern of 207.
The Office of the City Attorney is committed to providing excellent legal services, consistent with the highest professional and ethical standards, to the City and Redevelopment Agency, with the goal of protecting and advancing their interests in serving the people of San Jose.
The Office of the City Attorney has a $15.5 million budget in 2007-2008 with a staff of 95 employees including 52 lawyers. City Attorney Rick Doyle leads a Senior Management Team that sets Office policy, and plans, directs, and manages the work of the Office to ensure the efficient delivery of legal services to the clients. The Senior Management Team includes the City Attorney; Two Assistant City Attorneys; the Chief Trial Attorney; Two Chief Deputy City Attorneys; the Chief Deputy General Counsel; and the Chief of Staff.
The Office also has a team of managers that supervise support services staff, including paralegals, legal administrative assistants, office specialists, and accounting and information technology personnel. In-house staff performs virtually every function necessary for the operation of a law office. Reliance on outside counsel and vendors is minimal and generally limited to situations where it is more efficient or cost-effective to outsource.
"Working for such a large city provides a wide variety of projects. Being here I continue some of the abstract learning that is inherent in a legal education, but I also get to see many of the practical applications of these matters." -Jeff Farr, Intern of 2007.
As an independent audit function, the Office of the City Auditor plays an integral role in the oversight process. Findings and recommendations developed through the audit process have helped save tax dollars, increase revenue, and improve the management of City and Redevelopment Agency programs. Additionally, our independent reviews have served as an important, objective information source for the City Council, City management, the Redevelopment Agency, and the general public.
The goals of the Office of the City Auditor are to promote accountability to the public and to improve the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of City government. Our mission is, at the direction of the City Council, to conduct or cause to be conducted financial and program performance reviews of City departments, offices, and agencies in accordance with applicable auditing standards. Our principal objective is to identify $4 in savings or increased revenue for every $1 of audit cost.
To learn more about City Auditor, please click on this link to go to the Office of City Auditor's site.http://www.sanjoseca.gov/auditor/
The City of San José operates under the Council/Manager form of government a system that combines the policy leadership of an elected city council, with the managerial expertise of an appointed city manager supported by a professional staff.
The City Manager's Office is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and management of all 15 City departments, including: Police, Fire, Mineta San José International Airport, Public Works, Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, Environmental Services, Housing, San José Public Library and others. In addition, the City Manager's Office directs the development and implementation of the City's over $2.6 billion annual Operating and Capital Budgets, and coordinates public information and outreach.
"The city offers me the opportunity to get daily hands-on training in my field, build a diverse professional network, and compensate me well for my time." -Sam Baird, Communication Intern of 2008.
"I really like the friendly and professional people I work with. They are not only smart but also willing to help and support you, too. It’s a great working and learning environment to be in." -Joyce Chen, Communication Intern of 2008.
"I am so grateful to be part of the City of San José Domestic Violence Prevention to send a voice out to those individuals that lost their loved ones as well as the survivor of such crisis and make sure to send a message out there to our community that they are not alone in their loss and suffer." -Sogol Matin, Domestic Violence Prevention Intern of 2007.
The Budget Office provides analysis and recommendations to the City Manager regarding fiscal and operational issues. On a monthly basis, the Budget Office prepares a Monthly Financial Report (MFR) for submission to the City Council. The MFR reports on City revenue collections and on expenditures and highlights unanticipated trends and potential problem areas. The Budget Office also prepares and publishes the principal budget documents, including the Proposed and Adopted Operating and Capital Budgets, Fees and Charges reports, the Annual Report, the City Manager’s Five Year Forecast and Revenue Projections, and the Mid-Year Budget Request and Review.
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) consists of over 500 projects and programs valued at $1.9 billion. As the size and scope of the CIP has grown, so has the need for City staff to deliver on this multitude of projects. The City Manager created the CIP Action Team (CIPAT) in March 2002 with the specific goal of monitoring and improving the way we deliver these capital projects.
CIP works closely with each City Service Area to ensure the City is meeting its project delivery commitments to the community and its performance goals with a CSA-based approach to project delivery. The team also works closely with City departments to help bring existing processes into alignment, eliminate redundant efforts and increase efficiency.
To learn more about Capital Improvement Program, please click on this likn to go to CIP's site.http://www.sanjoseca.gov/cipat/
The Office of Economic Development (OED) is committed to a vital, competitive San José economy that increases prosperity for people and companies and enhances City revenues. The Office guides the City's economic strategy, provides assistance for business success, helps connect employers with trained workers, and provides Art and Cultural resources to our community.
"Working for the City's Office of Cultural Affairs has been such a great opportunity. Throughout my experience as an events coordinator intern and being a volunteer myself, I find it really important to give back to the community. Volunteering has made me feel good about the work I have done and I definitely appreciate volunteers in the work they have put out." -Sheila Ngo, Events Coordinator Intern of 2009.
"I love my internship because I get to learn about such a diverse array of artists and their artistic mediums as well as the political processes of government which allow these pieces to become works of Public Art for all people to enjoy." -Kasia Gondek, Public Art Intern of 2007.
To learn more about Economic Development, please click on this link to go to the Office of Economic Development's site. http://www.sjeconomy.com/
The Office of Emergency Services (OES), provides services to the City organization and to the community to prepare an effective response to natural, technological, and human-caused disasters. San José coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Maintenance and activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a primary mission of OES.
In addition, OES monitors federal and state legislation that directly impacts the provision of emergency services to the community. In conjunction with the Office of Intergovernmental Relations, OES develops recommendations on legislative policy and positions for City Council adoption, monitoring legislative or regulatory actions to ensure that City concerns are addressed.
The Office of Employee Relations encourages effective employee relations for City of San José employees by supporting a positive, productive, and respectful work environment, and enhancing the City's ability to deliver efficient, quality customer service.
The Office of the City Clerk provides strategic support services to the legislative body, facilitating interaction between
the legislative process and the community. The Office also conducts elections for Mayor, City Council and various
ballot measures. The duties of the Clerk are outlined in the City Charter, the California Government Code, the San
José Municipal Code and the Council Policy Manual. All City departments contribute to the City Clerk’s delivery of
services to the community. The City Clerk’s role in legislative and elective processes requires neutrality and
independence as key qualities in conducting the business of the Office. In a political arena, the City Clerk is the nonpolitical
and objective component.
In 1993, the Environmental Services Department (ESD) was formed to integrate these programs and other environmental protection services. The Environemental Services work with the community to conserve resources and safeguard the environment for future generations.
ESD helps San José to respond quickly to new regulations and initiatives, and to retool and improve customer services such as garbage and recycling collection, wastewater treatment, and the sale of potable and recycled water. With over 400 employees and an annual budget of $124 million, ESD is one of the City's largest and most visible departments. Among its major initiatives are to provide:
Healthy streams, rivers, marshlands and Bay waters;
Reliable water, garbage, and recycling services;
Clean and green air, land and energy policy development; and
Community education aimed at environmental sustainability
"I think the Environmental Services Department is like no other. We live and breathe the Green Vision. We definitely uphold our mission statement to “work with our community to conserve resources and safeguard the environment for future generations.” The Green Vision will enhance the way of life for San Jose residents." -Melissa Baxter, Intern of 2008.
"This department encompasses a diverse group of people who are experienced, knowledgeable, and know how to work well together to successfully operate such a complex and important facility. They also genuinely care for each other’s well being." -Theresa Brickley , Water Plant Intern of 2008.
"The Environmental Services Department is a department that gives extraordinary service to the public while protecting the environment." -Simret Yigzaw, Water Plant Intern of 2008.
"My favorite part of the day is riding the elevators and meeting talented, intelligent people who love their job and are proud of the city they work for." -Amy Chan, Management Fellow of 2008-2009.
"It’s a fantastic, challenging, and inspiring place to work. Our projects are strategic and very far-reaching by nature, and at the same time must work in concert with a plethora of other City and community processes. The work therefore has to concentrate as much on education and marketing as policy and technology. It’s a great juggle." -Shayna Hirshfield, Management Fellow of 2006-2007.
The mission of Finance Department is to manage, protect, and report on the City of San José's financial resources to enhance the City's financial condition for our residents, businesses and investors. Core services of Finance Department include debt managemen, disbursements, financial reporting, purchasing and materials management, and revenue management.
To learn more about Finance, please click on this link to go to Finance's site.http://www.csjfinance.org/
Fire Department (FD) works to serve the community by protecting life, property,
and the environment through prevention and
response. The department's core services include:
Emergency Response—providing comprehensive life safety services to residents and visitors by
responding to emergencies in San José’s incorporated and unincorporated areas,
totaling approximately 200 square miles.
Fire Prevention—educating the community to reduce injuries, loss of life, and property damage
from fires and other accidents, and investigates fire cause, and providing regulatory
enforcement of fire and hazardous materials codes through inspection activities.
Fire Safety Code Compliance—minimizing loss of life and property from fires and hazardous materials releases, and pProviding on-site code inspections and code plan review services to the City of San
José business community and residents in the San José service area, resulting in a
fire and chemical-safe environment.
"FD is impressive and dynamic.The FD stresses the importance of training, education, core values, and safety." -Joseph Drezek, Management Fellow of 2008-2009.
To learn more about Fire, please click on this link to go to Fire Department's site.http://www.sjfd.org/
General Services Department works to optimize the performance of City Fleet and Facility Assets by proactively partnering with customers, enabling the delivery of their service. The two core services include, Facilities Management,
providing safe, efficient, comfortable, attractive and functional, and Fleet and Equipment Services,
managing operations which provide a safe and reliable fleet of vehicles
and equipment
buildings and facilities.
"I absolutely Love General Services. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful to new people who come into the department. Employees within General Services are friendly but at the same time are very goal oriented. The City of San José pushes for a better community and better work ethic for their employees. General Services helps to set that example for the City of San José." -Angelie Herreria, Intern of 2008.
"The General Services Department is a hardworking group of people. With greening the City’s fleet, taking on new challenges like managing the Mexican Heritage Plaza and delivering on the department vision to be the preferred provider of services at the best value to the City, the General Services Department exemplifies core values and high performance." -Elisa Echeverria, Management Fellow of 2004-2005.
Currently no department site on Internet.
The Animal Care & Services (ACS) created by the City of San José in 2001. This was in response to the Humane Society Silicon Valley's notification that they could no longer continue providing shelter and field service contracts for Santa Clara County cities. With the completion of the City of San José's new Animal Care Center, the City of San José itself is now providing shelter and field services for San José residents and for residents of Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas and Saratoga.
Animal Care & Services (ACS) is a full-service division that offers the community many valuable programs and services. Within ACS are three units: Field Operations,Shelter Operationsand Administration. Although each unit is responsible for different aspects of ACS, they are dependent upon each other and work together cohesively to best benefit both the animals and the community.
To learn more about Animal Care & Services, please click on this link to go to Animal Care & Services's site.http://www.sanjoseanimals.com/
The Housing Department partners with developers, lenders, and public agencies to provide City of San José residents with attractive, safe and affordable housing.
The department works to assist San José's lower- and moderate-income families by increasing, preserving, and improving housing that is affordable and livable, and to the extent possible, ensuring long-term affordability and contributing to neighborhood revitalization.
The Department of Housing's core services as defined through the City's Investing In Results (IIR) initiative are to:
Increase the affordable housing supply.
Maintain the existing affordable housing supply.
Provide services to homeless and at-risk populations.
"I’m unsure how it happened but everyone in the homeless division seems to have fallen from the same tree. We all get along exceptionally well and I’m particularly excited that my superiors are either vegetarian or vegan. The team is comprised of some truly compassionate and sincere individuals." -Brandon Davis, VISTA Volunteer of 2008.
"The greatest thing about Housing is the amazing people that I work with every single day." -James Tran, VISTA Volunteer of 2008.
"I think the Housing Department is a dynamic environment full of educated and innovative thinkers. It is exciting to be a part of this large department as it is very diverse and inclusive of all the people that we serve." -Jarrod Gray, VISTA Volunteer of 2008.
"Our department rocks and I dare anyone to prove me wrong." -Michael Briesch, VISTA Volunteer of 2008.
"Since my very first day in the Housing Department I’ve felt strong support and encouragement from everyone. I’m not only proud of the work this department does, but also the people who help make it happen." -Chrissy Ramoneda, Intern of 2008.
"I am so happy to be in the Housing Department. I love our mission and everyone is here because they want to make the world and their community a better place." -Alina Kwak, Management Fellow of 2006-2007.
"The Housing Department is a great place to work. Not only is the work challenging, but the people are talented and fun to be around." -Robert Lopez, Intern of 2005.
"The Housing Department is a great department to work in. The policies and planning issues related to (affordable) housing continue to be important for San José. I have great managers and colleagues, who are smart and dedicated, as well as kind, friendly, and respectful. They know how to enjoy themselves while at the same time working hard towards important City and social goals. The Department has an easygoing atmosphere, and it is difficult to overstate how important this intangible quality is, especially during crunch time." -Wayne Chen, Intern of 2004.
"The Housing Department is a great place to work because you have the opportunity to work on many facets of a key issue facing Silicon Valley – the need for affordable housing. Also, my co-workers are incredibly bright and passionate folks who care about providing a public service. People here also know how to get the job done and have fun." -Alejandra Herrera Chávez, Management Fellow of 2004-2005.
To learn more about Housing, please click on this link to go to Housing Department's site.http://www.sjhousing.org/
The Human Resources Department (HR) delivers innovative and timely human resources services and leadership to enable the City, its departments, and employees to provide world class municipal services to our diverse residents and visitors. HR's core services includes:
Employee Benefits—providing benefit programs that best meet the needs of employees, retirees, their
dependents and the City, and assist participants to utilize their plans effectively.
Employment Services—facilitating the timely hiring of excellent employees and maintain the City’s
classification and compensation systems.
Health and Safety—providing services that ensure employee health, safety and well-being.
Performance Development—providing programs that build the capacity of individual employees.
"I love the people! Everyone in the City is extremely friendly and lively. The City of San José provides an extremely diverse environment and I am very thankful for having the opportunity to meet so many individuals around the City." -Randy Sok, Intern of 2008.
"I liked working with the city because Ii met a lot of people that could later help me in the future and who provide great advice." -Isidro, Intern of 2008.
"I think HR is the heart of the City, I guess that’s kind of a bias opinion. But I honestly think that without HR the City would not be what it is. Especially the Workforce R&D team, our job is to diversify the City, and all these events that we have put together [ie. “Are You IN?” event, Intern BBQ, and the Citywide Pilot Intern Mentoring Program] prove that we are truly there for the employees, especially the interns." -Ladan Mahini, Intern of 2007-2008.
“The City of San José Human Resources Department is extremely welcoming and supportive to both potential hires and new employees. The work environment is comfortable yet professional, flexible yet challenging.” -Lea Major, Intern of 2007.
“We do care about serving employees and protecting the City.” -John Dam, Management Fellow of 1988-1989.
The Office of the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) provides independent oversight of and instill confidence in the complaint process through objective review of police misconduct investigations. By providing outreach to the San Jose community and making thoughtful policy recommendations to the City Council, the IPA works to promote accountability and to strengthen the relationship between the San Jose Police Department and the community it serves.
To learn more about Independent Police Auditor, please click on this link to go to Office of Independent Police Auditor's site.http://www.sanjoseca.gov/ipa/
The Information Technology Department provides office automation and data processing services which increases the effectiveness of all City departments. Software and technical support is provided to evaluate, procure, develop or modify software programs to the specified needs of various operating units; hardware and technical support is provided for City-wide, remote and local area operating platforms; networked automation support is available to all City staff including a trouble call hotline; and centralized computer processing services are provided on all major systems including report generation and distribution, input/output and tape controls, system backups and batch data entry services.
To learn more about Information Technology, please click on this link to go to Information Technology Department's site. http://www.sanjoseca.gov/itd/
The Department was reorganized to be called the Department of Parks and Recreation in 1965. Through the 1990s, PRNS was involved in Special Olympics, Senior Games and won many awards for their anti-graffiti and anti-smoking programs. The Department now serves the residents with a new Citywide Activity Guide, which provides programs, classes and activities information and provides park and city services contacts.
The department works to support livability of neighborhoods, offer opportunities for individuals to enjoy life, and strengthen communities of people.
"PRNS is a very fun department; we really make you feel at home. The transition to PRNS was so easy for me because everyone was so kind and courteous to me. Maintaining a work/life balance is very important to me and PRNS does a great job at it! " -Zebra Ebrahimi, Intern of 2007.
"PRNS offers an open working environment with friendly faces and projects that enhance the lives of the residents of San José. I enjoy working in the PRNS department because of the good that we do for the community." - Nicole Morrison, Intern of 2007.
To learn more about Park, Recreation and Neighborhood Servicses please click on this link to go to Department of Park, Recreation and Neighborhood Services's site. http://www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/
Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement
The Planning Division is part of the Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE).
The Planning Services Division is responsible for the City's long range planning activities including the San Jose 2020 General Plan, the San José Zoning Code, special plans and policy studies, coordination with related outside agencies. This Division develops the policies and programs that determine where and how the City will grow in future years and how that growth will be balanced with the availability of infrastructure and services and with the needs and interests of the existing city. It also provides various supportive services such as Data Management and Public Information. It monitors development activity and provides development and demographic information to other City Departments, public agencies and the public.
The plans, policies and ordinances developed by Planning Services Division also provide the policy framework for the work of the Department's other divisions. The Plan Implementation Division reviews and acts on specific proposals for development to ensure consistency with the City's land use regulations (particularly the Zoning Ordinance) policy plans, and the General Plan. These plans and regulations also provide the overall direction for the final stages of the City's land use and development review activities -- the permitting and the enforcement activities of the Building and Code Enforcement Divisions.
"Interning for PBCE has been a great experience for me, not only because of the fantastic projects I have worked on, but also because I have been blessed to work with an exceptional group of people who have treated me with respect and professionalism, as if I was one of their own." -Marian Duran, Intern of 2008.
The Building Division protects the lives and safety of the citizens of San José and contribute to the City's economic development. This is accomplished through implementation of Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes. The Building Division also implements Engineering, Energy and Disabled Access regulations, and local and State laws for new construction.
The Code Enforcement Division works in partnership with the people of San José to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment. We help maintain or improve the quality of your community in three ways:
We administer a fair and unbiased enforcement program to correct violations of municipal codes and land use requirements.
We work with residents, neighborhood association, public service agencies and other City of San José departments to:
Empower community self-help programs.
Develop public outreach programs.
Establish community priorities for the enforcement program.
We initiate special programs targeted toward specific problems in San José communities.
The San José Police Department is administered by a command staff including the Chief, Assistant Chief and four Deputy Chiefs, presiding over an Operations Command divided into four Bureaus.
The San José Police Department is a dynamic, progressive and professional organization dedicated to maintaining community partnerships which promote a high quality of life for the City's diverse population. The Department is committed to treating all people with dignity, fairness and respect, protecting their rights and providing equal protection under the law.
To learn more about Police, please click on this link to go to Police Department's site. http://www.sjpd.org/
The Public Works Department has the primary responsibility to deliver facilities and infrastructure that meet the needs of the residents of San José and that comply with the standards and requirements established in the engineering guidelines and the City's Master Plans. The Department achieves its goals through planning, design and construction of the City's capital projects, and also through the plan review and permit process to regulate and facilitate private development projects.
"Public Works is dedicated to upholding the standards necessary for the safe and trustworthy design and construction of tomorrow’s developments." - Chris McMahon, intern of 2008.
The San José Redevelopment Agency (SJRA) is dedicated to creating jobs, building housing, and improving the lives of all who live and work in San José. The Redevelopment Agency partners with business and the community to accomplish economic revitalization in downtown San José, our technology parks and industrial areas, and our neighborhoods.
"The Redevelopment Agency is like Peace Corps with money, if you are serious about making positive change happen, the Agency has all the tools you need to get started…" -Kip Harkness, Management Fellow of 1998.
To learn more about Redevelopment Agency, please click on this link to go to Redevelopment Agency's site. http://www.sjredevelopment.org/
The Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI)purpose is to build Strong Neighborhoods by developing community leadership and working collaboratively with residents to achieve the delivery of City Services and Neighborhood Priorities.The core strategy is to provide meaningful and visible change in each neighborhood through five initiatives—Affordable Housing, Cleaner Neighborhoods, Safer and more attractive residential streets, Vital Business Districts with new facades and streetscapes, and New Parks and Community Centers.
"I think the Strong Neighborhood Initiative program is a one of kind program. In many ways, it is the government of the future which enables the public with the skills & tools to organize itself - in an efficient and effective manner." -Taruna Chhabra, Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Intern of 2008.
"The Neighborhood Development Center is led by an incredibly dedicated staff and an effective manager that has a long term vision for the future of the department. Working together with neighborhoods to achieve common goals the Neighborhood Development Center will continue to advocate for safer and healthier communities for years to come." -Gabe Rodriguez, Neighborhood Development Center Intern of 2008.
The Retirement Services Department works to rovide quality services in the delivery of
pension and related benefits and maintain
financially sound pension plans.
To learn more about Retirement Services, please click on this link to go to Retirement Services Department's site. http://www.sjretirement.com/
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for services that provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. They plan and program capital improvements for vehicles and pedestrians, and our engineers and planners work closely with other agencies to ensure that transit services and freeway improvements meet the needs of San Jose residents and businesses.
The department maintains the City's assets in 2,200 miles of street right-of-way. This includes a massive infrastructure of streets, sidewalks, landscaping, traffic devices, streetlights, sewers and storms drains. Our job is to preserve, repair and maintain this infrastructure. Maintenance staff, electricians, inspectors and contract managers do that, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During emergency situations, staff mobilizes to protect life and property.
"I have had a wonderful learning experience during my fellowship rotation in DOT. For the last couple of months, I have been given the chance to see that DOT is really a department that is centered on being at the forefront of diversifying the City’s transportation system. As more individuals are choosing public transit as a preferred mode of choice in comparison to the automobile, there is a strong need for sustainable transit options in order to enhance the quality of life for the residents of San José. Therefore, this multi-modal initiative is becoming imperative, given the current state of economy and the environment." -Alexandra Orologas, Management Fellow of 2008-2009.
"As I say at our Department meetings, it is the best one in the City, but I am biased!" -Jim Ortbal, Management Fellow of 1989-1990.
Students: From Campus to City Hall
200 East Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA 95113
Main: (408) 535-1285 Fax: (408) 292-6447 TTY:
e-mail: Human.Resources@sanjoseca.gov