WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 17, 2025) – The Delta Protection Commission has scheduled public workshops on July 15 and 17 to hear about the impacts of farmland conversion for habitat and flood control projects on farmers, reclamation districts, and other affected parties.
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Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Delta economy, and changes to farmland use can create challenges for those who rely on it.
Preliminary research by Delta Protection Commission staff suggests that more Delta farmland is being converted for habitat and flood management projects than for urban development. Additional conversions are planned. UPDATE: The preliminary results of our study are now available (PDF).
The Delta Protection Commission is preparing a report to better understand the scale and impacts of these changes, and to offer practical, achievable recommendations to prevent negative impacts.
Input from these workshops will be included in the final report, “Delta Farmland Conversions: Water Supply, Flood Control, and Habitat Projects,” which is expected to be presented to the Delta Protection Commission in September.
Workshop dates, times and locations are:
Following the second workshop, the Delta Protection Commission will hold its regular meeting at 5 p.m. at the same location as the workshop: The Point Restaurant. At that meeting, staff will share a summary of input received at the workshops.
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To attend, please use the sign-up form below to ensure adequate seating is available at each workshop.
DPC Chair Diane Burgis
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 6, 2025) – The Delta Protection Commission is seeking a new Executive Director to guide protection and enhancement of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region.
The DPC is one of three Delta-focused state agencies, and the only one overseen by an independent Commission composed mainly of elected representatives of Delta counties, cities, and reclamation districts.
“The Delta is rich in natural resources, agricultural production, history, and diverse communities and cultures. But it’s also a fragile place that needs our protection and support,” said Commission Chair Diane Burgis, who is a Contra Costa County supervisor.
“We’re looking for someone who can navigate the complexities of working with a variety of local, state, and federal agencies while providing strong vision, leadership, and direction for a staff of eight,” Burgis said.
More details, including key attributes of an ideal candidate, are available here.
What the DPC Does
The functions of the DPC include:
Land Use: Protecting legacy communities and the agricultural nature of the Delta by ensuring a variety of land-use decisions in the Primary Zone (PDF) conform with the Land Use and Resource Management Plan (PDF). The state Legislature has given the Commission authority to appeal these decisions, and hear appeals brought by others.
National Heritage Area: Promoting the Delta’s historic and cultural riches as the agency designated by Congress to coordinate the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area. The Delta is the first and only NHA in California. NHAs are supported by the National Park Service, but locally run and non-regulatory.
Great California Delta Trail: Fostering healthy connections to and through the Delta as the agency designated by the Legislature to coordinate the Great California Delta Trail. More than a single trail, the GCDT is envisioned as a network of land and water trails that will connect the San Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento.
Other DPC efforts include advocating for funding for levee maintenance and repairs, economic sustainability, community planning, and promoting the Delta as a place worthy of recognition, respect, and protection.
It also advocates for Delta interests with regard to the proposed Delta Conveyance Project.
Applying
To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, immediately submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of six work-related references (two supervisors, two direct reports, and two colleagues, who will not be contacted until final stages and only with prior permission of the candidate). Resume should reflect years and months of employment, beginning/ending dates, as well as size of staff and budgets you have managed.
Resume review will begin the morning of Monday, July 7, 2025.
Please submit your application here.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 2, 2025) – The Delta Protection Commission is accepting applications for four seats and additional alternates on its Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Advisory Committee.
The incumbents, who are all eligible to serve additional terms, are Dwayne Eubanks, David Stuart, Dan Whaley, Stuart Walthall, and alternate Paulette Hennum.
The committee, governed by this charter (PDF), advises the Delta Protection Commission about implementation of the National Heritage Area Management Plan (PDF) and acts as ambassadors to the diverse partners and communities in the NHA.
The committee is chaired by the Delta Protection Commission Executive Director or their designee, and includes two members of the Delta Protection Commission, 12 members of the public, and non-voting ex officio members representing the Legislature and public agencies.
Interested members of the public may apply to serve on this committee through 5 p.m. July 18. The Delta Protection Commission is expected to make the appointments Sept. 18.
Committee members are expected to attend six bimonthly in-person meetings per year, which are held in and around the NHA at rotating locations.
Apply for the openings here, or use the form below.
If you have questions, please email dpc@delta.ca.gov.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 16, 2025) – The Delta Protection Commission is accepting applications for a seat on the Delta Protection Advisory Committee (DPAC). There is an opening for Agriculture Seat 1 due to a mid-term resignation.
The appointee will serve the remainder of the term, which expires May 2026. Because there are no term limits, the appointee will be eligible to apply next year to serve a full three-year term.
The application period closes at 5 p.m. June 30.
DPAC provides recommendations to the Delta Protection Commission on diverse interests within the Delta. Committee members are expected to attend six meetings per year. DPAC typically meets on the first Tuesday of even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, and December), though meeting dates may occasionally shift. Meetings are held in the Delta at rotating locations.
Apply for the opening here.
If you have questions, please contact Delta Protection Commission Interim Executive Director Dan Ray at dan.ray@delta.ca.gov.
Protect the Delta – come work for the Delta Protection Commission as a staff services manager overseeing a complex operation for a small department.
This person works independently and manages the multidisciplinary administrative programs and staff in the areas of Commission clerk, including public meeting management; human resources; procurement and contracting; records management; communications; fiscal services; facilities; office support services; and EEO officer.
This position is suited for a subject matter generalist who possesses strong analytical skills, supervisory abilities, and personal qualifications, and works with the Executive Director to make decisions that relate to the DPC’s vision and mission.
Requirements: Employment application, Statement of Qualifications
Eligibility: Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility
Pay range: $6,963.00 – $8,650.00/month
Duty statement: Download PDF
Work location: West Sacramento
Telework: This position is designated as telework eligible-remote centered and is expected to report to the West Sacramento office at least two days a week
Reports to: Executive Director
APPLY BY APRIL 18: Click here for full details and to apply.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 14, 2025) – The application period to fill five seats on the Delta Protection Advisory Committee (DPAC) has been extended to 5 p.m. May 1.
Five incumbent Committee members’ terms expire in May:
- Delta Business (Seat 1) – Arron Pellarin, Village West Marina
- Delta General Public (Seat 1) – Anna Swenson – Clarksburg
- Delta Flood Entity – Chris Elias – San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency/CA Central Valley Flood Control Association
- Delta Conservation/Habitat NGO Entity – Jim Cox, CA Striped Bass Association
- Delta Water Exporter – Russ Ryan, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
All are eligible to reapply.
DPAC provides recommendations to the Delta Protection Commission on diverse interests within the Delta. Committee members are expected to attend six meetings per year. DPAC typically meets on the first Tuesday of even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, and December), though meeting dates may occasionally shift. Meetings are held in the Delta at rotating locations.
Committee member terms are three years, so these terms will expire in 2028.
Apply for the openings here.
If you have questions, please contact Delta Protection Commission Interim Executive Director Dan Ray at dan.ray@delta.ca.gov.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2025) – Applications to fill five seats on the Delta Protection Advisory Committee (DPAC) opened today. The application deadline is 5 p.m. March 14, and the Delta Protection Commission is scheduled to make the appointments May 15.
Five Committee members’ terms expire in May 2025:
- Delta Business (Seat 1) – Arron Pellarin, Village West Marina
- Delta General Public (Seat 1) – Anna Swenson – Clarksburg
- Delta Flood Entity – Chris Elias
- Delta Conservation/Habitat NGO Entity – Jim Cox, CA Striped Bass Association
- Delta Water Exporter – Russ Ryan, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
All are eligible to reapply.
DPAC provides recommendations to the Delta Protection Commission on diverse interests within the Delta. Committee members are expected to attend six meetings per year. DPAC typically meets on the first Tuesday of even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, and December), though meeting dates may occasionally shift. Meetings are held in the Delta at rotating locations.
Committee member terms are three years, so these terms will expire in 2028.
Apply for the openings here.
If you have questions, please contact Delta Protection Commission Interim Executive Director Dan Ray at dan.ray@delta.ca.gov.
Protect the Delta – come work for the Delta Protection Commission as a records coordinator!
The person in this limited-term (one year) position will serve as as the Records Coordinator while the Delta Protection Commission completes a records organization, indexing and Commission history project.
Requirements: Employment application, Statement of Qualifications
Eligibility: Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility.
Pay range: $1,875-$3,047/month
Duty statement: Download PDF
Work location: West Sacramento
Telework: This position is designated as telework eligible-office centered and may be allowed to work from home 1-2 days per week.
Reports to: Staff Services Manager II
APPLY BY OCT. 28: Click here for full details and to apply.
Protect the Delta – come work for the Delta Protection Commission as an information officer!
The person in this half-time, limited-term (one year) position will serve as the communications and tourism marketing lead for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, the first and only National Heritage Area in California.
The person will:
- Guide development of a tourism branding and marketing plan.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement tourism initiatives.
- Prepare effective written and visual communications about the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area.
Requirements: Examination, employment application, Statement of Qualifications
Qualifications: Information Officer (specialist) qualifications can be found on this page
Pay range: $2,928-$3,664/month
Duty statement: Download PDF
Work location: West Sacramento
Telework: Eligible for remote work, but required to work in office at least two days a week.
Reports to: Program Manager I
APPLY BY OCT. 15: Click here for full details and to apply.
Protect the Delta – come work for the Delta Protection Commission as a senior environmental planner!
The position acts as an in-house consultant performing the most difficult and complex work that is critical to the Commission’s basic mission and of statewide significance. Work includes:
- Ensuring compliance with the Land Use and Resource Management Plan.
- Planning and implementation of Community Action Plans for Legacy Communities, including tourism enhancement and other regional economic development and sustainability projects.
- Agency GIS work (GIS experience is required).
Work may include serving in a lead capacity over other personnel within the scope of activities conducted within the Commission.
Requirements: Examination, employment application, Statement of Qualifications
Qualifications: Senior Environmental Planner qualifications can be found on this page
Pay range: $8,425-$10,469/month
Duty statement: Download PDF
Work location: West Sacramento
Telework: Eligible for remote work three days a week.
Reports to: Executive Director
APPLY BY NOV. 22: Click here for full details and to apply.
