Benjamin P. Claus

I am a project manager with over 20 years of experience in environmental consulting, asset management, risk assessment/mitigation, capital improvement project management, fiscal management, facility rehabilitation, health/occupational safety and hazardous materials programs management. I returned to the Bay Area in 2015 to join the City of Oakland's Environmental Services Division responsible for all environmental compliance programs (CERS, OSHA, BAAQMD, CalEPA, Regional Water Board, DTSC etc) as well as managing the investigation, remediation and redevelopment of dozens of underutilized City parcels into over 200 affordable housing units and several mixed-use commercial/residential properties.I managed the City's Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank (USTs/ASTs) program, Environmental Compliance database (CERS), Stormwater Management plans and Hazardous Waste programs.

My management methodology relies heavily upon collaboration, inclusion, transparency and unimpeded transmission of knowledge, be it technical, procedural or institutional. I have found that fostering trust and valuing honesty throughout the “chain-of-command” the project team can excel far above the sum of its individuals.

I possess extensive experience in project cost estimating, contracting, budget tracking (Oracle ERP, Intuit), Federal and State grant preparation, contract negotiations, team building and mentoring junior staff. I have years of public outreach experience including leading presentations, responding to community concerns, giving interviews, managing online outreach programs and negotiating with regulatory agencies. Managed firm fix-price contracts totaling $12.5 million relating to remediation, construction activities, stakeholder and regulatory involvement, public outreach and installation close-out for the U.S Navy and Army Corps. I have worked closely with numerous regulators including the U.S. EPA and numerous state DEP agencies including CA, ME, RI, MD, VA, CT, MA PA and New York in order to achieve success in the investigation, remediation and close-out of hundreds of impacted sites. Through the course of my career I have authored and reviewed hundreds of technical reports such as Site inspections (SI), remedial investigations, feasibility studies (RI/FS), site-specific work plans (SS-WP), engineering evaluation/cost analysis (EE/CA) and Health & Safety Plans (HASP). I have also been fortunate to work internationally in Puerto Rico, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, India and South Korea.

• Several years ago I returned to my native city, Oakland, to be closer to family and care for my Father. Since returning in 2015 I have been honorably and effectively serving the Citizens of Oakland as a Environmental Project Manager in the Environmental Services Division of Public Works as well as venturing into the private consulting world as a small business owner/partner. Throughout my 20-year career, approximately 12 in the private consulting arena with industry leading Fortune 500 engineering firms, and most recently eight in the Public Sector with the City of Oakland. I have steadily advanced my technical expertise, project management acumen, fiscal responsibility and accountability, including expertise in contract (RFP/RFQ) development/compliance/management, supervisory techniques as well as numerous contractors/subcontractors, stakeholder engagement, leadership skills, mentoring and effective public outreach and inclusion.
• I am now looking for new and unique positions where I can use not only my accumulated project/program management skill set, but more importantly learn and develop new skills and ways to serve clients and the public alike. As can be seen from my education and work experience I have a great capacity to acquire and apply knowledge, am adaptable, a life-long learner and pride myself on my diligence and work ethic. I look forward to accepting new opportunities with equally greater responsibility and accountability within the Bay Area to continue my efforts to improve how the private industry, State, Local governments and agencies, can provide services, preserve the environment and improve quality of life with equity, inclusion and sustainability for everyone they serve. The health and safety of all residents is my duty and my passion. I strive to ensure, to the best of my abilities, that good health and a safe, livable and sustainable environment is available to all residents. It is my goal to bring my intellect, hard work ethic, 20 years of diverse work experience and problem solving skills to a higher level and safeguard the wellness of all citizens and assist them in their path to safe living and prosperity.

• California Association of Environmental Professionals
• Society for Conservation Biology
• Professional Environmental Management Association
• Association of Military Engineers