Director of Operations and Maintenance

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

The San Diego County Water Authority sustains a $253 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, major infrastructure investments and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. A public agency created in 1944, the Water Authority delivers a safe and reliable wholesale water supply at an affordable cost to 24 retail water agencies, including cities, special districts, and the Camp Pendleton military base.

The Director of Operations and Maintenance must possess a strategic business perspective and must be an innovative thinker, effective leader of people and processes, and able to utilize and develop the talents of staff and subordinates to carry out the mission of the Water Authority. The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced, collaborative and solutions-oriented public servant who prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and employee, infrastructure, and water safety. The incumbent must be knowledgeable in the principles and practices of water utility operations, management, and organization, including construction and maintenance of water facilities and distribution systems, as well as pertinent local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations including those that apply to safe drinking water and worker safety.

The incumbent is responsible for leading the 85.5 FTEs assigned to the Operations & Maintenance Department who are responsible for the Water Authority’s Operations and Maintenance, Asset Management, and Facilities Security and Emergency Preparedness Programs. This includes: controlling water deliveries to meet member agency demands; managing dam and reservoir operations; performing pump station and power generation operations and maintenance; overseeing water treatment plant operations; ensuring water quality and complying with all applicable environmental regulations; performing preventive and corrective maintenance on the Water Authority’s aqueduct system, fleet, facilities and right of way; managing computerized controls equipment; monitoring and maintaining infrastructure assets through the Asset Management Program; and supporting enhanced emergency preparedness and cybersecurity through local, state and federal projects and partnerships. 

The selected individual must have an orientation toward action and accepting responsibility for results and a passion for the profession and a commitment to public service. This position requires a person with a high energy level, flexibility, and willingness to implement leading-edge solutions. This incumbent must effectively engage with the Board of Directors, member agencies, industry and community members, and have a demonstrated ability to build alliances with all stakeholders.

Qualification Guidelines

This position requires substantial, progressively responsible experience that demonstrates the ability to provide strategic leadership, management, and accountability to a highly complex organization. A candidate must have a combination of public sector managerial and technical skills. A typical qualifying background would include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, public or business administration, or a closely related field supplemented by ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation and maintenance of a large, complex water transmission and/or distribution system, including five years in a management capacity. All highly qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this outstanding opportunity.

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application, resume and cover letter through the San Diego County Water Authority's website, by 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Apply online at www.sdcwa.org/careers.