Water Resources Manager

San Diego County Water Authority

Water Resources Manager

SALARY

$98.54 - $134.49 Hourly

$17,080.96 - $23,310.73 Monthly

$204,971.52 - $279,728.80 Annually

LOCATION

Kearny Mesa, CA

JOB TYPE

Full Time

REMOTE EMPLOYMENT

Flexible/Hybrid

JOB NUMBER

2026-08-2101

DEPARTMENT

Water Resources

OPENING DATE

08/17/2026

CLOSING DATE

9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

SALARY

$98.54 - $134.49 Hourly

$17,080.96 - $23,310.73 Monthly

$204,971.52 - $279,728.80 Annually

LOCATION

Kearny Mesa, CA

JOB TYPE

Full Time

REMOTE EMPLOYMENT

Flexible/Hybrid

JOB NUMBER

2026-08-2101

DEPARTMENT

Water Resources

OPENING DATE

08/17/2026

CLOSING DATE

9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Organization

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $267 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. Are you a transitioning or former member of the military with experience as an Interdisciplinary Project Manager, Regulatory Project Manager, Hydrologic/Civil Engineer, or in a similar military role? Your project management and technical background may translate directly into success in this position. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at [https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe onload="load(this)"/mos-translator](https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe onload=).

The San Diego County Water Authority offers excellent benefits, a supportive work/life balance, and the opportunity to contribute to an industry leading organization.

The Water Resources Department

The Water Resources Department is responsible for water supply planning, long-term facilities planning, environmental, regulatory and support services. The department also: conducts facilities planning and feasibility studies in support of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Asset Management Program; develops long-range demand forecasting for facility and financial planning; provides regulatory policy support through research and analyses of regulatory and legislative initiatives; administers the Permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate program, water use efficiency (WUE) program, the Water Purchase Agreement for the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, and agreements for the delivery of water to Mexico; provides member agency assistance in local supply development; manages a centralized grants program; manages the Water Authority's administration of the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and grants; and ensures environmental regulatory compliance of Water Authority programs and projects.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, technically skilled, and highly collaborative professional with deep experience in water resources, engineering, or public-sector infrastructure planning. This individual excels at evaluating complex data, guiding technical studies, and shaping long-term water supply and facility planning efforts that support regional reliability. They bring strong analytical capability, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to translate technical findings into clear, practical recommendations.

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator who can confidently deliver presentations to the Board of Directors, member agencies, community partners, and external audiences. They are comfortable representing the organization in professional conferences, technical forums, and regional working groups. This person will stay actively engaged in emerging industry trends and public-sector issues affecting water management.

Leadership is central to success in this role. The ideal candidate is an experienced supervisor who fosters teamwork, develops staff, and builds a positive learning environment for technical professionals. They demonstrate skill in coaching, training, workload management, and setting clear expectations to support high-quality work products and professional growth.

A strong commitment to public service, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments and partner agencies are essential. The ideal candidate thrives in a mission-driven organization and approaches long-term planning, resource stewardship, and program administration with integrity, innovation, and a forward-looking mindset.

The Position

The Water Authority is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to oversee key technical functions central to the region’s long-term water reliability. This position is responsible for guiding both water supply planning and facility planning, ensuring that the agency’s resource strategies and infrastructure initiatives are grounded in sound engineering analysis, regulatory awareness, and long-range forecasting.

Serving as a technical program lead, the incumbent directs complex analytical work involving hydrologic modeling, water demand forecasting, system evaluations, and planning-level engineering studies. The role oversees the development of major planning documents that inform capital investments, operational strategies, and long-term resource sustainability. In addition, the position administers water supply programs, ensuring alignment with regional needs, statewide policy objectives, and evolving environmental and regulatory requirements.  This includes administration of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant Water Purchase Agreement.

The Water Authority operates in a dynamic public-sector environment, and this role requires an individual who is highly engaged, collaborative, and well-versed in regional water issues. The incumbent regularly participates in industry conferences, technical committees, and regional coordination efforts to remain current on emerging trends, regulatory developments, and best practices in water management.

This position also serves as a primary technical representative to internal and external audiences. The incumbent prepares and delivers presentations to the Board of Directors, member agencies, community groups, and professional organizations, translating complex engineering, planning, and policy information into clear, actionable insights that support informed decision-making.

As a key member of the department’s leadership team, the role includes comprehensive management of staff, including supervision of technical personnel, development of annual work plans, employee development and training, and mentorship to support high-performing teams. The successful candidate will foster collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence across all program areas.

Together, these responsibilities make this position essential to advancing the Water Authority’s mission of providing a safe, reliable water supply through strategic planning, sound engineering, and effective program administration.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is responsible for planning, assigning, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the work of professional and technical staff in the Water Resources Department. Supervision of functions and staff is exercised either directly or through subordinate supervisors. Assignments are typically received in the form of general instructions and objectives from the Director of Water Resources requiring the application of extensive knowledge and independent judgment and initiative in coordinating program activities. This is an at-will senior-management level position and serves at the pleasure of the Water Authority.

Representative Duties The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Manage and direct the development, implementation and evaluation of planning standards, policies, systems, procedures and priorities to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.

• Direct, coordinate and evaluate the performance of assigned staff and provide coaching for performance improvement and development; take action to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the Water Authority’s personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions.

• Provide day-to-day leadership to ensure a high performing work environment and coordinate with the department director to develop and retain highly competent, customer service-oriented staff.

• Direct, develop and participate in the preparation of highly complex water resources programs, studies and reports and formulate policy initiatives relative to water resources.

• Participate on Boards and technical committees for statewide and national advocacy groups.

• Represent the Water Authority to consultants, contractors, the public and to the media.

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Water Resources Manager

Optional Hybrid Work Schedule:

The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer employees flexibility and work-life balance.  An option to telework up to 3 days per week and work onsite 2 days per week is available for this position. Employees authorized to telework must be able to report to Water Authority facilities as needed, depending on the operational needs of the department and/or area of assignment. Additionally, employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. While onboarding and training, the successful candidate may be required to work primarily onsite before establishing a hybrid work schedule.

Qualification Guidelines

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural or physical sciences, economics, natural resources management, urban or regional planning, civil or environmental engineering, public administration, or a closely related field supplemented by ten years of increasingly responsible professional water resources experience, including two years at the level of the Water Authority's Principal Water Resources Specialist class or equivalent.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Monday, September 7 , 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

Exam Schedule

Application Deadline: September 7, 2026

Panel Interview Date: September 18, 2026

Department Interview Date: October 5, 2026

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

EmployerSan Diego County Water Authority

Address

4677 Overland Avenue

San Diego, California, 92123

Phone 858-522-6660

Websitehttp://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcwa/default.cfm

EmployerSan Diego County Water AuthorityPhone 858-522-6660 Websitehttp://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcwa/default.cfmAddress

4677 Overland Avenue

San Diego, California, 92123

Water Resources Manager Supplemental Questionnaire* QUESTION 1APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications, unless specifically required as part of the application process.

I understand and agree to answer each question truthfully, and that my responses can be verified from information included within the application.

• QUESTION 2EDUCATION Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college, but no degree

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree or higher

None of the above

QUESTION 3 If you have you graduated from an accredited college or university, please indicate the major area of study below.

Natural or Physical Science

Economics

Natural Resources Management

Urban or Regional Planning

Civil Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Public Administration

Other related field

Other non-related field

• QUESTION 4EXPERIENCE Please indicate your years of professional, progressively responsible, water resources planning experience.

I do not have any related work experience.

Less than 8 years

More than 8 years, but less than 10

More than 10 years

• QUESTION 5 Please indicate your years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity.

I do not have any related work experience

Less than 2 years

More than 2 years, but less than 5

More than 5 years

• QUESTION 6SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: Please note, your response to the following questions will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in the recruitment. Please be thorough, and do not paste text from your work history or resume as a response.

Briefly describe your planning experience in a supervisory or management role. Please include the number of direct and indirect staff, job title, and supervisory responsibilities. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A."

• QUESTION 7 Describe your experience in developing, and presenting water resources planning documents for public water systems. Please include a description of the type(s) of planning documents you have developed. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A."

• QUESTION 8 Describe your experience advancing and obtaining support for policy positions to elected officials, regulatory agencies, statewide water advocacy organizations, or other high-level audiences. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A."

• QUESTION 9 Describe your role and experience preparing, reviewing, analyzing, and administering a budget. Include any examples of work performed that directly informs a public agency’s budgeting or rate-setting process. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A."

• QUESTION 10WORK HISTORY

Applicants are required to provide a complete work history. Individuals with an extensive employment history should include at least ten years of employment history. All applicants must account for any gaps in employment of more than 30 days. Failure to provide a complete employment history, omission of prior employers, or failure to account for employment gaps of more than 30 days, may result in disqualification from the selection process.

I understand and have provided a complete employment history, including accounting for any employment gaps of more than 30 days.

• QUESTION 11APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)

The San Diego County Water Authority Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis). Read any notices that we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep hard copies of our notices for your records.

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

• Required Question

This listing was sourced from 4dayweek.io.