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Raftelis · 13 hours ago

Santa Margarita Water District - Director of Operations

Santa Margarita, CA, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$211K/yr - $291K/yr

10+ years exp

Raftelis is partnering with Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD), which is entering a new chapter of growth and renewal. The Director of Operations will lead transformative change, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen SMWD’s reputation for excellence by overseeing a large operations team and managing a significant budget.

ConsultingFinancial Services

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Oversee the District’s largest and most multifaceted department, which includes three core areas of responsibility: Collections & Distributions, Water & Wastewater Treatment, and Equipment Maintenance

Provide leadership for approximately 100 employees; develop, manage, and monitor an annual operating budget of nearly $100 million

Work directly with Engineering to help strategize and develop the capital improvement program to ensure operational needs and long-term infrastructure priorities are fully integrated into project scope, scheduling, and resource allocation

Provide strategic leadership for all operational functions, including the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, potable and recycled water distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, fleet and equipment maintenance, and emergency response activities

Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations while meeting rigorous regulatory requirements, environmental standards, and performance expectations

Shape organizational strategy, advance major initiatives, and strengthen cross-department collaboration

Provide expert guidance to senior leadership, managers, staff, and the Board of Directors on complex operational, regulatory, and infrastructure matters, and represent the District with regulatory agencies, industry partners, community organizations, and other public entities

Qualification

Water treatment operationsWastewater managementRegulatory complianceBudget managementEngineering knowledgeLeadership experienceCollaborationStrategic thinkingEmotional intelligenceProblem solving

Required

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in business or public administration, life sciences, engineering, or a closely related field

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing the operations or maintenance functions in a wastewater or water treatment agency

At least five years of experience at a manager level

Requisite certifications or a professional engineering license

Benefits

CalPERS Retirement: The Classic members’ formula is 2.7% at 55 with an employee contribution of 8%, while Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members have a formula of 2% at 62 with an employee contribution of 7.5%.

Medical: Multiple plans, including PPO and HMO options, are available. The District pays 100% of the cost for the employee’s coverage (not to exceed the amount of the highest HMO plan); the District will additionally contribute 50% of the premium cost for dependents.

Dental Insurance: Both HMO and PPO plans are available. The District covers the employee at 100%, regardless of the selected plan; dependent coverage is available at the District’s rates.

Vision Insurance: The District offers a Vision Service Plan (VSP) and pays the full cost for employees and their dependents.

Life Insurance: A term life insurance benefit is provided.

Paid Time Off: The District has a generous combined program for time off, with a typical starting accrual rate of 140 hours annually, which increases with years of service.

Holidays: The District observes 11½ holidays per year.

Social Security: The District does not pay into Social Security and provides a private disability program at no cost to the employees.

Other Benefits: Other employee benefit programs are available, including deferred compensation with partial matching and a flexible spending program for medical expenses.