Director of Operations

Joshua Basin Water District • Joshua Tree, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Under administrative direction, this position oversees, directs, organizes, and supervises all aspects of the District’s Operations Department, including water transmission and distribution, production, maintenance, field services, and capital improvement. The incumbent oversees the management, development, and administration of key programs such as Water Quality, Water Production, Water Storage and Recharge, Water Distribution, Safety, GIS, Engineering, and Regulatory Compliance. The incumbent provides high-level, complex support to the General Manager, works closely with internal departments, and coordinates with outside agencies. This position is designated as the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) for the District. This position requires a high level of professional, operational, technical, and administrative expertise, along with significant accountability to the General Manager, Board of Directors, and the District’s customers. The individual in this role must be capable of performing a wide range of complex and varied tasks, demonstrating strong interpersonal, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as to prioritize, lead, and manage effectively, is essential. As a member of the District’s executive management team, this employee is expected to actively engage in addressing District-wide issues, including those that may extend beyond their direct area of responsibility.

Requirements

• Minimum of (10) ten years progressive experience in the operation and maintenance of water distribution and supply systems.
• Minimum of (7) seven years supervision or management experience overseeing the operations, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of water treatment and distribution facilities.
• Minimum (3) three years of project management experience on infrastructure and/or engineering projects.
• Experience working with a special district, public works, and Board of Directors.
• Possession of a completed four-year degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, business, civil engineering, water science, or closely related field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

• Grade V SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
• AWWA Cross Connection Control Certificate.
• Project Management certification and/or experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, directs, organizes, and supervises all aspects of the District’s Operations Department, including water transmission and distribution, production, maintenance, field services, and capital improvement.
• Oversees the management, development, and administration of key programs such as Water Quality, Water Production, Water Storage and Recharge, Water Distribution, Safety, GIS, Engineering, and Regulatory Compliance.
• Provides high-level, complex support to the General Manager.
• Works closely with internal departments.
• Coordinates with outside agencies.
• Supervises, leads, and provides training to assigned staff.
• Manages difficult and complex assignments independently, with minimal oversight.
• Actively engages in addressing District-wide issues, including those that may extend beyond their direct area of responsibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director