Engineering Manager

Otay Water District•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Chief of Engineering, the Engineering Manager plans, organizes, supervises, directs, manages, and coordinates programs and activities in assigned Engineering Department sections, including Water Resources, Planning, Design, and Environmental. The role also provides complex technical and administrative support to the Chief of Engineering. The Engineering Department plans, budgets, designs, constructs, and inspects Otay Water District facilities and administers developer and new-customer construction and service applications. Projects include water, recycled water, and sewer facilities, as well as support facilities such as pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, wells, ponds, and a treatment plant. The department manages an annual Capital Improvement Program of approximately $18.9 million (2027) and has approximately 30 employees, supplemented by consultants. The ideal candidate has a strong background managing the planning, design, and construction of water and wastewater facilities. Experience in planning, design, and environmental compliance is preferred. The District welcomes veterans and transitioning military. The position offers excellent benefits and a balanced work/life environment. The role is exempt from overtime. Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus, and employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code, Section 71362.

Requirements

Seven years of professional experience in planning, design, construction, and construction management for a water, wastewater, and/or reclaimed water facility.
At least four years of experience managing consultants or two years of related supervisory experience.
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
Valid California Driver's License and a safe driving record.
Professional Civil Engineering registration in any state, and California Professional Civil Engineering registration within one year of appointment.
Professional and highly competent; business-, customer-, and results-oriented; and an experienced manager.
Critical and strategic thinker; analytical; well organized; flexible and adaptable; and a team player.
Able to consistently and accurately interpret policies, procedures, and ordinances.
Excellent oral and written communication skills; honest and ethical; and able to work with diverse groups, including the public.
Knowledge of basic business finance and accounting principles; visionary leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Experience in planning, design, and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

Plan, manage, and oversee assigned services, functions, and operations of Engineering Department sections, including Water Resources, Planning, Design, and Environmental.
Respond to customer and consultant inquiries and resolve problems and complaints.
Administer the design and preparation of major capital projects using consulting engineering firms or in-house staff; prepare cost estimates; review drawings and specifications for compliance with District standards; interpret specifications and District policies; and initiate or review change orders.
Represent the District in consultant fee and charge negotiations; review, evaluate, and report on consultant work; and administer consultant contracts, including approving invoices.
Support Operations in developing, implementing, and using the District's Total Asset Management program to support rehabilitation and restoration of existing infrastructure and design and construction of new, rehabilitated, and replacement infrastructure.
Conduct organizational, investigative, and operational studies.
Participate on Boards and Commissions and attend professional group meetings.
Participate in continuous improvement; develop standards, guidelines, and productivity indicators; and document related processes.
Plan, direct, review, and evaluate the work of supervisory, professional, technical, and support staff.
Meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; train, counsel, and coach staff; identify and recommend improvement opportunities; and recognize superior performance.
Participate in developing and direct and monitor implementation of section and department goals, objectives, and measures, including the District Strategic Plan and Performance Measures.
Advise the Department Chief and other senior staff on relevant issues.
Plan, develop, and administer annual and multi-year operating and capital budgets; monitor revenues and expenditures for assigned sections and recommend or make budget adjustments.
Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, summaries, and correspondence.
Participate in Committee and Board meetings.
Develop, train, model, and enforce safe work procedures and practices for assigned sections and the Department.