General Manager

Running Springs Water District • Running Springs, CA

138d

About The Position

The Running Springs Water District (RSWD or District) is recruiting for a General Manager (GM) to oversee the daily operations of the District and ensure customers receive safe and reliable water, wastewater, fire protection and emergency medical services. The Running Springs Water District is an independent special district, established in March 1958, providing water, wastewater, fire protection, and emergency medical services to the Running Springs mountain community spanning over five square miles including the community of Green Valley Lake (sewer service only). The District is governed by a locally elected Board of Directors (Board) that will appoint the best candidate for the GM position. RSWD is located in the unincorporated San Bernardino mountains in Southern California located between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. RSWD employs 28 full-time personnel and 17 part-time paid call firefighter personnel. Departments include Administration, Fire Protection & Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Water, Wastewater Collections and Wastewater Treatment. The General Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer overseeing department heads, reporting and accountable to the Board of Directors. The GM is responsible for all District policies, procedures, ordinances, resolutions and will lead the District's strategic direction and reliable delivery of multi-department services. The GM has broad independence with major policy decisions and financial matters subject to Board approval. The GM acts as the primary liaison between the Board, the community, other entities and frequently attends Board meetings and may provide public presentations to various community groups. The GM directly supervises all District staff, including hiring, training, and evaluating personnel. The GM also oversees contractors and service providers as needed, ensuring their work aligns with District policies and goals. The GM coordinates the efforts of various teams, facilitates collaboration, and ensures efficient execution of projects and services. The GM is responsible for short and long-term planning activities including capital improvements, water resources, wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, fire protection and emergency medical services, strategic mission, vision and goals, financial management, administrative functions, contracts, and funding opportunities. The GM ensures that the District is continually up to date on all legal and legislative issues ensuring compliance with regulations and governance requirements. The GM is responsible for the development and administration of District policies, procedures, and services and is tasked with overseeing the District's financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

Requirements

• Seven years or more of experience in a water, wastewater, or similar government agency with a minimum of five years of management experience.
• A bachelor's degree, master's degree or other advanced certification is desired.
• Strong fiscal management and strategic planning background.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with rural or mountainous service areas is a plus.
• Familiarity with Fire Protection and Emergency Medical services is a plus.
• Day-to-day management of maintenance and operation of water and wastewater systems.
• Legal, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to public-sector management and water districts, including compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Water resource and conservation management.
• Project management principles, including overseeing short and long-term projects and initiatives.
• Technology related to water resources and business management.
• Financial management, budget development, and financial strategies.
• Strategic analysis and long-range planning, policy development and implementation.
• Principles, practices, and trends in public administration, business management, and government operations.
• Personnel management, motivation techniques, employee retention strategies, organizational culture, hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
• Risk management principles, including handling emergency situations and ensuring safety and security for District employees and customers.
• Community engagement practices and strategies for effective communication with residents, agencies, and other stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with various stakeholders, diverse individuals and large groups of people including the Board, staff, residents, and external agencies.
• Planning, organization, and coordination skills to set priorities under changing conditions.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, recommend sound alternatives, decisions, and solutions.
• Leadership skills to manage diverse teams and ensure effective communication, coordination, and collaboration.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective, pleasant, and cooperative working relationships with Board members, employees, officials, regulators, and the general public.
• Effective supervision, motivation, and evaluation of the work of employees and outside contractors.
• Managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and handling unexpected situations with flexibility, adapting to changing circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all district operations (water, wastewater, fire protection/emergency medical services).
• Develop and execute strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management.
• Provide professional and technical support, legislative direction, and advice to the Board; work with the Board to develop District priorities.
• Provide regular status updates and progress reports to the Board on key projects, budgets, financial health, capital improvement needs and operations.
• Provide direction, advice and support to staff.
• Manage the selection, training, and supervision of all staff, evaluate performance, and manage work assignments.
• Analyze operational challenges and propose solutions to improve efficiency and achieve organizational goals.
• Oversee contractors, consultants, and service providers ensuring District standards, policies, and directives are maintained.
• Oversee budget preparation; development and maintenance of short and long-term financial strategies.
• Respond to and manage emergency situations effectively and calmly.
• Oversee the development of Board agendas, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and memorandums of understanding.
• Engage the community, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies with transparency and professionalism.
• Seek and apply for funding opportunities to support District infrastructure and development needs.

Benefits

• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Additional allowances may be available.
• The District is committed to the well-being of its employees and their families and offers a comprehensive benefits package.
• The District may contribute to a portion of premiums.
• Retirement benefits through the CalPERS retirement system.
• Tax-deferred 457 retirement savings plan.
• Medical coverage with a choice of plans from CalPERS Health insurance.
• Medical expense reimbursement plan.
• Dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability insurances.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree