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Assistant Water Operations Manager

Mesa Water District

Costa Mesa, CA

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$148,761.60–$205,067.20 Per Year
SKILLS
Administrative Management, Analysis Skills, Budget Management, Budgeting, Business Administration, Business Writing, Calendar Management, California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), Capital Project, Change Requests/Orders, Civil Engineering, Coaching, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Computer Software, Computer Systems, Computer Terminals, Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), Conferences, Construction, Construction Administration, Construction Engineering, Construction Planning, Construction Projects, Consulting, Content Structure, Contract Analysis, Contract Creation, Contract Management, Contract Negotiation, Corrective Action, Cost Control, Cost Estimates, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Database Programming, Distribution Services, Documentation Standards, Driver's License, Economics, Emergency Planning, Emergency Response, Engineering Consulting, Engineering Software, English Language, Environmental Sciences, Establish Priorities, Expense Tracking, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Projections, Forecasting, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Human Resources, Hydraulic Engineering, Identify Issues, Interpret Regulations, Keyboards, Leadership, Legal, Maintain Compliance, Microsoft Office, Negotiation Skills, On Site Support, Operations Management, Operations Planning, Operations Research, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Reviews, Persuasion Skills, Physical Science, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Professional Services, Progress Reports, Project Development, Project Engineering, Project Planning, Project Schedule, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Public Administration, Public Policy, Quality Monitoring, Records Management, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Reporting Skills, Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposals (RFP), Requirements Management, Resource Management, Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Schedule Development, Spreadsheets, Staff Training, State Laws and Regulations, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Team Building, Team Player, Technical Writing, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Water Pollution, Water Quality Analysis, Water Quality Testing, Water Resource Management, Water Supply, Water Treatment, Water Utility, Word Processing
LOCATION
Costa Mesa, CA
POSTED
1 day ago
Salary : $148,761.60 - $205,067.20 Annually
Location : 1965 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 05.06.2026
Department: Water Operations
Opening Date:05/06/2026

Description
Mesa Water District (Mesa Water) is now accepting applications for an Assistant Water Operations Manager. The Assistant Water Operations Manager, under general direction, plans and directs a variety of operations-related activities, projects, and programs; develops and implements all phases of difficult projects; provides highly responsible and complex management support to the Water Operations Manager. This position will oversee supervisors in the Water Production, Water Distribution, Water Quality, and Field Services sections of the Water Operations Department.

Ideal Competency Profile:
  • Professional & Technical Expertise: Working in at least two of the following water utility disciplines: Water Production, Water Distribution, Water Quality, or Field Customer Services.
  • Leadership: Guiding and encouraging staff to accomplish a common goal.
  • Performance Management: Coaching employees to superior performance and intervening in response to poor performance.
  • Allocating Resources: Utilizing funds, materials, and staffing levels wisely and strategically.
  • Written & Oral Communication:Engaging effectively in dialogue and in writing.
  • Project Management: Ensuring projects are completed on-time and within budget.
  • Decision Making: Utilizing critical thinking to decide on an optimal course of action.
  • Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing safety hazards.
  • Using Technology: Working in software programs such as Microsoft Office and other water utility applications.
  • Handling Stress: Maintaining composure under pressure and adversity.
  • Handling Conflict: Dealing with interpersonally challenging situations diplomatically while diffusing tension and facilitating resolution.
  • Integrity: Taking responsibility for one's actions and willing to do the difficult, but right thing.
  • Presentation Skill: Delivering clear, organized and persuasive speeches.
  • Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
  • Developing others: supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities.
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis until filled. The first deadline for the initial review of applications will occur at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a selection process that may consist of a skills test and interview panels. The final candidate will be required to complete a pre-employment medical exam that will consist of a drug test.
Example of Duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Water Operations Manager. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory and technical staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is an experienced exempt at-will mid-management level classification. The incumbent shall possess a working knowledge and experience in planning, organizing, directing and reviewing the work of staff engaged in the operations of a municipal water system, oversee and implement operations related projects, manage troubleshooting of operations related challenges, manage and schedule maintenance activities utilizing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), and perform project management activities for a variety of projects and programs. The incumbent is expected to use initiative and independent judgment in negotiating, prioritizing project activities, exercising cost and budget controls, and in ensuring the coordination, quantity and quality of work performed in accordance with project goals. This position requires specialized knowledge, abilities, and skills and the incumbent typically exercises independent judgment in the performance of assigned duties.
Minimum & Desired Qualifications

  • Directs, assigns, and monitors the work of assigned staff members; selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides clear, concise, and consistent direction; maintains a positive and productive work environment; provides or coordinates staff training; as assigned, evaluates work performance according to District standards and recommends and implements appropriate corrective actions to correct deficiencies as necessary; in collaboration with Human Resources, implements discipline and termination procedures.
  • Assists and participates in the oversight of Water Operations day-to-day processes including Water Production, Water Distribution, Field Services, and Water Quality functions and units.
  • Oversees the District's Water Quality Program including services and activities related to water quality, water quality monitoring, analysis and reporting, and NPDES.
  • Tracks water use; participates in water system planning and supply forecasting; coordinates water use programs with other agencies.
  • Manages and assists in the development of Mesa Water's CMMS program, scheduling, monitoring, and compliance tracking.
  • Participates in water supply and distribution system planning, construction, and improvement projects as well as capital project management.
  • Researches, analyzes, writes and presents a variety of technical reports; interprets technical reports for non-engineering personnel, Board members and others; prepares or directs preparation of contracts.
  • Provides staff assistance to the Water Operations Manager; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
  • Participates in activities related to the District's disaster preparedness programs including emergency response plan and the operations of the emergency operations center.
  • Responds to work-day and after-hours system emergencies; ensures all appropriate precautions are taken and operations are restored in a timely manner.
  • Directs and supervises new installations and changes to existing treatment and production facilities as well as the SCADA system.
  • Supervises, oversees, and participates in complex construction project administration; and ensures compliance with design specifications, codes, and District and other regulatory standards; develops, reviews and approves project schedules and budgets.
  • Prepares and administers new and existing contracts; develops or directs the development of requests for proposals; conducts pre-bid conferences to discuss District requirements; reviews bids/proposals and recommends bid awards; monitors and coordinates construction and professional services contracts; reviews amendments and issues and approves change orders; oversees submittals, requests for information and approves payment requests.
  • Coordinates environmentally sensitive District projects with requirements of a variety of regulatory agencies; prepares and develops plans and permit applications; ensures projects are in compliance with regulatory requirements; prepares progress reports as necessary.
  • Implements project goals and objectives through project administration, developing project cost sheets, monitoring and verifying progress milestones, performing independent cost estimates and making recommendations on project items.
  • Reviews complex plans and specifications for a variety of capital improvement projects; consults with other departments, contractors and consultants.
  • Develops, prepares, and monitors project budgets, submits budget justifications, and monitors and controls expenditures.
  • Assists and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; participates in overall District budget development and CIP planning and preparation.
  • Coordinates major operational changes with the Engineering and Customer Service Departments.
  • Reviews and comments on preliminary construction project plans from Engineering and consulting engineering firms.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of water operations; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
  • Represents the District in the absence of the Water Operations Manager.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Supplemental Information

EDUCATION: Equivalent to bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in physical or environmental science, civil engineering, public administration, business administration or a related field. Master's degree is desirable.

EXPERIENCE: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional water utility experience, including five (5) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.

CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Possession of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D5 Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
  • Possession of a Water Treatment Grade T2 Certification issued by SWRCB.
LICENSE: Valid class "C" California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.

KNOWLEDGE:
  • Treatment facilities, reservoirs, groundwater wells, and distribution system hydraulics. Water quality compliance requirements, practices, and analytical methods.
  • Water system construction techniques and approaches.
  • Operations, services, and activities of an engineering and construction program.
  • Complex principles and practices with particular emphasis on construction planning, design, and water production, treatment and distribution, and other hydraulic projects.
  • Principles and practices of complex project management and administration.
  • Methods and techniques of complex contract negotiations and administration.
  • Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
  • Principles and practices of project budget preparation and control.
  • Methods and techniques of complex plan review and analysis.
  • Principles and practices of water supply development, chemical and biological aspects of water pollution and local water challenges, including their relationship to state and regional plans.
  • Methods and techniques of conducting site and field investigation.
  • Rate structures and programs of the area's water districts.
  • County groundwater district and groundwater basin management principles and practices.
  • Methods and techniques of geographical information systems.
  • Principles and practices of the economics of water resources planning.
  • Principles and practices of business correspondence and technical report preparation.
  • Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet applications, databases, and specialized engineering software programs.
  • Occupational health and safety standards.
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including California Environmental Act statues and guidelines.
  • Principles of business and technical writing and report preparation.
  • Records management principles and practices.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
  • The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
ABILITIES:
  • Oversee the work of assigned staff, professional consultants, and contractors.
  • Evaluate and provide written and oral communications on employee's performance.
  • Serve as project manager on assigned design and construction projects.
  • Prepare, review, interpret, analyze, contract documents, standards and approve budgets.
  • Perform complex computations and calculations.
  • Plan, schedule, and review the work and performance of subordinates in a manner conducive to proficient performance and high morale required.
  • Prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports.
  • Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures.
  • Respond to questions and inquiries from a variety of sources regarding operations projects. Research, review, update, and revise existing ordinances, policies, and design standards.
  • Coordinate activities with internal and external agencies and stakeholders.
  • Perform water distribution system and water quality modeling using computer hydraulic models.
  • Analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.
  • Advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
  • Apply algebraic and trigonometric formulas. Interpret inferential statistical reports and/or formulaic data. Use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
  • Exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria, as opposed to criteria that are clearly measurable.
  • Operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and precise adjustments computer keyboard/terminal and telephone.
  • Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing with the District Board, District personnel, consulting engineers, contractors, attorneys and customers.
  • Effectively represent the department and District in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Holidays - Mesa Water provides full-time employees with 107 holiday hours per year, comprised of twelve observed holidays (96 hours) and (11) floating holiday hours.

Vacation - Employees accrue between eighty-eight (88) and one hundred and sixty (160) hours annually, depending on tenure. Accrued time is available to use after six months.

Sick Leave - Employees accrue ninety-six (96) hours per year, with no maximum accrual cap.

Retirement - Mesa Water employees participate in CalPERS retirement.

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with a three-year final compensation in accordance with PEPRA. New members will be required to pay 8.25% of pension reportable salary as their full share of their member contribution.

An employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% @ 55 benefit formula with one-year final compensation. Effective 1/6/17, employees pay 7.0% of the employee contribution to CalPERS.

The District participates in Social Security. Please contact Human Resources if you have more questions.

Cafeteria Plan Benefits - Employees receive a $2,400 "Flex Credit" allocation per month to be used towards health benefits including medical, dental and vision. Flex credits not used towards benefits may be taken as additional taxable non-"Persable" income.

Deferred Compensation - A voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (Section 457) is available to employees through Empower Retirement. Eligible employees may receive dollar for dollar employer match up to 3.5% of salary per calendar year.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Employees may participate in either or both of Mesa Water's Section 125 plan flexible spending accounts: Dependent Care Reimbursement (eligible upon hire) and Medical Expense Reimbursement (after one-year).

Life Insurance - Full-time employees are covered by $200,000 in group term life insurance paid by District (benefit decreases at age 65).

Long Term Disability (LTD) - Full-time employees receive District-paid LTD insurance coverage equal to 2/3 of salary ($12,000 maximum monthly benefit) after a 90-day waiting period.

Short-Term Disability - The District participates in State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Automobile Allowance - Management employees receive an Automobile Allowance per month.

9/80 Work Schedule - Employees are offered a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

Tuition Reimbursement and Educational Incentives

Salary Increases - Based on performance, new Mesa Water employees are eligible for merit step increases at 6-months and 12-months, and annually thereafter.
01

Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work physical science, environmental science, civil engineering, public policy, business administration, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have at least seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional water utility experience?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have at least five (5) years of supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Please describe your experience that supports your responses to Question #2 and #3. (If you don't have experience in this area, enter "n/a".)
05

What is the highest level of Water Distribution Operator Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) that you currently possess?
  • Water Distribution Operator Grade D1
  • Water Distribution Operator Grade D2
  • Water Distribution Operator Grade D3
  • Water Distribution Operator Grade D4
  • Water Distribution Operator Grade D5
  • I have no Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

06

What is the highest level of Water Treatment Certification issued by SWRCB that you currently possess?
  • Water Treatment Operator Grade T1
  • Water Treatment Operator Grade T2
  • Water Treatment Operator Grade T3
  • Water Treatment Operator Grade T4
  • Water Treatment Operator Grade T5
  • I have no Water Treatment Operator Certification

07

In order to assist with our recruitment efforts, please tell us how you heard about this recruitment.
Required Question

About the Company

M

Mesa Water District

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