Water Resources & Development Division Manager

Water Resources & Development Division Manager

Salary

$147,708.00 - $179,544.00 Annually

Location

Public Works Yard, 4244 Santa Ana Street, South Gate, CA

Job Type

Full Time Unclassified

Job Number

202600762

Department

Public Works

Division

Water Division

Opening Date

11/11/2026

Closing Date

12/9/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

About the Position

Under the direction of the Director of Public Works/City Engineer, the Water Resources and Development Division Manager is responsible for supervising and managing major functions of the Division related to water resources, environmental engineering, development review, and capital improvement project delivery. Responsibilities include managing the planning, design, environmental compliance, and construction of capital projects; supervising engineering staff; coordinating with agencies and developers; and ensuring regulatory compliance and successful implementation of the City's Capital Improvement Program. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Resources and Development Division Manager is a division-level management classification in the engineering professional series. May serve in the capacity of the Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer when assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Director of Public Works/City Engineer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises supervision over senior and lower-level professional, technical and clerical engineering staff.

Examples of Essential Functions

Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Water Resources

• Lead the planning, development, and management of water resource systems and projects, ensuring sustainable use, regulatory compliance, and alignment with environmental and infrastructure objectives.
• Collaborates with the Water Manager of the Field Operations Division to assess system operations, identify technical issues, and develop appropriate capital improvement projects.
• Manages the City's water rights program, including reporting to federal, state, county, and local agencies, and oversees the leasing of water rights as necessary.
• Provides technical and administrative support to the Water Division in complex regulatory and compliance tasks, including communications with regulatory agencies, preparation of required reports, procurement of professional services, and development of staff reports and presentations.

Staff Management & Organizational Support

• Manages, supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned professional and technical staff; participates in recruitment and selection; and makes recommendations regarding discipline as necessary. Ensures quality, adherence to budget, and timely project delivery.
• Develops and implements division policies and procedures; prepares technical reports, policy recommendations, and correspondence; and presents project updates and technical recommendations to the City Council, community groups, and other decision-making bodies.

Capital Improvement Program Management

• Manages Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including long-range planning, project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, environmental review, design oversight, bidding, construction management, and project closeout. Specializes in water resources and environmental engineering, including potable water systems, storm drains, stormwater quality, flood control, sanitary sewers, and wastewater systems. However, may be assigned to manage any project in the City's Capital Improvement Program such as traffic signal upgrades, complete streets, mobility enhancements, and infrastructure modernization, and facility improvements.
• Manages and supervises engineering staff, including licensed and certified engineers, in the delivery of capital projects. Provides guidance on project budgets and schedules to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery, and offers technical oversight, decision-making support, training, and quality assurance throughout all phases of project implementation.
• Procures, manages, and administers consultant and contract services for the planning, design, and construction of capital projects. Prepares and reviews Requests for Proposals (RFPs), engineering designs, specifications, cost estimates, feasibility studies, and technical reports.
• Oversees the preparation and review of engineering plans, specifications, technical studies, and grant applications. Ensures compliance with applicable regulations, technical accuracy, and effective communication with the public and stakeholders.
• Establishes project budgets, schedules, and performance benchmarks; coordinates with other departments, regional agencies, and utility providers to align capital projects with development activities, funding opportunities, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Identifies funding opportunities, researches grant programs, and prepares or oversees the preparation of grant applications to support capital projects and engineering initiatives.

Engineering Services & Development Review

• Manages a range of engineering programs and services including but not limited to development review, regional water and transportations projects, environmental compliance, stormwater management, engineering administration, industrial waste discharge permitting, construction inspection, development review, technical studies, assessment districts, and franchise utility coordination.
• Collaborates with the Community Development Department to oversee the review of private development projects, including plan checks and conditions of approval. Supports the entitlement process by providing engineering input for planning applications, participating in environmental review, and ensuring alignment between planning goals and engineering standards through interdepartmental coordination. Provides technical support during the entitlement process, including presenting to the Planning Commission.
• Coordinates with developers through the entitlement process, and reviews technical documents and studies. Coordinates preparation of, and evaluates hydrology, traffic, grading, utility, and stormwater reports to assess potential impacts on City infrastructure.
• Identifies funding opportunities and oversees the preparation and submittal of grant applications to support capital improvement projects, infrastructure enhancements, and regulatory compliance efforts. Coordinates with internal staff and external agencies to develop competitive proposals and ensures timely reporting and documentation for awarded grants.
• Reviews encroachment permit applications, performs plan checks, and coordinates with applicants to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations. Monitors construction activities within the public right-of-way to safeguard public infrastructure. Communicates technical requirements and coordinates necessary field inspections for final approvals.

Interagency & Regional Coordination

• Coordinates with federal, state, and regional water agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Drinking Water, Los Angeles County Sanitation District, and Water Replenishment District, to implement capital projects, water policies, and programs.
• Represents the City in regional organizations such as the Southeast Water Coalition and Central Basin Water Association, and monitors water-related legislation in collaboration with the Director of Public Works.
• Coordinates with regulatory and funding agencies to ensure the successful delivery of capital projects, including environmental documentation, permitting, and grant compliance.

Minimum & Desirable Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with bachelor's degree in civil or water resources engineering or related field is required. Eight (8) years of professional Civil Engineering experience, two (2) of which must be in a supervisory capacity, is required. Experience in the public sector managing complex capital projects and/or engineering programs working for a local, County, or State agency, district (e.g. school district, etc.) utility company, or any entity, private or public, with engineering operations that provide reasonably similar and needed experience is highly desired. A minimum of four (4) years of experience working for a water utility company, water district and/or a local agency's water engineering or utilities division is highly desired.

License/Certification/Special Requirements

Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is required.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License, proof of insurance and a satisfactory driving record is highly desirable at appointment and throughout employment in this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: State, Federal and locally applicable statues, policies, standards, ordinances and regulations related to civil engineering practices of public agencies; municipal public works administration; principles of planning, controlling, and organizing activities of a major civil engineering section; engineering design and analysis; traffic engineering; construction contract law; principles of cost accounting; supervisory techniques; public speaking techniques; and budget preparation and administration practices; public works construction methods, design and materials; and principles and practices of personnel management and supervision.

Ability to: Provide highly complex civil engineering services to the City; analyze problems and prepare written and oral reports; understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; resolve technical issues in design and construction; supervise the work of others; select and maintain advanced filing systems; analyze and solve difficult engineering problems by arriving at valid conclusions; communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing; effectively present issues and recommendations before the City Council; supervise and maintain effective working relationships.

Other Important Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:

• Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
• Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
• Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.

Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

• Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidates application. This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase.
• Oral Appraisal Interview: A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview.
• Employment Eligibility List: The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the Citys Civil Service rules and regulations.

Pre-employment Process

• The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
• All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
• New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employees parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

The City of South Gate

The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Division Management Benefits

Effective 07/01/2021

1. Vehicle Allowance

• $400/mo.

2. Communication Device - (Cellular Telephone)

• City issued phones; or
• $100/month allowance for personal cell phone use.

3. Bilingual Pay for qualified positions

• Must pass an exam to qualify for $125/month.

4. Education Incentive Premium - (If not required by job classification)

• $50/month for BA/BS degree
• $125/month for post-graduate degree

5. Longevity Premium

• Flat amount based on anniversary date after 10 years of South Gate employment.

6. Administrative Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 80 hours/yr.

• Administrative Accrual

• 160 hours - maximum accrual

• Administrative Buyout

• Up to 80 hours/year;

• Paid in May of the following year by written request.

7. Vacation Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 80 hours/yr (1 to 4 yrs); 120 hours/yr (5 to 9 yrs); 160 hours/yr (10+ yrs).

• Vacation Accrual

• 350 hours - maximum accrual.

• Vacation Buyout

• Up to 40 hours/year, with a required ending balance of 100 hours;

• Paid in May of the following year by written request.

8. Sick Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 120 hours/yr.

• Sick Accrual

• No maximum accrual.

• Sick Payout

• No payout if hired after 07/01/2022.

9. Deferred Compensation

• Voluntary Enrollment - Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
• Employer Contribution match, up to $1,200 per calendar year.

10. Holidays

• 130 hours/yr., includes days between Christmas Eve and New Years Day

11. Retirement CalPERS

• Classic Members - 2.7% at age 55 (5 year vesting period)
• PEPRA Members - 2.0% at age 62 (5 year vesting period)
• Employee contributes 8.0% of Employees Share of Normal Cost

12. Retiree Medical Insurance

• $300/month stipend plus CalPERS fee, at retirement with 20 years of qualifying City service & continued CalPERS medical enrollment while retired.

13. Medical Insurance

• CalPERS Health Plans. City pays Kaiser HMO rates for all plans.

14. Medical Opt Out

• City contributes an amount per paycheck towards deferred compensation plan.

15. Dental Insurance

• Dental options. City pays California Dental Network HMO rates. Dental PPO option available through Principal. Employee share of premiums vary.

16. Dental Opt Out

• City contributes an amount per paycheck towards deferred compensation plan.

17. Superior Vision Insurance

• City pays 100% of premium.

18. Life Insurance

• Division Mgt $100,000 Life and AD&D
• Police Mgt - 5,000 Life + 100,000 Ad&D

19. Educational Reimbursement

• $2,500 annual per individual. $3,000 for private university.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you currently possess a bachelors degree in civil or water resources engineering or related field from an accredited college or university? If so, you will need to include a copy of your bachelors degree along with your application. Failure to submit this proof of education will result in disqualification from this position.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a minimum of eight (8) years of professional Civil Engineering experience?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to Question #3, please list your previous and current experience. Please include name of employer(s), position(s) held, duration of employment, and duties assigned. If you answered "No" to Question 3, please indicate N/A.

05

Of your eight (8) years of professional Civil Engineering experience, have at least two (2) years been in a supervisory capacity?

• Yes
• No

06

If you selected "Yes" to Question #5, please list your previous and current experience. Please include name of employer(s), position(s) held, duration/years of employment, duties assigned, and the number of employees you supervised. If you answered "No" to Question #5, please indicate N/A.

07

Do you possess experience in the public sector managing complex capital projects and/or engineering programs working for a local, County, or State agency, district (e.g. school district, etc.) utility company, or any entity, private or public, with engineering operations that provide reasonably similar and needed experience?

• Yes
• No

08

If you selected "Yes" to Question #7, please list your previous and current experience. Please include the following: name of the employer(s) and type of organization (e.g. City, County, State agency, special district, utility company, or comparable public or private organization); job title(s) and dates of employment; types, scope, and complexity of capital projects and/or engineering programs you managed; your specific responsibilities, including level of authority, decision-making, and oversight; and experience managing budgets, coordinating with stakeholders, and overseeing project planning, design, construction, and/or implementation.

09

Do you have a minimum of four (4) years of experience working for a water utility company, water district and/or a local agency's water engineering or utilities division?

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered "Yes" to Question #3, please list your previous and current experience. Please include name of employer(s), position(s) held, duration of employment, and duties assigned. If you answered "No" to Question 3, please indicate N/A.

11

Are you currently registered as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. If so, please attach a copy of your certificate and provide your license number in the Certificates and Licenses application. Failure to provide this information will result in disqualification from this position.

• Yes
• No

12

Do you currently possess a Class C Drivers License? If so, please detail this information the General Information section of your application.

• Yes
• No

13

I understand it is required to work entirely in person, and any form of remote work is not an option for the position I am applying for. Please answer Yes or No if you understand/do not understand and agree/do not agree to this type of work schedule.

• Yes
• No

14

Do you claim Veteran's Preference? Note: to establish eligibility for Veterans Preference, applicants must attach a copy of their discharge from service form (e.g. DD214) with a status of Honorable discharge on the form at time of application. Failure to attach this documentation may result in disqualification from the position.

• Yes
• No

15

Are you a CalPERS Retired Annuitant?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of South Gate

Address Human Resources Office, City of South Gate

8680 California Avenue

South Gate, California, 90280

Phone (323) 357-5835

Website http://www.cityofsouthgate.org/