Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

The ideal candidate will have a strong background managing the planning, design, and construction of water/wastewater facilities. Preferable experience will be in planning, design and environmental compliance. We welcome veterans and transitioning military. Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The experience you've gained during your service can continue to positively impact the world with a career at Otay.

The ideal candidate should also possess the following Personal Characteristics, Skill, and Experience: Professional and Highly Competent – Business, Customer and Results Oriented – An Experienced Manager – Critical/Strategic Thinker – Able to Consistently and Accurately Interpret Policies, Procedures, and Ordinances – Analytical – Possess Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills – Honest and Ethical – Know and Understand Basic Business Finance and Accounting Principles – A Visionary and Leader – Well Organized – Flexible and Adaptable – A Team Player – Able to Work with Diverse Groups including the Public.

The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.

Under the general direction of the Chief of Engineering, plans, organizes, supervises, directs, manages, and coordinates programs and activities of assigned Sections of the Engineering Department which includes Water Resources, Planning, Design, and Environmental; and provides complex technical and administrative support to the Chief of Engineering.

The Engineering Department is responsible for the Planning, Budgeting, Design, Construction, and Inspection of all Otay Water District facilities as well as the administration of all developer and new customer construction and service applications. Projects include facilities for water, recycled water, sewer and support facilities, such as pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, wells, ponds, and a treatment plant. The Engineering Department also manages an annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of approximately $18.9 million (2027). The Department has a staff of approximately 30 employees supplemented by the services of consultants.

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. However, for the earliest consideration, please submit your application materials by November 15, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible with top candidates.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, manages and oversees the assigned services, functions and operations of several sections of the Engineering Department including Water Resources, Planning, Design, and Environmental.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves problems and complaints from customers and consultants.
• Administers the design and preparation of major capital projects utilizing consulting engineering firms or in-house staff; prepares cost estimates; reviews drawings and specifications for compliance with District standards; interprets specifications and District policies and initiates or reviews change orders.
• Represents the District in negotiations with consultants on fees and charges associated with design of new facilities; and reviews, evaluates, and reports on work prepared by consultants and administers consultant contracts, including approval of invoices.
• Supports Operations in the development, implementation and utilization of the District's Total Asset Management program to maximize efficacy, productivity, and functionality for rehabilitation and restoration of existing District infrastructure, as well as design and construction of new, rehabilitated and replacements of District infrastructure.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies.
• Participates on a variety of Boards and Commissions. Attends and participates in professional group meetings.
• Participates in continuous improvement. Develops standards, guidelines, and productivity indicators and documents processes of the like.
• Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of supervisory, professional, technical, and support staff assigned to perform functions of the section. Meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. Trains, counsels, and coaches staff, identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement and provides appropriate recognition for superior performance.
• Participates in the development of and directs and monitors the implementation of section and department goals, objectives and measures to include the District's Strategic Plan and Performance Measures.
• Advises the Department Chief and other senior staff on relevant issues.
• Plans, develops and administers the department's annual and multi-year operating and capital budgets. Monitors revenues and expenditures for assigned sections and recommends or makes appropriate budget adjustments.
• Prepares executive level reports, presentations, summaries and correspondence. Participates in Committee and Board meetings.
• Develops, trains, models, and enforces safe work procedures and practices for the sections and Department.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• A valid California Driver's License and a safe driving record.
• Professional Civil Engineering registration in any State and a Professional Civil Engineering registration in the State of California within one (1) year of appointment.

Minimum Experience, Education, and Training Requirements

Experience: Seven (7) years of professional experience in planning, design, construction, and construction management for a water, wastewater, and/or reclaimed water facility, including four (4) years of experience managing consultants or two (2) years of related supervisory experience.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field. Master's degree desirable.

This position is exempt from overtime. Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus. All Otay Water District employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code, Section 71362.

Benefits

Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments.

Scheduled salary increases include the following:

• July 1, 2024: 6% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• July 14, 2025: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• July 13, 2026: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• Annual Merit Increases: Eligible employees are eligible for 3% merit increase on an annual basis until they reach the top of their salary range, based on meeting expectations on their performance review.

Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year. Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year. Management Leave: 6 days/year. Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employee's birthday and two floating holidays. Alternative Work Schedule: A 9/80 work schedule may be available based on the needs of the department. Upon approval, employees would work 80 hours over 9 days and enjoy one day off every two weeks. PERS Retirement: The District contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation). Employees hired after January 1, 2013, are subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).

Employee Contributions: New Member (hired on or after 1/1/13 who are new CalPERS members or do not have reciprocity with CalPERS): Are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 formula based on the employee's 36 months of highest average annual compensation to a maximum of the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS. District and employees share the normal employee CalPERS service contribution cost. Employees contribute 7.5% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.

Classic Member (hired before January 1, 2013, or who have reciprocity with CalPERS): Are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 55 formula based on the employee's single highest year annual compensation. Employees contribute 8% of salary towards the employee PERS service contribution cost.

The District is also a Social Security participant and the District and employee make contributions. Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (457 Plan): Optional plan designed to provide employees with additional retirement income. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through payroll deductions. Employee contributions for the Deferred Compensation Plan will be matched dollar per dollar up to the maximum amount of $3,000 per calendar year. Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of PPO, EPO, HMO or Kaiser HMO plans, 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% for dependent(s). Dental Insurance: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% paid for dependent(s). Vision: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 0% for dependent(s). Flexible Benefits Plan: The District offers a healthcare and dependent care flexible benefits plan