Water Operations Manager

The District is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as our next Water Operations Manager
, a pivotal executive role at the forefront of delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality water service to our community. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our water utility, overseeing the full spectrum of operations including production, distribution, capital improvement projects, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness.

As a key member of the District’s leadership team, the Water Operations Manager will drive operational strategy, lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams, and steward complex budgets and infrastructure investments. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact – ensuring operational excellence today while planning and building for tomorrow.

We are looking for a forward-thinking water utility professional with deep technical expertise, strong leadership experience, and a proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, highly regulated environment. If you are passionate about public service, operational innovation, and leading teams that keep communities running, we encourage you to apply!

• Operations Leadership – Demonstrated expertise in managing comprehensive water production, treatment, and distribution systems, including regulatory compliance, water quality, and system reliability.
• Strategic Planning & Decision-Making – Ability to develop departmental goals, operational strategies, and long‑range plans that align with District objectives, regulatory requirements, and resource constraints.
• People Management – Proven experience leading supervisors and technical staff, fostering a positive work culture, setting clear expectations, and supporting employee development and accountability.
• Capital Project Management – Strong background overseeing complex infrastructure and capital improvement projects, including scope development, scheduling, budgeting, contractor coordination, and compliance with design and safety standards.
• Budgeting – Experience preparing, administering, and monitoring large and complex operational and capital budgets; ability to manage expenditures and allocate resources effectively.
• Regulatory Compliance – In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local water regulations, permitting requirements, and environmentally sensitive project coordination.
• Operational Expertise – Working knowledge of water system planning, SCADA systems, water supply forecasting, distribution operations, and treatment processes.
• Emergency Response – Ability to lead operational response to system emergencies, support disaster preparedness planning, and ensure continuity of service.
• Collaboration – Skill in working effectively with peers, elected officials, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public to advance District projects and priorities.
• Communication & Professional Judgment – Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information for non‑technical audiences and exercise sound, independent judgment.

Mesa Water District offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals who are passionate about public service and water utility excellence. Located in beautiful Costa Mesa, CA, the District is committed to delivering safe, reliable water while leveraging cutting‑edge water technologies and advancing sustainable, innovative water management practices. Employees work alongside dedicated, highly skilled professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment that values leadership, collaboration, and professional development.

Mesa Water District offers generous compensation and comprehensive benefits packages, along with meaningful work that directly impacts the community and contributes to the long‑term success and resilience of the region’s water system.

Interested candidates must submit applications by March 17, 2026
. Selection process will consist of interview panels/assessment and the final candidate will be subject to a drug test.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Water Operations Department services and activities including production,…