Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering

Santa Margarita Water District – Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Annual Salary:
The expected hiring range is $211,159 – $291,084 DOE/DOQ (pending final Board approval).

The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is seeking a strategic and collaborative Director of Engineering to lead the District's Engineering Department during a time of significant infrastructure activity and long-term capital investment. This role is responsible for leading the coordination of capital design and delivery, construction management, and development services for one of the region's most complex and dynamic water districts.

Working closely with the Departments of Operations and Planning & Water Resources, the Director of Engineering will support consistent project delivery and long-term infrastructure needs for the District’s drinking water, wastewater, and recycled water systems. They will oversee departmental staff, develop department operating and capital budgets, collaborate closely with executive leadership, and engage regularly with SMWD’s Board of Directors. The ideal candidate has a strong background in water and wastewater engineering, experience leading complex programs, a passion for water resources stewardship, and a commitment to high quality service to the community.

The expected hiring range is $211,159 – $291,084 DOE/DOQ (pending final Board approval), plus an attractive benefits package.

View the full recruitment brochure:

For first consideration, apply by March 18 at:

Round one virtual interviews will take place on April
7. Finalists will move forward to round two in-person interviews on April 17. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

• (Direct)
• (Toll Free)