Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be resourceful and self-directed, have strong management skills in water system construction and repairs, have outstanding organizational skills needed to manage the activities of several sections, as well as the ability to provide complex administrative support to senior staff.

The ideal candidate should also possess the following Personal Characteristics, Skill, and Experience: Professional and Highly Competent - Business, Customer, and Result-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.

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

About the Position and Department
This position is a part of the Operations Department and reports directly to the Chief of Water Operations. The Utility Services Manager is part of a dedicated, service-oriented team where collaboration and leadership are promoted at all levels. The position is responsible for managing the activities of the Utility Maintenance, Pump/Electrical, and Fleet Maintenance Sections and providing complex administrative support to the Chief of Water Operations and other executive staff.

The Operations Department is responsible for the operations, maintenance and repair of all Otay Water District facilities and equipment. Facilities include pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, lift stations, and a reclamation plant for potable and recycles water distribution, wastewater collections, and wastewater reclamation. The Operations Department has approximately 57 employees.

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 January 11, 2026. For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click here.

• Plans, directs, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of supervisory, professional, technical, and support staff assigned to perform functions of the sections.  Including periodic field checks of work in progress.
• 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.
• Develops budgetary recommendations and monitors revenues and expenditures for assigned sections and recommends or makes appropriate adjustments.
• Serves as liaison for the section with other District departments, outside agencies and private firms and documents, negotiates, and resolves issues.
• 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.
• Participates effectively in conducting timely and thorough investigations of employee incidents to ensure that Incident Reports are fully completed.
• Reviews and evaluates the condition, operation, and maintenance of fleet vehicles and heavy construction equipment and makes recommendations for rehabilitation and/or replacement. 
• Ensures compliance with environmental requirements related to wastewater collection system, including the implementation and execution of the District's Capacity, Management, Operations and Maintenance (CMOM) program and Sewer System Management Plan.
• Reviews records and technical data to ensure proper operational controls are maintained in order to meet regulatory requirements. 
• Participates in the review and evaluation of design, plan and specification of new facilities and existing facilities.
• Participates in the District's Asset Management program including condition assessments of the District assets and infrastructure, to include condition assessment functions and lifecycle management of assets and infrastructure.
• Listens, documents, responds to and resolves citizen complaints.
• Ensures compliance with all District rules, regulations, and procedures to include adherence to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
• Advises the Department Chief and other senior staff on relevant issues.
• Responds to emergencies as required.
• Drives a vehicle as required in performance of assigned duties.

For the complete job description, go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click here.

• A valid California Class C Driver's License and safe driving record.
• A valid Water Distribution Certificate as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board desired.
• A valid Collection System Certificate as issued by the California Water Environment Association Certification (CWEA) desired.

Experience:

Seven (7) years of experience in construction, and/or maintenance of water distribution/ reclamation/collection facilities or other similar types of facilities such as buildings, storm drains, bridges, roadways, and pipelines, of which two (2) years should be of related supervisory experience.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, business administration or a closely related field.

This is an exempt position not eligible for 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.