Olivenhain Municipal Water District is seeking applications for the position of Engineering Manager. This at-will position reports directly to the Assistant General Manager and serves as a member of the District’s management team. There is currently a staff of nine employees that comprise the Engineering Department. The salary range for this position is $172,012.88 to $274,358.76. Starting salary will be commensurate with candidate experience level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Under general direction of the General Manager, this at will position is responsible for managing and implementing comprehensive strategies and programs for the engineering, design, construction management and construction inspection of District capital improvement and developer projects within the Engineering Department. Oversees the acquisition and use of land and rights-of-way for District projects and work related to appraisals, acquisitions, leasing, and management of real property rights for pipelines, storage reservoirs, and building sites. Responsible for coordination with developers on projects to be constructed within the District and granted to District as part of the District system. A working knowledge and understanding of District safety rules and regulations, as well as active participation in the District’s safety programs is necessary. Support of the District Strategic Plan and Mission Statement is essential. Reliable, stable attendance is required.

The following tasks are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not regularly perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business or staffing needs and changing business practices as defined by the General Manager.

% TIME      TASKS

40%  Manages and implements the District’s Capital Improvement Program and Development Projects

Plans and coordinates capital improvement and development projects including condition assessment, master planning, long term forecasting, budgeting and resource management. 

Develops and reviews the work of staff and consulting engineers, inspectors, developers, contractors and others including engineering reports, plans, designs, drawings, construction specifications and associated cost estimates. 

Plans and manages project management activities for a variety of water, recycled water and wastewater system expansion, improvement and rehabilitation projects, including the preparation of plans, specifications, designs, estimates and schedules. 

Develops and maintains project budgets; forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies for projects; oversees and participates in the review and negotiations of project change orders; monitors and approves expenditures.

Responsible for construction project management and inspection of all work under construction to ensure compliance and conformance with District designs, plans, procedures, specifications and standards.

Requests support of general counsel as appropriate. 

Ensures compliance with environmental and regulatory policies and makes recommendations accordingly.

15%  Manages the District’s Property, Right-of-Way, Easements and Facilities

Manages the acquisition, sale, leasing or disposition of rights-of- way and property rights for pipeline, storage reservoirs and building sites including appraisals and negotiations with property owners.  

Supports District Managers and departments in a coordinated effort to maintain the District system regarding easements, encroachments and rights-of-way. 

Maintains Standard Specifications and District maps including oversight of Geoviewer software. 

Manages cell tower agreements and leases. 

Manages facilities maintenance contracts including landscaping, leased spaces and security. 

10%  Supports the Operations Department 

Provides technical and operational assistance on an as-needed or requested basis. 

Manages the Cathodic Protection system and related testing equipment and maintenance plans. 

25%  Other management duties include:

Plans budgetary guidelines and assures departmental operations within allocated amounts.

Oversees the development and implementation of the District’s 10 year Capital Improvement Plan. Prepares complex reports and analytical documents for review by various audiences including the Board of Directors.

Participates in interagency coordination and partnerships and professionally represents the District at a variety of internal and external meetings.

Organizes and manages competing priorities and appropriately assigns resources.

Develops effective resolution to conflicts.

Makes policy recommendations regarding operations and procedures.

Responds to emergency situations and personnel problems using sound judgment.

Manages labor resources effectively, conducting evaluations, documentation of performance and ensuring training is completed.

Supports the District Strategic Plan and Mission Statement by keeping staff informed and involved. 

Organizes the Engineering Department’s documents such as plans, contracts, leases, legal documents, and financial records for conformance to District records retention policies.

Acts as a positive role model.

Performs successfully in a team environment.

Monitors the Administrative Code relating to departmental responsibilities and recommends changes/updates as needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

10%  Performs all related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Unless required by law, experience and education may be substituted for each other upon approval by the General Manager or their designee. 

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, with advanced degree desirable; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid California driver’s license and proof of insurability are required; and current California registration as a Professional Civil Engineer.  

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of eight years of progressive civil engineering experience with three years in a supervisory capacity. Specific experience to include the design and construction of water, recycled water and wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems; knowledge of water, recycled water and wastewater, civil engineering, financial and operating principles, management theory and applicable California and Federal laws and regulations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proven ability to organize and manage competing priorities, ability to effectively use a personal computer, peripherals, and related word processing and spreadsheet programs. Ability to prepare and monitor adherence to department and capital improvement project budgets.

OMWD offers a very competitive benefits package including CalPERS retirement and options for fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums for family coverage. Interested candidates must submit a completed OMWD employment application and resume. All application materials will be evaluated and only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Subject to a background check for convictions directly related to job duties. Only job related convictions will be considered, and will not automatically disqualify the final candidate. Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/olivenhain

Application deadline: 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026

OMWD Human Resources, 1966 Olivenhain Road, Encinitas, CA 92024 

About Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Olivenhain Municipal Water District is a public agency providing water, wastewater services, recycled water, and hydroelectricity. The District also operates the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve.

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