Posted: 29-Apr-26
Location: Oceano, California
Type: Full Time
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Oceano Community Services District – California
General Manager
This is an excellent opportunity for a leader with a steady hand to join a dedicated staff in managing a charming and peaceful special district community on California’s Central Coast.
Located along California’s Central Coast, Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) is a multi-service special district with a five-member Board of Directors and nine staff members who serve approximately 7,600 residents and business utilizing a total budget of five million dollars to provide for the following services:
• Water: OCSD provides potable water service for approximately 2,200 connections. Water supplies include ground and surface sources, some of these in partnership with other governmental agencies. The District’s water supply reliability is relatively high, and water quality is ensured through regular testing.
• Wastewater: OCSD provides wastewater collection services through its network of neighborhood pipelines that ultimately flow to another governmental agency for safe treatment (South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District).
• Other: OCSD provides garbage and recycling services through a franchise agreement, street lighting to certain areas of the community, and limited recreational services.
The Oceano community offers potential candidates a high quality of life, blending desirable aspects of both Southern and Northern California on the Central Coast. The greater San Luis Obispo County area offers engaging cultural events, outstanding recreation, farm fresh cuisine, and exceptional weather. The area is distinctly unique with a traditional rural character and yet benefits from the comforts and conveniences usually found in larger metropolitan areas.
THE POSITION AND CURRENT INITIATIVES
The General Manager (GM) works under the direction of the Board of Directors to plan and supervise all functions of the District. The GM is responsible for the following core areas:
- Leadership: The GM implements policy direction to advance organizational goals. S/he represents OCSD in contacts with other governmental agencies and the public. The GM recruits and retains professional staff and as needed, contractors for specialized tasks. S/he assists the staff in achieving operational excellence and avoiding unnecessary conflict that may give way to disciplinary issues.
- Financial Management: The GM prepares and administers the annual budget and regularly monitors fiscal performance throughout the year. S/he also looks to long-term fiscal health and sustainability by staying abreast of external social and economic issues affecting OCSD.
- Capital Projects Management: The GM prepares and administers the capital improvement projects. The water master plan identifies system infrastructure to improve and strengthen the distribution system. The Board adopted the Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Plan in 2025.
- Legal Affairs & Risk Management: The GM ensures that operations are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In conjunction with District Counsel s/he advises the Board as to potential pitfalls and maintains compliance with public noticing, testing, and reporting requirements.
OCSD’s capital improvement plan has received significant grant funds for preliminary engineering, design, and construction. Overall, the District’s focus has been on replacing aged and non-standard waterlines. These projects and other tasks include repairs and upgrades to water yard facilities, technology implementation and utilization, and replacement of trash receptacles throughout the community.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR GENERAL MANAGER
The ideal candidate will possess at least five years of experience in public agency management, preferably with a special district operating a water system. A bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or a related field is required.
