Assistant Water Director

Water Otter Inc; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Water Otter Job Board is seeking an Assistant Water Director in Bakersfield, CA to plan, direct, and improve the Agricultural and Domestic Water Divisions within the Water Resources Department. The role involves representing the city with federal, state, and local agencies, negotiating water sales, and coordinating with Kern River stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Public Administration, or related field, plus at least five years of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in directing agricultural and domestic water resources, or related managerial experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.
• A valid California Class “C” driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and oversee operation, maintenance, and improvement of the City’s Agricultural and Domestic Water Divisions within the Water Resources Department.
• Represent the City in dealings with federal, state, county and local agencies on water supply, quality, rights, environmental matters, weed control, safety and related issues.
• Negotiate water sales and exchanges to maximize cash flow and coordinate Kern River operations with other agencies.
• Assign tasks and prepare special reports related to water operations.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or related field

Professional Civil Engineer (highly desirable)

Job description

Job Description

Description Under administrative direction of the Water Director, is responsible for planning and directing the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the City's Agricultural and Domestic Water Division of the Water Resources Department and related activities; performs other work as required.

Representative Duties In addition to the above, the following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the essential duties of the position. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential Duties: Responsible for the day to day operation of the City's Agricultural and Domestic Water Divisions of the Water Resources Department. Represents the City in contacts with federal, state, county and local agencies involved with water supply, water quality, water rights, environmental matters, weed control, safety and other matters that are of concern to water users, both agricultural and domestic. Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the City's Kern River water rights ownership. Negotiates water sales and water exchanges to promote maximum cash flow. Negotiates City's position with other Kern River interests relating to Kern River operations. Works with other local agencies in coordinating the City's agricultural and domestic water operations. Assigns and prepares special reports.

Full Job Descriptions: Assistant Water Director

Minimum Qualifications Applications will be accepted only for those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED City Application, Supplemental Questionnaire, and Resume that they have:

• Graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or related field; AND
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the direction of agricultural and domestic water resources, or other related managerial experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.
• A valid California Class “C” driver’s license.

Highly desirable: Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer

Examination (Weighted: 100%) ORAL APPRAISAL INTERVIEW (Weighted 100%): December 1, 2026 (Tentative)

The method of examination may include one or more of the following: written exam; oral exam; evaluation of education, training, experience or other qualifications as shown by the application, or by other information submitted, or by the record; questionnaires submitted to references; or any other appropriate measure of fitness. A minimum passing score of 70% is required.

NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.

Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:

• Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit
• Fire Safety Unit
• Police Safety Unit
• Police Trainee Unit
• Supervisory & Management Unit

INSURANCE: The City and the employee share contributions for premiums for health insurance coverage. The City provides life insurance benefits based on bargaining unit. Visit the Cityweb Employee Benefits page for detailed information (rates and plan information).

RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the City's Retirement Info page for additional information.

Closing Date/Time: 11/13/2026 1:00 PM Pacific