Assistant Water Director

City of Bakersfield; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bakersfield, CA invites an experienced water resources leader to assume the role of Assistant Water Director within the Water Resources Department. You will plan, direct, and improve the Agricultural and Domestic Water Divisions, ensuring reliable water service and regulatory compliance.

You will liaise with federal, state, and local agencies, negotiate Kern River water rights and exchanges, and prepare reports for council review.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in water resources.
• Must possess a valid California Class C driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct operation, maintenance, and improvement of Agricultural and Domestic Water Divisions.
• Represent the City with federal, state, county and local agencies on water issues.
• Negotiate water sales and exchanges to maximize cash flow.
• Coordinate with local agencies on water operations.
• Prepare special reports and supervise staff.

Skills

Water resources

Leadership

Public policy

Education

Engineering

Business

Public Admin

Tools

Driver's license

Job 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.

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

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

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.