Chief, Engineering

Otay Water District; Spring Valley (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Otay Water District in California seeks a Chief of Engineering to lead the Engineering Department, directing design, planning, development services and construction management for water, recycled water, and sewer facilities.

The ideal candidate will have seven years of executive experience, CA Civil Engineer license, and a proven ability to manage CIP, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams while collaborating with the General Manager and Board.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking required.
• Experience in asset management and capital projects is key.
• Licensed Civil Engineer in California is preferred.
• Experience with environmental compliance programs and budgeting is important.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and manage departmental strategic planning and CIP budgeting.
• Oversee design, planning, construction management, surveying, and environmental services.
• Negotiate contracts and manage development projects with landowners and agencies.
• Develop and implement department goals, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate with senior district leadership and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Innovative

Collaborative

Open communicator

Visionary leader

Experienced manager

Professional and competent

Customer and results oriented

Committed to employees

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree desirable

Job description

About Otay Water District

Otay Water District, established in 1956, is a public agency providing water, recycled water, and sewer services to approximately 242,000 customers within roughly 125 square miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of eastern Chula Vista, Bonita, Jamul, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa, and eastern Otay Mesa along with the international border with Mexico.

For more information about Otay Water District, go to www.otaywater.gov.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills; ability to recommend improvements and innovations (both with and without the utilization of technology); experience with Asset Management; outstanding organizational skills to manage the activities of the Engineering Department, as well as the ability to provide complex administrative support to the General Manager and Board of Directors, and the ability to work as a member of the District's Senior Management Team.

The ideal candidate should also possess the following Personal Characteristics, Skills, and Experience: A Visionary and Leader, Experienced Manager, Strategic Thinker, Innovative, Forward Thinking, Collaborative, Professional and Highly Competent, Business, Customer and Results Oriented, Open Communicator, Committed to Employees.

We welcome veterans and transitioning military. If you are a former member of the military with related experience, we encourage you to apply.

The Otay Water District offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, a balanced work/life environment, and is a leader in the industry.

5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment is scheduled for July 13, 2026.

About the Position and Department

Under general direction of the General Manager, the Chief of Engineering plans, directs, manages and oversees the activities and operations of the Engineering Department including: Engineering Design and Planning Services, Development Services, Project and Construction Management, Survey, Recycled Water and Environmental Services. Serves as the Chief District Engineer.

The Engineering Department is responsible for the Planning, Budgeting, Design, Construction, and Inspection of all Otay Water District facilities as well as the administration of all developer and new customer construction and service applications. Projects include facilities for water, recycled water, sewer and support facilities, such as pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, wells, ponds, and a treatment plant. The Engineering Department also manages an annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of approximately $18.9 million per year. The Department has a staff of approximately 30 employees supplemented by the services of consultants.

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. For earliest consideration, please submit application materials by July 26, 2026.

For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov.

Essential Functions

• Plans, directs, and manages departmental strategic planning, capital improvement projects (CIP), budgeting, planning/design/construction of water resources, environmental services, engineering, field services, including inspection, recycled water, contract administration, and developer projects.
• Manages the preparation of reimbursement agreements, plan checking, surveying and issuance of construction permits.
• Manages the District's environmental compliance programs related to NPDES, CEQA, APCD, DEH, DDW and assures compliance with Federal, State, and local permits and laws.
• Manages the development and implementation of the Engineering Department's goals, objectives, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in the development and execution of the District’s strategic plan, and the associated development strategies, objectives, and performance metrics.
• Manages priorities, assignments, and workloads; establishes appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; and directs the implementation of changes.
• Represents the Engineering Department to other District sections, public government officials, outside agencies, and developers; explains, justifies, and defends Engineering Department's programs, policies, and activities.
• Negotiates and develops contracts and financial terms with landowners, developers, and agencies for land acquisition, water supplies, and services.
• Selects, trains, and evaluates Engineering Department personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; provides appropriate recognition for superior performance.
• Directs and manages the development and administration of the Engineering Department budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures.
• Interacts with District senior team members and coordinates Engineering Department activities in collaboration with other departments, outside agencies and organizations.
• Represents the District in negotiations with developers, contractors, and consultants on fees and charges associated with engineering programs.
• Provides staff assistance to the General Manager and Board of Directors; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Represents the District on Bi-National matters.
• Drives a vehicle as required in the performance of assigned duties.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

• A valid California Class "C" Driver's License and safe driving record.
• Certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California.
• Certificate of registration as a Land Surveyor in the State of California is desirable.
• Certified as Construction Manager (CCM) is desirable.

Experience

Seven (7) years of management, program and/or project-level experience in the design, engineering, and construction management of capital water, and wastewater facilities, including experience with development services projects, and environmental science. Experience with design, engineering, and construction management of recycled water facilities is desirable.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field; Master's degree desirable.

Other Information:

This position is exempt from 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, Section 71362.