Director of Operations

Santa Margarita Water District; Rancho Santa Margarita (CA); On-site; USD 219,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Santa Margarita Water District in Southern California seeks a seasoned Director of Operations to lead a high-profile executive role as the District advances a $700 million, five-year Capital Improvement Program and a culture of innovation.

The Director will build the Operations leadership team, shape infrastructure planning, and drive cross‑department collaboration across two advanced wastewater plants, 37 pressure zones, and billions of gallons of storage.

Job description

Join our team as the Director of Operations!

Santa Margarita Water District The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is seeking a seasoned and dynamic Director of Operations to step into a highly visible executive role as the District builds on strong momentum, significant investment, and organizational growth. This is not a steady-state utility role—SMWD runs a complex and forward-looking water system in Southern California, with two advanced wastewater treatment plants, an award-winning advanced recycled water purification plant, 37 pressure zones threaded through canyon terrain, 1,700 miles of pipeline, and billions of gallons of storage. Behind this system sits a $700 million, five-year Capital Improvement Program and an organization deliberately reshaping itself around innovation and collaborative leadership. The new Director will have the opportunity to build the Operations leadership team, bring an operational voice to major infrastructure planning and investment, and influence decisions that reach across the District. For a leader who is energized by building strong teams, improving how work gets done, and collaborating at the executive level, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of water and wastewater in South Orange County. Apply today to help shape the regional evolution of water resource management!

SALARY & BENEFITS: $218,781 – $299,730 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an attractive benefits package.

Round one virtual interviews will take place on November 10. Finalists will move forward to round two in-person interviews on November 20. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

This recruitment is being conducted by WBCP on behalf of Santa Margarita Water District. For detailed information and to apply.