General Manager

Central Basin Municipal Water District (CA); Cerritos (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Basin Municipal Water District (CA) is seeking an experienced executive to plan, organize, and direct complex operations across the District. The role ensures compliance with laws, oversees budgets, and aligns strategic objectives with regional water needs.

The ideal candidate will lead financial operations, engage with state and local governments, and develop long-term plans to support reliable water service. A Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of senior management experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public or business administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative and executive management experience in operations and management of a water/wastewater service provider
• Proven leadership in collaborating with state and local governments and strong fiscal knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, control, integrate, and evaluate the work of all District functions to ensure compliance with policies and laws.
• Develop and monitor short- and long-term plans, goals and objectives for the District.
• Oversee financial operations and investment policies to ensure funds are expended per budgets and laws.
• Forecast revenues and budget allocations and manage day-to-day and long-range financial operations.
• Direct analyses and recommendations on water supply, policy issues, and contingency plans for Board guidance.
• Lead efforts to meet regional service needs and build coalitions with stakeholders.
• Prepare and audit budgets, present to the Board, and communicate variances.
• Guide policy development, legislation analysis, and regulatory coordination.

Skills

Organization design

Public administration

Budgeting & fiscal management

Strategic planning

Policy analysis & guidance

Leadership & supervision

Communication & public speaking

Intergovernmental relationships

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public or business administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office software

Job description

General Definition

Under general policy guidance from the Board of Directors, plans, organizes, integrates, fiscally controls, directs, administers, reviews, evaluates and modifies the activities, operations, and services of the District; ensures execution of short- and long-term goals and objectives; ensures District operations and functions effectively serve the needs of the public and customers throughout the District’s service area, while complying with applicable laws and regulations; and performs related duties as assigned.

The deadline for resume submission is November 12th, 2026 5:00 PM PST

Examples of Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, control, integrate, and evaluate the work of all District functions and departments to ensure operations and services comply with the policies and objectives set by the Board of Directors and all applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in the formulation of the District’s Strategic plan and develop, implement, and monitor short- and long-term plans, goals and objectives.
• Oversee the District's financial operations and investment policies to assure that District funds are expended in conformance with Board-approved budgets and applicable laws, publicly approved administrative policies, and generally accepted reporting practices.
• Forecast future operating revenues and capital and operating budget allocations to prepare an annual budget; and manage day-to-day and long-range financial operations to continually achieve proper debt ratio for the District.
• Direct the preparation of analysis and recommendations regarding water supply and reliability policy issues, long-range planning, and contingency plans; and advise and counsel the Board regarding policy issues to meet the present and future needs of the region.
• Participate in the assessment of regional, industry, and District service area public and customer needs to ensure objectives and priorities align with meeting those needs.
• Provide leadership and advocacy on regional water issues consistent with the best interests of the public and stakeholders to achieve action plans and priorities; form
• coalitions to address current and future water demands; and build awareness of regional water priorities and provide support for the District's CBWD Board representatives.
• Prepare, monitor, revise and audit the budget in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices; present budget to the Board in accordance with the stated timeline, and keep Board aware of variances.
• Direct and oversee the analysis of proposed legislation and regulation; direct and participate in industry and intergovernmental activities to influence legislative and regulatory change consistent with the District’s interests and needs;
• Direct and coordinate the preparation of analyses and recommendations about policy issues and long-range plans to address District service-area needs.
• Prepare and deliver recommendations to the Board; review and revise board agendas and reports prepared by others.
• Interpret District code, policies, and applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance over assigned areas.
• Direct the development and maintenance of comprehensive, effective human resources programs, administrative policies and systems; develop, maintain, and revise the District’s organization, including but not limited to organizational structure, job descriptions, salary ranges, number of employees, performance reviews (including methodology) and disciplinary policies.
• Maintain all official employment-related documents, such as employment applications, position descriptions, annual evaluations, commendations, disciplinary actions, and individual personnel files containing all official employment-related documents.
• Make annual recommendations to the Board during the budget process of overall employee compensation amount and number of employees.
• Submit rules and regulations for contracting, purchasing, storing, distributing, or disposal of supplies, materials, and equipment to the Board for approval and adoption on an as-needed basis.
• Maintain or cause to be maintained, individual records for District assets reflecting date of purchase, original cost, depreciation term, and method of depreciation
• Create an organizational culture conducive to high performance, innovation, integrity, and exceptional customer service,
• Performs other related duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications and Specific Competencies

Knowledge of:

• Theory, principles, practices and techniques of organization design and
• development, public administration, public financing, financial management and long-range planning as they apply to a public water agency,
• Principles and practices of budgeting, purchasing, and maintenance of public records; Brown Act requirements, applicable ordinances, state laws and other legal requirements applicable to the functions and operations of a municipal water district.
• Applicable ordinances, state laws and other legal requirements applicable to the functions and operations of a municipal water district; federal and state water issues; political processes on federal, state and local levels impacting water supply and demands and environmental issues
• Organization, function, role, and authority of a public agency Board of Directors.
• Principles and practices of strategic planning and management
• Principles and practices of effective supervision, organizational development, and employee-management relations in the government sector
• Customer service techniques to deliver high levels of customer service when dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• Organizational development and design.
• Modern office methods, procedures, and equipment; and Microsoft Office software.

Ability to:

• Create and maintain a work culture that exhibits high levels of performance, innovation, integrity, and exceptional customer service.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the District.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply District, state, and federal policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and court decisions governing operations in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Analyze, interpret, and make sound recommendations on complex management and administrative issues.
• Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively in public meetings.
• Develop and implement appropriate procedures, systems, and controls for administrative and operational functions.
• Develop and maintain continuous improvement in all areas of operations; develop and monitor performance standards for all divisions within the department;
• Effectively represent the branch and the District in meetings and/or negotiations with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff, the public, contractors and elected officials.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of tasks.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience to satisfy the knowledge, skills, and abilities referenced above.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public or business administration, or related field;
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative and executive management experience in the operations and management of a public or private water and/or wastewater service provider or an equivalent combination of training and experience; and
• Proven leadership in working collaboratively with state and local governments, strong fiscal knowledge, public policy background, and an established record of successful board collaboration.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Maintain a valid California Driver’s license, and vehicle insurance.

Working Conditions

Occasionally lift and carry materials up to 30 pounds. Duties may require maintaining a physical condition necessary for sitting, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, twisting, reaching or bending for prolonged period of time. Position responsibilities will require local travel to attend meetings; periodic overnight travel may be required. Duties may be performed outside of normal working hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.