Joint Regional Water Supply System (JRWSS) Engineering Manager

Alliance Resource Consulting; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Joint Regional Water Supply System seeks an Engineering Manager to lead CIP programs, oversee design reviews, project management, budgeting, regulatory compliance, construction management, and reporting. The role is executive-level and non-merit, reporting to the Deputy General Manager/Chief Engineer and participating in the District Leadership Team.

Must hold a California P.E. in Civil Engineering, BS in Civil Engineering, a valid CA Class C license, and 10 years of professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• California Professional Civil Engineer licensure in good standing.
• Ten years of professional experience in design, construction, and management of civil engineering projects.
• Two years of lead or supervisory experience.
• Desirable: Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field; familiarity with potable water transmission pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the JRWSS Capital Improvement Program, including engineering planning, design review, project management, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and construction management.
• Prepare engineering documents and reports and provide technical leadership during construction.
• Build trusted interagency relationships and communicate technical recommendations clearly to Board members, partner agencies, and permitting agencies.

Skills

Civil engineering

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Job description

The Joint Regional Water Supply System (JRWSS) is a regional potable-water transmission system that extends from Irvine through southern Orange County into northern San Diego County. The system includes the Joint Transmission Main (JTM), reservoirs, interconnections, flow-control facilities, valves, and related infrastructure used to convey imported potable water to participating agencies. The South Coast Water District (SCWD) serves as the designated operator for the JRWSS and manages the system on behalf of nine member agencies which include: South Coast Water District, California State Parks, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, City of San Clemente, El Toro Water District, Irvine Ranch Water District, Moulton Niguel Water District, Santa Margarita Water District, and Southern California Edison / San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. For FY 2026–27, JRWSS has a total budget of approximately $10.7 million, and has 7.5 full-time budgeted positions.

Reporting to the Deputy General Manager/Chief Engineer, the Engineering Manager – JRWSS is an executive-level, non-merit system contract position that oversees the JRWSS Capital Improvement Program, including engineering planning, design review, project management, budgeting, regulatory compliance, construction management, and preparation of engineering documents and reports. This position is part of the District’s Leadership Team and participates in District strategic planning and regional water supply planning efforts. The position currently has no staff oversight but may supervise assigned professional and technical personnel. The Engineering Manager takes ownership of complex projects from inception through design and bidding, manages design consultants, maintains strong contract documents and technical specifications, and provides informed support during construction. The role also supports annual maintenance, repair, and capital-improvement budgeting, pipeline condition assessment and asset management, and administration of JRWSS agency agreements. The ideal candidate brings practical construction experience, sound field and constructability judgment, and technical credibility. Experience with large-diameter water transmission pipelines is especially valuable, as is the ability to build trusted interagency relationships and communicate technical recommendations clearly to Board members, partner agencies, and permitting agencies.

Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university, licensure in good standing as a California Professional Civil Engineer, a valid California Class C driver’s license, and ten (10) years of professional experience in the design, construction, and management of civil engineering projects, including two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience. Desirable qualifications include significant experience with Architect-Engineer and construction contracts; a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a related field; familiarity with corrosion protection techniques used on buried metallic pipelines; significant experience with the design, construction, operation, and regulatory requirements of potable water transmission and storage systems; and familiarity with the design, construction, and condition-assessment principles and techniques applicable to PCCP, CCP, and steel pipe.