Water Agency General Manager

Water Otter Inc; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 302,000 - 367,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health plan options

Retiree medical benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness option

Job summary

Sonoma Water in Sonoma County, CA, seeks a General Manager to lead an innovative agency delivering essential water, wastewater and flood protection services to 600,000+ residents. You will oversee complex systems, regulatory environments, and a dynamic workforce to advance environmental stewardship and reliable infrastructure.

The role demands strategic leadership, collaboration with the County Board of Supervisors, and the ability to translate technical challenges into actionable plans that

Job description

Job Description

Position Information

Annual Salary: $301,588 - $366,602 DOE/DOQ

Sonoma Water is seeking an innovative and collaborative General Manager to lead a nationally recognized agency at the forefront of water resource management and environmental stewardship. Serving more than 600,000 residents across Sonoma and Marin counties, the Agency plays a vital role in protecting essential resources and delivering critical water, wastewater, and flood protection services. Reporting directly to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors who serves as the Agency Board, the next General Manager will build upon Sonoma Water's strong foundation, navigate evolving water resource challenges, and make a lasting impact on the communities it serves. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of complex water systems, infrastructure management, and regulatory environments, with the ability to translate technical challenges into effective strategies. This is an exceptional opportunity for an innovative, dynamic, people-centered executive who brings strategic vision, sound judgment, and the ability to inspire a talented workforce and foster a positive organizational culture.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Annual salary: $301,588 - $366,602 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an attractive benefits package.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Round one interviews are anticipated to take place in early January 2027. Finalists will move forward to round two interviews that are anticipated to occur in mid-January 2027. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

Important Note:

Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

County of Sonoma Benefits: Management*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at [phone]. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at [e-mail] or [phone].

*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 12/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific