Assistant General Manager

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. Candidates should submit their materials as soon as possible to ensure consideration. However, interviews may be conducted throughout the recruitment process and this opening may close at any time. Applicants should attach any relevant certifications or licenses to their application.

Compensation 

Annual salary for this position is set at $194,742 – $260,973. The District provides 4 medical plan options, with a District contribution that covers all plans & tiers at 100% for 2024.  Benefits also include District-paid Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability Insurance. The District participates in Social Security and the CalPERS pension program, offering the 3% at 60 formula for Classic members. Employees can also participate in 457 and 401a deferred compensation plans; after one year of employment, the District provides a $4,500 match. In addition, managers receive a monthly car allowance of $300, ($400 for electric vehicles), and 40 hours of management leave. The District offers tuition reimbursement after one year of employment. An on-site fitness facility can be utilized by all employees. 

Essential Functions

The Job 

The Assistant General Manager manages and oversees operation of Operations & Maintenance, Engineering, and Information Technology departments; directs the development, implementation, and administration of department goals and programs; assists the General Manger in identifying and addressing District-wide issues; and supervises assigned staff, including mentoring department managers. This position will chair Board Committee meetings, and acts in the absence of the General Manager, including presiding over Board meetings and taking direction from the Board. 

Working directly with managers and other staff, the Assistant General Manager will oversee the implementation of a variety of projects, both within their assigned departments and District-wide. Specific projects include the improvement of District-owned properties; developing interagency agreements; working closely with Finance to improve rate and fee structures in all departments; and implementing information and operational technology integration into field operations. The Assistant General Manager also responds to public records requests and will be required to manage and track strategic plan goals for the entire District.

Typical Qualifications

The Candidate 

The successful candidate is a strong leader who is interested in, and capable of, mentoring both new and experienced management staff. This person must identify areas of improvement and provide support to staff in implementing those directives. The Assistant General Manager is expected to establish and maintain effective relationships with other agencies, employees, the Board of Directors, and others contacted in the course of the work; they must communicate and present information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences. 

The ideal Assistant General Manager must have knowledge of water & wastewater operations, maintenance, and engineering in a public sector agency; management experience in one of those departments is highly preferred. Education in water or wastewater operations is desirable. As a manager, this person also has experience identifying and implementing process improvements & efficiencies and can clearly explain how they improve the District and meet the Board’s goals.

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities include a bachelor’s degree with major course work in public administration, engineering, or a closely related field; and five years of progressively responsible management level experience in engineering, public administration, or water/wastewater operations. Possession of a Professional Engineer license is preferred. 

Supplemental Information

The District

Vallecitos Water District is an award-winning special district located in north San Diego County. Our mission is to serve as water and wastewater specialists, providing exceptional & sustainable services. 

Reliability benefits the customer. Sustainability benefits the environment. Combine them and you get Vallecitos Water District – a forward-thinking organization implementing necessary projects and procedures to encourage a bright, responsible future for all. Vallecitos has initiated multiple projects through the years to ease elevated water and power demands today for availability tomorrow.

 Seawater Desalination – In 2016, the District began receiving approximately 30 percent of the District’s annual supply water from the Claude “Bud” Lewis’ constructed on the Carlsbad coast. This is enough water to meet the needs of more than 8,100 families for one year. The arrival of water from this local, endless source complements current imported supplies, increasing availability despite drought and regulatory issues that have threatened Vallecitos supplies in the past. 

Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility – Vallecitos’ Meadowlark facility has been recycling wastewater since 1981, and now the plant is able to process up to 74 percent of the wastewater Vallecitos customers generate. After final treatment, the recycled water is sold to the City of Carlsbad and Olivenhain Municipal Water District for irrigation purposes. 

Twin Oaks Reservoirs – Buried underground to better blend with the rural community, the 33-million gallon capacity Twin Oaks Reservoir No. 1 and its neighbor – the 40-million gallon capacity Twin Oaks Reservoir No. 2– are not seen but their presence is definitely felt. The latter tank is the largest of its kind in North America. The central location of the pre-stressed concrete structures provides a both operational and emergency storage. 

Encina Wastewater Authority – The regional facility located in the City of Carlsbad is partially owned by Vallecitos. The facility processes approximately 22 million gallons of wastewater a day (mgd) onsite. Along with Vallecitos, effluent is also taken from five other local agencies and treated to accepted regulatory standards. The facility converts wastewater solids into environmentally friendly dry pellets for use as an organic fertilizer.