Vallecitos Water District

Engineering Manager

Hybrid - San Marcos, CA
Full-Time
Application Deadline: 12/5/25

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 online as soon as possible to ensure consideration. Interviews may be conducted throughout the recruitment process and this recruitment may close at any time. Candidates must attach copies of required certifications/licenses to their application.

$151,132.00 – $202,531.00 Annually

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages the activities of development services and capital facilities projects, including planning, environmental compliance, and facility design; implements provisions of the Master Plan; makes recommendations for action and assists in the development and implementation of policy, procedure, and department budget; manages projects, contractors, and contracts in connection with assigned departments; directly supervises staff; oversees assigned budget; acts in the absence of the Director of Engineering; performs related work as assigned.  

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class reports to the Director of Engineering and is respo­nsible for the development and management of projects and functions of the District’s development services and capital facilities functions. The employee must also function as a member of the District’s management team and participate actively in addressing issues of concern to the District which at times may not have a direct impact on the employee’s area of specialization.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

The Engineering Manager directly supervises and mentors assistant and associate-level engineers and Engineering Technicians overseeing day-to-day technical work, project management, and staff development. The Engineering Manager is supervised by the Director of Engineering. The Engineering Manager is distinguished from the Director of Engineering in that the Director provides overall strategic leadership for the Engineering Department, manages all engineering staff, and holds legal authority and professional responsibility for signing and sealing public improvement plans, specifications, and related documents on behalf of the District.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Plans, assigns, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; provides staff training and development; assists in the selection of staff; reviews work for accuracy and compliance with laws, ordinances, policies, procedures, department standards; ensures all engineering documents comply with same; studies and standardizes procedures to improve department efficiency; participates in necessary disciplinary actions; writes performance appraisals; ensures high level of customer service; provides assistance to staff in resolving problems; ensures safe work methods are followed and appropriate safety precautions and equipment are utilized; 
  • Manages and administers development and capital improvement projects, including those designed by outside consultants, from the preliminary planning stages through construction and acceptance improvements by the District; reviews and comments on Environmental Impact Reports and prepares accompanying letters; coordinates Master Plan Capital Improvement Projects with development projects; evaluates water and sewer capital facility fees by interpreting District policies;
  • Manages and coordinates design and implementation of removal, replacement, relocation, or adjustment of District facilities required by City Capital Improvement Projects in accordance with the Cost Sharing Agreement between the District and City; 
  • Manages and coordinates preparation of the Master Plan, Program Environmental Impact Report; administers contracts for the District’s regional planning and environmental needs; orders and monitors related studies; 
  • Reviews Water/Sewer Studies, plans, legal descriptions, deeds for projects, easements, and rights-of-way; oversees water and sewer availability letters, annexations, extensions of service, and payback agreements; interprets and explains regulations and fees to the public; 
  • Prepares and evaluates requests for proposals relating to projects requiring contract engineering work; assists in selection of consulting engineers; administers contracts for the design/construction of capital improvement projects; directs the preparation of project cost estimates for competitive bidding purposes; performs construction contract modifications and negotiates contract changes and change order costs;
  • Performs annual Level 1 Water Audit Validation submission for the District’s water distribution system utilizing American Water Works Association (AWWA) software;
  • Provides budget projections for assigned departments and monitors expenditures, costs, and budget limits throughout the year; 
  • Assists Director of Engineering in developing long-term department goals in coordination with development services and capital facilities divisions; acts in the absence of the Director of Engineering; presents Engineering related items to the Board, public, and other outside stakeholders;
  • Holds regular meetings with staff to communicate expectations, receive feedback, resolve problems, develop trusting relationships, provide motivation and employee recognition, stay abreast of staff’s work activities, and provide required resources for work assignments;
  • Operates copiers and a variety of office equipment;
  • Performs duties in a professional manner and works well with others or in a team setting;
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public;
  • Regular attendance and adherence to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities;
  • Observes safe work practices and safety methods; performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Traits

  • Demonstrated leadership ability, including developing and mentoring staff;
  • Prior experience in Development and CIP for a water/wastewater utility, including design and constructability;
  • Design experience for water/wastewater facilities;
  • Experience with complex hydraulic modeling;
  • Experience in public speaking to a variety of audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Principles of supervision, training, and management including selection, work evaluation, and discipline; 
  • Civil engineering principles, practices, and techniques applicable to the planning, design, construction, and operation of water supply and wastewater collection and reclamation systems and facilities;
  • Relevant environmental compliance rules, regulations, standards, and laws;
  • Plans and specifications review standards;
  • Principles and practices of contract administration;
  • Business data processing applications related to the solution of engineering problems, including water & sewer modeling software, and the maintenance of records; computer applications relating to the work;
  • Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations;
  • Work safety standards and requirements; District policies, rules, regulations, and procedures; 
  • Administrative principles and methods including goal setting, program and budget development and implementation. 

Ability to:

  • Plan, organize, manage, and administer a variety of complex engineering programs and services;
  • Plan, organize, assign, direct, review, develop, and evaluate the work of assigned staff; 
  • Select, motivate, and evaluate staff and provide for their training and professional development;
  • Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls; 
  • Select consultants and contractors; assess final work product for compliance with contract or agreement;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and others;;
  • Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports;
  • Perform comprehensive administrative reviews of work activities, costs, staffing requirements, equipment uses, and time requirements;
  • Effectively represent the District with the public, contractors, and other organizations;
  • Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and reach sound conclusions.

Education & Experience

Any combination of education or experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in civil engineering or related engineering field, and; six years of professional engineering experience in the planning, design, construction, or maintenance of water distribution facilities and/or wastewater collection, treatment, and reclamation facilities which included a minimum of two years in a supervisory or management position in one or more of these areas. Experience in a water or wastewater agency is preferred.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements

  • Possession of a valid and current California Professional Engineer’s license is required.
  • Possession of an American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Audit Validator Certificate is highly preferred.