General Manager

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

GENERAL MANAGER

The Running Springs Water District (RSWD or District) is recruiting for a General Manager (GM) to oversee the daily operations of the District and ensure customers receive safe and reliable water, wastewater, fire protection and emergency medical services.

The Running Springs Water District is an independent special district, established in March 1958, providing water, wastewater, fire protection, and emergency medical services to the Running Springs mountain community spanning over five square miles including the community of Green Valley Lake (sewer service only). The District is governed by a locally elected Board of Directors (Board) that will appoint the best candidate for the GM position. RSWD is located in the unincorporated San Bernardino mountains in Southern California located between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. RSWD employs 28 full-time personnel and 17 part-time paid call firefighter personnel. Departments include Administration, Fire Protection & Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Water, Wastewater Collections and Wastewater Treatment.

The General Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer overseeing department heads, reporting and accountable to the Board of Directors. The GM is responsible for all District policies, procedures, ordinances, resolutions and will lead the District’s strategic direction and reliable delivery of multi-department services.

The GM has broad independence with major policy decisions and financial matters subject to Board approval. The GM acts as the primary liaison between the Board, the community, other entities and frequently attends Board meetings and may provide public presentations to various community groups. The GM directly supervises all District staff, including hiring, training, and evaluating personnel. The GM also oversees contractors and service providers as needed, ensuring their work aligns with District policies and goals. The GM coordinates the efforts of various teams, facilitates collaboration, and ensures efficient execution of projects and services.

The GM is responsible for short and long-term planning activities including capital improvements, water resources, wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, fire protection and emergency medical services, strategic mission, vision and goals, financial management, administrative functions, contracts, and funding opportunities. The GM ensures that the District is continually up to date on all legal and legislative issues ensuring compliance with regulations and governance requirements. The GM is responsible for the development and administration of District policies, procedures, and services and is tasked with overseeing the District’s financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

·        Direct and manage all district operations (water, wastewater, fire protection/emergency medical services).

·        Develop and execute strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management.

·        Provide professional and technical support, legislative direction, and advice to the Board; work with the Board to develop District priorities.

·        Provide regular status updates and progress reports to the Board on key projects, budgets, financial health, capital improvement needs and operations.

·        Provide direction, advice and support to staff. Manage the selection, training, and supervision of all staff, evaluate performance, and manage work assignments.

·        Analyze operational challenges and propose solutions to improve efficiency and achieve organizational goals.

·        Oversee contractors, consultants, and service providers ensuring District standards, policies, and directives are maintained.

·        Oversee budget preparation; development and maintenance of short and long-term financial strategies.

·        Respond to and manage emergency situations effectively and calmly.

·        Oversee the development of Board agendas, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and memorandums of understanding.

·        Engage the community, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies with transparency and professionalism.

·        Seek and apply for funding opportunities to support District infrastructure and development needs.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

·        Seven years or more of experience in a water, wastewater, or similar government agency with a minimum of five years of management experience.

·        A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or other advanced certification is desired.

·        Strong fiscal management and strategic planning background.

·        Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

·        Familiarity with rural or mountainous service areas is a plus.

·        Familiarity with Fire Protection and Emergency Medical services is a plus.

·        Day-to-day management of maintenance and operation of water and wastewater systems.

·        Legal, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to public-sector management and water districts, including compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

·        Water resource and conservation management.

·        Project management principles, including overseeing short and long-term projects and initiatives.

·        Technology related to water resources and business management.

·        Financial management, budget development, and financial strategies.

·        Strategic analysis and long-range planning, policy development and implementation.

·        Principles, practices, and trends in public administration, business management, and government operations.

·        Personnel management, motivation techniques, employee retention strategies, organizational culture, hiring, training, and performance evaluation.

·        Risk management principles, including handling emergency situations and ensuring safety and security for District employees and customers.

·        Community engagement practices and strategies for effective communication with residents, agencies, and other stakeholders.

Other Necessary Skills Include:

·        Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with various stakeholders, diverse individuals and large groups of people including the Board, staff, residents, and external agencies.

·        Planning, organization, and coordination skills to set priorities under changing conditions.

·        Ability to analyze complex issues, recommend sound alternatives, decisions, and solutions.

·        Leadership skills to manage diverse teams and ensure effective communication, coordination, and collaboration.

·        Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective, pleasant, and cooperative working relationships with Board members, employees, officials, regulators, and the general public.

·        Effective supervision, motivation, and evaluation of the work of employees and outside contractors.

·        Managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and handling unexpected situations with flexibility, adapting to changing circumstances.

Working Environment

The District operates in a collaborative and community-focused environment, requiring frequent interaction with residents, contractors, and government agencies. This may involve interacting with upset or frustrated individuals, requiring the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations. This is a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines, requiring flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities. Work may require responding to after-hours emergencies or being available for emergency situations as needed. This position is primarily office-based with periodic visits to District facilities and community locations. Some situations may require working in outdoor or facility settings for inspections, meetings, or emergency situations. The role may involve working in both a climate-controlled office environment and in various weather conditions.

Within 6 months of employment, must reside in the Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Arrowbear, Green Valley Lake or surrounding areas and able to respond to the District within 60 minutes.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additional allowances may be available. The District is committed to the well-being of its employees and their families and offers a comprehensive benefits package. The District may contribute to a portion of premiums.

·        Retirement benefits through the CalPERS retirement system.

·        Tax-deferred 457 retirement savings plan.

·        Medical coverage with a choice of plans from CalPERS Health insurance.

·        Medical expense reimbursement plan.

·        Dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability insurances.

Physical Demands

Incumbent must be able to function in an office and field environment in work of a sedentary to active nature, and perform critical functions as stated in the General Manager Job Description with or without reasonable accommodation. This job announcement should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Refer to the General Manager Job Description for more information:

https://www.runningspringswaterdistrict.com/

Application and Selection Procedure

The position is open until filled. To be considered please email your Letter of Interest, Resume and a list of related references which will not be contacted until the final stages and only with prior permission to info@runningspringswd.com

Qualified candidates will be selected for further screening and invited to participate in the interview process.

GENERAL MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

DEFINITION

Under policy direction, plans, organizes, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all District functions and activities; provides policy guidance and program evaluation to the Board of Directors and management staff; encourages and facilitates provision of services to District customers; fosters cooperative working relationships with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; and performs related work as required.

Within 6 months of employment, must reside in the Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Arrowbear, Green Valley Lake or surrounding areas and able to respond to the District within 60 minutes.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives policy direction by the Board of Directors. Exercises general direction and supervision to the entire District staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The General Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the District, accountable to the Board of Directors and responsible for enforcement of all District ordinances, policies, and procedures, the conduct of all planning, engineering, capital improvements, financial activities, and the efficient and economical performance of the District’s operations.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

The Board of Directors reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

·        Plans, organizes, and administers, either directly or through subordinate management and supervisory staff; coordinates and evaluates the work of the District in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations, and adopted policies and objectives of the Board of Directors.

·        Directs and coordinates the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and programs for the Board of Directors and the District; develops administrative policies, procedures, and work standards to ensure that the goals and objectives are met and that programs provide mandated services in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.

·        Oversees the preparation of the annual capital improvement and operating budgets for the District; authorizes directly or through staff, budget transfers, expenditures, and purchases; provides information regarding the financial condition and needs of the District to the Board of Directors.

·        Advises the Board of Directors on issues, programs, and financial status; prepares and recommends short and long-range plans for District administrative services, fire protection and emergency medical services in coordination with the Fire Chief, water resources, wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, capital improvements, funding; and directs the development of specific proposals for action regarding current and future District needs.

·        Oversees the administration, construction, use and maintenance of all District infrastructure, facilities and equipment.

·        Represents the District and the Board of Directors in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations; acts as the District liaison with the media.

·        Frequently attends evening and weekend meetings, providing public presentations to the Board, staff, and various community groups.

·        Oversees public information and education, the District website and social media channels, ensuring relevant news and updates are communicated to customers.

·        Provides for the investigation and resolution of complaints regarding the administration of and services provided by the District.

·        Provides for contract services and ensures proper performance of obligations to the District.

·        Oversees the selection, training, professional development, and performance evaluation of District staff; oversees the implementation of effective employee relations and related programs; provides policy guidance, development, and interpretation to staff.

·        Directs the preparation of and prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

·        Oversees the maintenance of working and official District files in accordance with law and the District Records Retention Policy.

·        Ensures that the Board of Directors is kept informed of District functions, activities, financial status, and of legal, social, and economic issues affecting District activities.

·        Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect District operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

 Knowledge of:

·        Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, budget development and administration, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.

·        Principles, practices, and procedures of public agency administration.

·        Day-to-day management of administration services, maintenance, operations, and capital projects for fire protection, emergency medical services, water and wastewater systems.

·        Functions, services, and funding sources of a public agency.

·        Legal, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to public-sector management of water districts, including compliance with local, state, federal, environmental, and public contracting laws.

·        Water resource and conservation management.

·        Functions, authority, responsibilities, and limitations of an elected Board of Directors.

·        Personnel management, motivation techniques, employee retention strategies, organizational culture, hiring, training, and performance evaluation.

·        Risk management principles, including handling emergency situations and ensuring safety and security for District employees and customers; Community engagement practices and strategies for effective communication with residents, agencies, and other stakeholders.

·        Applicable Federal and State laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations.

·        Principles and practices of budget development, administration, and accountability.

·        Modern office practices, methods, computer applications and computer equipment.

·        English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

·        Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with government agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.

·        Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff, in person and over the telephone.

·        Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and District staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

·        Plan, administer, coordinate, review, and evaluate the functions, activities, and staff of the District.

·        Successfully navigate a scope of work that is varied and highly complex in nature.

·        Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls.

·        Oversee all District financial activities, including administering investments, the development and implementation of the District budget, the control of all expenditures and purchases, and sustaining a fiscally responsible organizational culture.

·        Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

·        Effectively represent the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations and the media.

·        Direct the preparation of and prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

·        Prepare accurate and effective reports, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

·        Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the District in meetings with governmental agencies, and various businesses, professional, regulatory and legislative organizations.

·        Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.

·        Use sound independent judgment within general legal, policy, and procedural guidelines.

·        Respond to and manage emergency situations effectively and calmly.

·        Leadership skills to manage diverse teams and ensure effective communication, coordination, and collaboration;

·        Organize own work, coordinate projects, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.

·        Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications and programs.

·        Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

·        Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

·        Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education, certification, training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in engineering, business or public administration, finance, public policy, management, or a related field, and seven (7) years of management or administrative experience in a public agency setting. Possession of an appropriate master’s degree and experience in working with an elected Board or Council is desirable.

Required/Desired License(s)/Certifications:

 ·        Valid California driver’s license Class C with acceptable driving record is required.

·        Possession of an active Grade 3 or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California is Desired.

·        Possession of Civil Engineering License is desired.

·        Possession of other Water and Wastewater Operator Certifications is Desired.

Physical Demands

 

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator, and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.