Water Policy Manager

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Orange County, California, Mesa Water District proudly serves a dynamic region encompassing the City of Costa Mesa, parts of beautiful Newport Beach, and the bustling John Wayne Airport. This highly desirable area combines the quintessential Southern California lifestyle with a thriving economic and cultural landscape. Residents of Mesa Water District’s service area enjoy a diverse and welcoming community, benefiting from an exceptional quality of life. The region is renowned for its outstanding schools, creating a family-friendly environment within its well-maintained neighborhoods. With sun-drenched beaches just moments away, the area offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, including surfing, paddleboarding, and an abundance of parks and green spaces perfect for hiking, biking, and leisurely strolls under the California sun.

Mesa Water District is an independent special district that provides 16,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) of domestic water and 1,100 AFY of recycled water to 110,000 customers in an 18-square mile area covering the City of Costa Mesa, parts of the City of Newport Beach, and John Wayne Airport. Mesa Water’s vision is to be a top-performing public water agency. Its mission emphasizes managing finances and water infrastructure, advocating for sound water policy, and reliably delivering an abundance of clean, safe water to enhance the public’s quality of life. Core values include prioritizing the health and safety of the public and staff, commitment to excellence, a philosophy of abundance, and a perpetual agency mindset.

Under the direction of the General Manager, the Water Policy Manager leads and oversees all Water Policy functions. This role is responsible for planning, managing, implementing, and evaluating governmental relations, legislative affairs, and regulatory and political activities. The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader with a strong understanding of the complexities of water policy in California and the ability to navigate the evolving regulatory and legislative landscape. The annual salary range for the Water Policy Manager is $156,291 – $215,446; placement within this range is dependent on qualifications and experience. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ms. Yasmin Beers at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: April 26, 2026