City of San Diego
Water Distribution Deputy Director - Public Utilities Department – U2519 (Uncl
City of San Diego, National City, California, United States, 92180
Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, Water Delivery Branch, the Water Distribution Deputy Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the water distribution system. This Deputy Director plans, organizes, manages, and evaluates the work of approximately 300 division staff, and as a member of the Department's management team, is actively involved in the development and implementation of the Department Strategic Plan.
There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
Represent the Division before a variety of governing bodies within the City, including oversight committees, City Council, Civil Service Commission, etc.;Participate in negotiations with a variety of water and wastewater agencies working closely with elected officials, community leaders and representatives from those agencies to achieve resolution or decisions;Prepare the Division annual operating, capital outlay and personnel budget, including justifying budget requests and monitoring expenditures against goals and objectives;Represent the Division and Department at various industry and professional forums;Establish and coordinate Department administrative policies within assigned area of responsibilities;Work collaboratively with other department deputy directors and their staff to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Department; andPerform related duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in a related field,
andA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible managerial experience. Experience managing water and/or wastewater operations would be a typical way to demonstrate these qualifications.Desirable Qualifications:Commitment to public service, fiscal responsibility, and innovation in government;Substantial, progressively responsible management experience, in wastewater or water operation;Experience in managing large programs, projects or field operations;Experience in developing and managing a complex budget;An understanding of public entity personnel and labor relations principles, policies, and procedures;Experience working with regulatory agencies, including but not limited to the Regional Water Quality Control Board and California Water Resources Control Board;Excellent problem solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and support creative and viable business solutions;The ability to balance competing interests in a regulatory and political environment;Demonstrated exceptional ability to manage and motivate people and teams;Focus on enhanced customer service and customer satisfaction;Excellent written and verbal communication skills;Strong business and political acumen to work effectively with customers, elected officials, external businesses and governmental agencies;Strong leadership skills with the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders;Demonstrated commitment to quality improvement and performance excellence; andActive and genuine commitment to managing diversity in the workplace and encouraging high performing teams.Benefits:The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.City-paid life insurance.For additional details, please review the
Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees
or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.
The Department:
The Public Utilities Department provides reliable and sustainable water, wastewater, and stormwater services to San Diego. Focusing on efficiency, innovation, and environmental stewardship, the department ensures high-quality water delivery and effective wastewater and stormwater management. The department operates through the Water Utility Fund, Municipal Wastewater Fund, and Metropolitan Wastewater Fund, serving retail, wholesale, and reclaimed water customers. The department is implementing the Pure Water San Diego project, which uses advanced water purification technology to provide a safe, sustainable, and drought-proof drinking water supply for the City. For more information, please visit
https://www.sandiego.gov/public-utilities .
The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.
The City’s Mission, as stated in the
Strategic Plan
is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".
As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the
City’s website .
Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the
City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage
for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.
Application Instructions:
Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.
Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at:
HumanResources@sandiego.gov1)
Resume;2)
Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and3)
List of three professional references.
NOTE(S):
Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.Reference Recruitment Number U2519 in the Subject Line.Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at
HumanResources@sandiego.gov .
The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.#J-18808-Ljbffr
There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
Represent the Division before a variety of governing bodies within the City, including oversight committees, City Council, Civil Service Commission, etc.;Participate in negotiations with a variety of water and wastewater agencies working closely with elected officials, community leaders and representatives from those agencies to achieve resolution or decisions;Prepare the Division annual operating, capital outlay and personnel budget, including justifying budget requests and monitoring expenditures against goals and objectives;Represent the Division and Department at various industry and professional forums;Establish and coordinate Department administrative policies within assigned area of responsibilities;Work collaboratively with other department deputy directors and their staff to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Department; andPerform related duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in a related field,
andA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible managerial experience. Experience managing water and/or wastewater operations would be a typical way to demonstrate these qualifications.Desirable Qualifications:Commitment to public service, fiscal responsibility, and innovation in government;Substantial, progressively responsible management experience, in wastewater or water operation;Experience in managing large programs, projects or field operations;Experience in developing and managing a complex budget;An understanding of public entity personnel and labor relations principles, policies, and procedures;Experience working with regulatory agencies, including but not limited to the Regional Water Quality Control Board and California Water Resources Control Board;Excellent problem solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and support creative and viable business solutions;The ability to balance competing interests in a regulatory and political environment;Demonstrated exceptional ability to manage and motivate people and teams;Focus on enhanced customer service and customer satisfaction;Excellent written and verbal communication skills;Strong business and political acumen to work effectively with customers, elected officials, external businesses and governmental agencies;Strong leadership skills with the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders;Demonstrated commitment to quality improvement and performance excellence; andActive and genuine commitment to managing diversity in the workplace and encouraging high performing teams.Benefits:The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.City-paid life insurance.For additional details, please review the
Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees
or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.
The Department:
The Public Utilities Department provides reliable and sustainable water, wastewater, and stormwater services to San Diego. Focusing on efficiency, innovation, and environmental stewardship, the department ensures high-quality water delivery and effective wastewater and stormwater management. The department operates through the Water Utility Fund, Municipal Wastewater Fund, and Metropolitan Wastewater Fund, serving retail, wholesale, and reclaimed water customers. The department is implementing the Pure Water San Diego project, which uses advanced water purification technology to provide a safe, sustainable, and drought-proof drinking water supply for the City. For more information, please visit
https://www.sandiego.gov/public-utilities .
The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.
The City’s Mission, as stated in the
Strategic Plan
is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".
As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the
City’s website .
Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the
City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage
for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.
Application Instructions:
Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.
Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at:
HumanResources@sandiego.gov1)
Resume;2)
Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and3)
List of three professional references.
NOTE(S):
Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.Reference Recruitment Number U2519 in the Subject Line.Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at
HumanResources@sandiego.gov .
The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.#J-18808-Ljbffr