Engineering Manager

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a strong background managing the planning, design, and construction of water/wastewater facilities. Preferable experience will be in planning, design and environmental compliance.

We also welcome veterans and transitioning military. Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The experience you've gained during your service can continue to positively impact the world with a career at Otay.

The ideal candidate should also possess the following Personal Characteristics, Skill, and Experience: Professional and Highly Competent – Business, Customer and Results Oriented – An Experienced Manager – Critical/Strategic Thinker – Able to Consistently and Accurately Interpret Policies, Procedures, and Ordinances – Analytical – Possess Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills – Honest and Ethical – Know and Understand Basic Business Finance and Accounting Principles – A Visionary and Leader – Well Organized – Flexible and Adaptable – A Team Player – Able to Work with Diverse Groups including the Public.
The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.
About the Position and Department
Under the general direction of the Chief of Engineering, plans, organizes, supervises, directs, manages, and coordinates programs and activities of staff and of several Sections of the Engineering Department which includes Water Resources, Planning, Design, and Environmental; and provides complex technical and administrative support to the Chief of Engineering.
The Engineering Department is responsible for the Planning, Budgeting, Design, Construction, and Inspection of all Otay Water District facilities as well as the administration of all developer and new customer construction and service applications. Projects include facilities for water, recycled water, sewer and support facilities, such as pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, wells, ponds, and a treatment plant. The Engineering Department also manages an annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of approximately $15.3 million (2024). The Department has a staff of approximately 29 employees supplemented by the services of consultants.
Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. However, for the earliest consideration, please submit your application materials by September 13, 2023. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible with top candidates. For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website or click here .

Examples of Duties

• Assumes management responsibilities for assigned services and activities of several section of the Engineering Department that includes, Water Resources, Planning, Design, and Environmental.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves problems and complaints from customers and consultants.
• Administers the design and preparation of major capital projects utilizing consulting engineering firms or in-house staff; prepares costs estimates; reviews drawings and specifications for compliance with District standards; interprets specifications and District policies and initiates or reviews change orders.
• Represents the District in negotiations with consultants on fees and charges associated with design of new facilities; and reviews, evaluates, and reports on work prepared by consultants and administers consultant contracts, including approval of invoices.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies.
• Participates on a variety of Boards and Commissions. Attends and participates in professional group meetings.
• Participates in continuous improvement. Develops standards, guidelines, and productivity indicators and documents processes of the like.
• Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of supervisory, professional, technical, and support staff assigned to perform functions of the section. Meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. Assigns work activities, projects, and programs. Monitors workflow. Reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participates in the development of and directs and monitors the implementation of section and department goals, objectives and measures to include the District's Strategic Plan and Performance Measures.
• Advises the Department Chief and other senior staff on relevant issues.
• Develops budgetary recommendations and monitors revenues and expenditures for assigned sections and recommends or makes appropriate adjustments.
• Prepares executive level reports, presentations, summaries and correspondence. Participates in Committee and Board meetings.
• Develops, trains, models, and enforces safe work procedures and practices for the sections and Department.

• Assumes management responsibilities for assigned services and activities of several section of the Engineering Department that includes, Water Resources, Planning, Design, and Environmental.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves problems and complaints from customers and consultants.
• Administers the design and preparation of major capital projects utilizing consulting engineering firms or in-house staff; prepares costs estimates; reviews drawings and specifications for compliance with District standards; interprets specifications and District policies and initiates or reviews change orders.
• Represents the District in negotiations with consultants on fees and charges associated with design of new facilities; and reviews, evaluates, and reports on work prepared by consultants and administers consultant contracts, including approval of invoices.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies.
• Participates on a variety of Boards and Commissions. Attends and participates in professional group meetings.
• Participates in continuous improvement. Develops standards, guidelines, and productivity indicators and documents processes of the like.
• Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of supervisory, professional, technical, and support staff assigned to perform functions of the section. Meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. Assigns work activities, projects, and programs. Monitors workflow. Reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participates in the development of and directs and monitors the implementation of section and department goals, objectives and measures to include the District's Strategic Plan and Performance Measures.
• Advises the Department Chief and other senior staff on relevant issues.
• Develops budgetary recommendations and monitors revenues and expenditures for assigned sections and recommends or makes appropriate adjustments.
• Prepares executive level reports, presentations, summaries and correspondence. Participates in Committee and Board meetings.
• Develops, trains, models, and enforces safe work procedures and practices for the sections and Department.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• A valid California Driver's License and a safe driving record.
• Professional Civil Engineering registration in any State and a Professional Civil Engineering registration in the State of California within one (1) year of appointment.

Experience:

Seven (7) years of experience in planning, design, construction, and construction management for a water, wastewater, and/or reclaimed water facility, including four (4) years of experience managing consultants or two (2) years of related supervisory experience.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.

Experience:

Seven (7) years of experience in planning, design, construction, and construction management for a water, wastewater, and/or reclaimed water facility, including four (4) years of experience managing consultants or two (2) years of related supervisory experience.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Master's degree desirable.

Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments.

Merit Pay: 3% on base salary to top of range based on meeting expectations on performance evaluation.
Cost of Living Adjustment: COLA for 7/3/23 is 3.0%.

Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year.

Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year.

Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employee's birthday and two floating holidays.

Alternative Work Schedule: A 9/80 work schedule may be available based on the needs of the department. Upon approval, employees would work 80 hours over 9 days and enjoy one day off every two weeks.

PERS Retirement: The District contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation). Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).

New Member (hired on or after 1/1/13 who are new CalPERS members or do not have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 formula based on the employee's 36 months of highest average annual compensation to a maximum of the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.
• District and employees share the normal employee CalPERS service contribution cost (currently at 14.87%). The District contributes 7.37% and Employees contribute 7.5% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS. Additionally, once the employee reaches the annual compensation limit and no longer contributes the 7.5% toward CalPERS, the contribution for post-retirement health and dental benefits will be increased by 7.5%.

Classic Member (hired before January 1, 2013 or who have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 55 formula based on the employee's single highest year annual compensation.
• Employees contribute 8% of salary towards the employee PERS service contribution cost.

The District is also a Social Security participant.

Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (457 Plan): Optional plan designed to provide employees with additional retirement income. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through payroll deductions. Employee contributions for the Deferred Compensation Plan will be matched dollar per dollar up to the maximum amount of $3,000 per calendar year.

Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of PPO, EPO, HMO or Kaiser HMO plans, 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% for dependent(s).

Dental Insurance: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% paid for dependent(s).
Vision: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 0% for dependent(s).

Retirement Benefits: Full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for medical and dental benefits at retirement if the employee has completed 20 years of continuous service and has attained age 55 upon retirement. New Members contribute .5% of salary to the District to offset District's cost for post-retirement health benefits. In addition, if the employee reaches the annual compensation limit and no longer contributes toward CalPERS, the contribution for post-retirement health and dental benefits will be increased by 7.5%. Classic Members do not contribute any additional salary for post-retirement health benefits.These contributions are not refundable.

Flexible Benefits Plan: The District offers a healthcare and dependent care flexible benefits plan. The healthcare account reimburses the employee on a pre-tax basis for medical, pharmacy, dental and other related expenses not covered by the insurance plans. The dependent care account allows employees to pay for employment-related dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Group Term Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: 100% premium paid by the District for employee and eligible dependent(s). The Life and AD&D insurance coverage for the employee is two times their annual salary and eligible dependents have Life insurance coverage of $1,000.

Voluntary Life Insurance: Employees may elect to cover themselves and eligible dependents for voluntary life insurance. The full cost of this insurance is paid by the employee via payroll deductions.

Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance: The District provides short term and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of your income after a 30-day elimination period (90-day elimination period for long term disability) if totally disabled due to illness or injury.

Professional development, seminars, and conferences: The District offers these opportunities to help facilitate an employee's professional growth.

Education Reimbursement Program: Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for District approved courses not to exceed $3,000 per fiscal year.

Employee Assistance Program: Provides confidential referrals and counseling concerning personal, family, or work related issues for employees and their dependents.

Free Onsite Workout Facility: The District has a fully equipped exercise room for employees to use before work, after work or during lunchtime.

Yoga Classes: On-site Yoga classes are offered during the lunch hour at the employee's expense.