Chief Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $210,519.39 - $263,226.41 Annually
Location : Spring Valley, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 00327
Department: Engineering
Section: Engineering Chief
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
General Duties
About Otay Water District
The Otay Water District, established in 1956, is a public agency providing water, recycled water, and sewer services to approximately 242,000 customers within roughly 125 square miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of eastern Chula Vista, Bonita, Jamul, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa, and eastern Otay Mesa along with the international border with Mexico.
For more information about Otay Water District, go to
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills; ability to recommend improvements and innovations (both with and without the utilization of technology); experience with Asset Management; outstanding organizational skills to manage the activities of the Engineering Department, as well as the ability to provide complex administrative support to the General Manager and Board of Directors, and the ability to work as a member of the District's Senior Management Team.
The ideal candidate should also possess the following Personal Characteristics, Skills, and Experience:
A Visionary and Leader - Experienced Manager, Strategic Thinker - Innovative, Forward Thinking - Collaborative - Professional and Highly Competent - Business, Customer and Results Oriented - Open Communicator - Committed to Employees.
We welcome veterans and transitioning military. Are you a former member of the military with related experience? If so, we encourage you to apply. Consider joining a team of dedicated professionals who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable resources. The experience you've gained during your service can continue to impact the world with a career at Otay.
The Otay Water District offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, a balanced work/life environment, and is a leader in the industry.
About the Position and Department
Under general direction of the General Manager, the Chief of Engineering plans, directs, manages and oversees the activities and operations of the Engineering Department including: Engineering Design and Planning Services, Development Services, Project and Construction Management, Survey, Recycled Water and Environmental Services. Serves as the Chief District Engineer.
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 $18.9 million per year. The Department has a staff of approximately 30 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 July 26, 2026. For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website or to view our Recruitment Process Frequently Asked Questions.
Examples of Duties
Essential Functions:

• Plans, directs, and manages departmental strategic planning, capital improvement projects (CIP), budgeting, planning/design/construction of water resources, environmental services, engineering, field services, including inspection, recycled water, contract administration, and developer projects.
• Manages the preparation of reimbursement agreements, plan checking, surveying and issuance of construction permits.
• Manages the District's environmental compliance programs related to NPDES, CEQA, APCD, DEH, DDW and assures compliance with Federal, State, and local permits and laws.
• Manages the development and implementation of the Engineering Department's goals, objectives, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in the development and execution of the District's strategic plan, and the associated development strategies, objectives, and performance metrics.
• Manages priorities, assignments, and workloads; establishes appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; and directs the implementation of changes.
• Represents the Engineering Department to other District sections, public government officials, outside agencies, and developers; explains, justifies, and defends Engineering Department's programs, policies, and activities.
• Negotiates and develops contracts and financial terms with landowners, developers, and agencies for land acquisition, water supplies, and services.
• Selects, trains, and evaluates Engineering Department personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; provides appropriate recognition for superior performance.
• Directs and manages the development and administration of the Engineering Department budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures.
• Interacts with District senior team members and coordinates Engineering Department activities in collaboration with other departments, outside agencies and organizations.
• Represents the District in negotiations with developers, contractors, and consultants on fees and charges associated with engineering programs.
• Provides staff assistance to the General Manager and Board of Directors; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Represents the District on Bi-National matters.
• Drives a vehicle as required in the performance of assigned duties.

For the complete job description, go to the Employment section of our website or click here
Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• A valid California Class "C" Driver's License and safe driving record.
• Certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California.
• Certificate of registration as a Land Surveyor in the State of California is desirable.
• Certified as Construction Manager (CCM) is desirable.

Minimum Experience, Education, and Training Requirements
Experience:
Seven (7) years of management, program and/or project-level experience in the design, engineering, and construction management of capital water, and wastewater facilities, including experience with development services projects, and environmental science. Experience with design, engineering, and construction management of recycled water facilities is desirable.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field; Master's degree desirable.
This position is exempt from overtime.
Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus.
All Otay Water District employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code, Section 71362.
Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments.
Scheduled salary increases include the following:

• July 1, 2024: 6% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• July 14, 2025: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• July 13, 2026: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• Annual Merit Increases: Eligible employees are eligible for 3% merit increase on an annual basis until they reach the top of their salary range, based on meeting expectations on their performance review.

Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year.
Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year.
Management Leave: 12 days/year.
Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employee's birthday and two floating holidays.
Auto Allowance: $400 per month.
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).
Employee Contributions:
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. Employees contribute 7.5% of salary towards the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.

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 CalPERS service contribution cost.

The District is also a Social Security participant and the District and employee make contributions.
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 $5,000 per calendar year.
Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of Blue Shield 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).
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. In addition, executives are also eligible to apply for another portable life insurance program with premiums paid by the District while employed. This portable life insurance program is subject to medical evaluation and rates may change based on the outcome of the medical review.
Executive Physicals: The District will provide reimbursement for Executive Physicals, including some optional procedures if it is determined by the doctor to be medically necessary.
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.
Education Reimbursement Program: Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for District approved courses not to exceed $3,000 per fiscal year.
Professional development, seminars, and conferences: The District offers these opportunities to help facilitate an employee's professional growth.
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.
Retirement Benefits:
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) effective September 1, 2024: A Health Reimbursement Arrangement is an interest-bearing, employer-funded account created in your name to reimburse you tax-free in retirement for eligible medical expenses and premiums. Otay Water District makes deposits of employer contributions and mandatory employee contributions while you are employed, but you will not be able to access funds until retirement or separation of service, having met Otay Water District's vesting