Conservation Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Position The San Dieguito Water District, a subsidiary of the City of Encinitas, seeks a Water Resource Specialist with a multifaceted skill set to support the Utilities Director / San Dieguito Water District General Manager in advancing critical water resource initiatives. In this key role, you will contribute to regulatory compliance and reporting, conservation programming, community outreach, and long-range water resource planning. You will manage a variety of administrative and analytical projects, engage with the community around conservation, and collaborate with the finance and engineering teams.

This position offers the opportunity to blend technical skill, project management, and community engagement to support the essential water services that keep our community thriving. Why You'll Love Working Here Encinitas is a scenic coastal city known for its six miles of shoreline, engaged community, and strong commitment to sustainability, recreation, and the arts. Employees enjoy a supportive, collaborative culture grounded in public service and continuous improvement.

The City also offers excellent benefits, contributing to a positive work-life balance and long-term career satisfaction. In this role, your work will directly support essential potable and recycled water services. The Water Resource Specialist provides professional level administrative, engagement, and analytical support for the District's Water Resource related strategies such as supply, quality, regulatory compliance issues and reporting, water conservation, community outreach and public information programs.

Examples of Important & Essential Duties (included but not limited to) Essential Duties: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.) Plans, organizes, and oversees all aspects of assigned programs, including legal and regulatory compliance; coordinates with the public, private businesses, and governmental agencies. Performs a variety of professional-level research, administrative, and analytical duties for completing the Water Loss Report, SWRCB monthly drought and conservation reporting (SAFER), Consumer Confidence Report, Electronic Annual Report and Urban Water Management Plan in accordance with state and federal guidelines and meets deadline dates. Incumbent will coordinate and collaborate with department managers on reports as needed

Plan, direct, coordinate and participate in studies related to Water Supply and Conservation. Develops and implements, as directed, a wide variety of District water conservation programs including public awareness, community involvement or internal communication projects. Designs, develops and creates program supporting materials.

Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned services and programs; identifies resource needs; recommends and implements policies and procedures, including standard operating procedures for assigned areas. Stays informed of pending water laws, codes, regulations, and procedures, analyzes potential impacts; and makes recommendations for the revision or adoption of District's policies and ordinance provisions to District management. Engages local, state, and federal representatives on proposed legislation, including writing comment letters, attending meetings, and collaborating with lobbyists.

Develops and executes detailed program marketing plans, including reviewing, proposing, and developing program literature and outreach materials. Develops and monitors program budgets. Researches, writes and manages grants and proposals for conservation program funding; prepares applications for national and state awards for District conservation programs and projects.

Responds to requests for information and concerns from citizens, contractors, developers, and/or other interested parties related to water conservation, water supply, water quality and regulatory compliance. Provides troubleshooting and recommendations to customers and property owners on water usage and conservation techniques, equipment improvements and other methods of achieving more efficient water use. Applies irrigation and landscape design concepts in developing recommendations for improved water usage.

Monitors availability of efficient and approved water saving devices, rebate programs and conservation materials. Researches new technologies to assist in water conservation. Collects a variety of data related to District water conservation efforts.

Evaluates, analyzes and compiles reports from results. Writes staff reports and makes presentations to the District Board of Directors, community, schools, individual customers, and other groups on conservation/education issues, water supply, and federal and state water regulatory issues. Develops presentations, displays, demonstrations, and other materials for the public and District officials.

Acts as a point of contact in the development and provision of information for press releases and media inquiry. Represents the District and makes oral presentations on the District's behalf at community, State and Local government and special interest meetings, public events, and other engagements. Schedules and coordinates meetings, events, and appointments.

Develops and maintains working relationships with the Metropolitan Water District, San Diego County Water Authority and other water agency staff on water resource issues including conservation, water supply and regulatory related matters. Keeps abreast of regional conservation and education technologies and programs and recommends, develops and coordinates implementation of such programs with other agencies. Creates and updates content for the District website and develops material to be presented via news releases, newsletters, website, social media, and other printed material.

Coordinates and works with other staff to maintain current and relevant information for District customers. Coordinates and regularly updates the District's social media presence in correspondence to meet District objectives. Provides on-the-job instruction and training to co-workers regarding water conservation best practices and state and federal drinking water regulations.

Analyzes the water conservation budget and makes recommendations for prioritizing water conservation programs based on a cost/benefit analysis. Collects, analyzes and reports on data related to District water sales, water purchases and water losses. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: Federal, and State drinking water/recycled water regulations and requirements for reporting and permitting. Principles and practices of public administration and municipal government management; Management and leadership principles; Principles, practices and techniques for design and implementation of water conservation programs and resources including public information outreach and community programs; Organizational and management practices as applied to analysis, evaluation, and development of programs, policies and procedures in assigned area of responsibility; Customer service principles; Project management principles; Applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, regulations, and ordinances; Principles and practices of landscape water budgeting and irrigation; Basic research and statistical analysis practices; Report writing techniques; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; Principles of public speaking; Marketing and public relations principles and practices; Budgeting principles; Principles of education and teaching. Skill in: Providing customer service; Providing leadership; Providing public relations; Managing projects; Managing multiple priorities simultaneously; Giving presentations and speaking in public; Analyzing and developing policies and procedures; Ensuring compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations; Interpreting and applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations; Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals; Preparing and administering budgets; Planning, analyzing, and evaluating programs and services, operational needs, and fiscal constraints; Using a computer and related software applications; Communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to a variety of groups and audiences; Preparing reports; Designing and creating materials related to water conservation including flyers, brochures, newsletters, etc.

for the use of public education and/or community involvement; Conducting mathematical calculations related to water surveys/audits; Applying basic research methods; Understanding, interpreting, explaining and applying District and Federal, State and local laws, regulations and programs applicable to water conservation programs and requirements; Maintain effective relationships with those encountered in the course of the work; Performing work in accordance with safety regulations, guidelines, and practices. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Communications, Environmental Science or related field, including one (1) year of experience in water resource issues such as water supply, federal and state water regulations, water conservation, education, communications or environmentally-related work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry): Possession of professional certifications such as AWWA Water Use Efficiency Grade 1 Practitioner, landscape irrigation auditor certification, or SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 is desirable.

Application Process and Deadline A completed City application with an attached resume AND cover letter are required. *** Incomplete application packets are not accepted *** This job posting is open until the position is filled. First review of applications will be on the week of May 18, 2026, and qualified applicants will be invited for interviews.

Don't delay, apply today. The City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Water District provide equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Driver's License status or status with pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. The City and Water District encourage minorities, disabled persons and women to apply.

Qualified applicants who move to the next level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of medical evaluation, which includes a physical and drug and alcohol screening.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.