Program Manager Jobs in Indio, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $9,603.00 - $13,112.00 Monthly
Location : 75515 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2020-00497
Department: Administration
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
Program Manager - Imported Water Programs
Monthly Salary: $9,603 - $13,112 DOE/DOQ, plus a generous benefits package.
This position will be open until filled. First application review date: June 11, 2026
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The is seeking a Program Manager (Imported Water Programs). Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, this position will assist in the creation and execution of complex, confidential initiatives related to imported water, strategic partnerships, and contracts and agreements, ensuring alignment with District priorities and regional water resource objectives.
This position operates at a highly strategic level, assisting with the planning, development, and implementation of programs with District-wide impact. The Program Manager plays a critical support role in negotiating and administering complex agreements, managing sensitive relationships with water agencies, government entities, and external partners, and supporting key policy and operational decisions. The role requires a strong balance of technical expertise, financial acumen, and political awareness to navigate regulatory frameworks, water supply challenges, and evolving legislative requirements.
TITLE: Program Manager - Imported Water Programs
SRN U13: $9,603 - $13,112 Monthly, Exempt
Non-Represented/At-Will/Confidential
Department: Administration
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to: Receives administrative direction from the Assistant General Manager.
Promotional opportunity procedures will include the following:Review of minimum qualifications Review of personnel file, including but not limited: attendance history, disciplinary history, and performance evaluationsTesting/AssessmentsOral Interview(s)
DEFINITION: The Program Manager performs confidential, complex and varied technical and professional work required to manage programs under the Executive Department. Under direction from the Assistant General Manager, the Program Manager is responsible to manage any of the following programs as directed:
Confidential Contracts & Agreements (CA)
Imported Water (IP)
Strategic Partnerships/Alliances (PA)
CLASSIFICATION: This classification is non-represented, at-will and confidential. This classification is identified as a Category III classification in the District's Defined Benefit and Compensation Plan (DBCP).
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This category of work is considered executive professional, with the concept and title limited to use only within the Executive Department; positions at this level plan, direct, manage and oversee one or more department related programs, policies and procedures with District-wide impact. Incumbents are responsible for designing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and modifying functions and programs, including short- and long-term planning activities; allocating staff and budget resources among competing demands; budget preparation and management, and developing and implementing recommendations for operational, policy, and procedural improvements. Employees exercise initiative and resourcefulness, considerable independent judgment, and have extensive contact with senior management positions within the District, Board of Directors, other public agencies, regulatory and governmental agencies, and the public.
Essential Functions
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs highly confidential and complex work involved in contract negotiations, binding agreements, compiling, drafting and executing various memorandums of understanding, qualitative and quantitative statistical reports, schedules and related documents. Ensures standardization and application of processes and protocols.
• Facilitate confidential and key discussions with external partners, vendors and project manage all Executive level agreements and contracts as directed.
• Presents as a subject matter expert (SME) at conferences, delegations and conferences as required.
• Responsible for complex financial forecasting and multiple budget analyses.
• Plan, develops and manages special programs and related contracts as directed that included executive level oversight.
• Serves as primary back-up to the Assistant General Manager in absentia and/or as directed.
• Manages complex executive relationships with water districts, basins, tribal, non-profit and governmental agencies.
• Assists in the preparation and monitoring of department budget, contract revenue agreements and other financial information relating to the Executive Department.
• Participates in the water management planning, development and implementation of a variety of projects; conducts research, collects and analyzes statistical and related data; reviews and makes recommendation on administrative and operational problems.
• Assists with preparation of Imported Water orders, budgets and deliveries.
• Project manages the administration of new environmental review regulatory and legislative compliance that impact District agreements and strategic initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, public administration, finance or business administration. Master's degree in Public Administration is highly preferred.
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of related experience managing government programs in a water-related industry including planning, organizing, networking and analyzing contract and legislative compliance.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is highly desired.
• Professional Engineer (PE) certification is highly desired.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of program administration.
• Water engineering, construction and maintenance practices.
• Methods and techniques of program and project management.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances and policies relating to water authorities and agencies.
• Water supply development and infrastructure.
• State Water Programs, Colorado River Water Programs, SGMA, CEQA and NEPA
• Methods and procedures for conducting research, data and statistical analysis.
• Records management principles, practices and methods.
• Customer service principles, practices and methods.
• Stylistic managerial and leadership concepts.

Ability to:

• Analyze problems, identify alternate solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and provide recommendations in support of goals.
• Keep abreast of current developments that impact water resources.
• Interpret and apply District policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Read, interpret and explain Memorandum of Understandings (MOU's) and other confidential District agreements.
• Prepare required legal documents, forms, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Present proposals, agreements, MOU's and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively in closed session and public meetings.
• Maintain accurate file and records.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements in operations, policies and procedures.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set department priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the telephone, and in writing; make clear and concise presentations.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines, work with a workforce with diverse background and abilities.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Manage multiple task/multiple priorities with frequent interruption and to maintain confidentiality.

The Coachella Valley Water District provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package ensuring employees have many options to meet their healthcare, wellness and/or retirement savings goals. Providing employees with flexibility and support for all the different stages of life. Employees may pay some portion of their benefit premium costs based on the provisions of their labor-negotiated Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) and the level of coverage they select. Additional information regarding CVWD employee benefits is available at