Water Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $218,753.60 - $284,377.60 Annually
Location : 1231 11th Street, Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 80-2026-07
Department: Water Operations
Division: Water Operations
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The Modesto Irrigation District (MID) seeks an Assistant General Manager of Water Operations. Reporting to the General Manager, this executive-level position will oversee civil engineering, water use, planning and conservation, irrigation services, construction management, and domestic water operations to ensure the efficient and sustainable use of water resources in Modesto and surrounding areas. The AGM will drive the efficient and professional operation of the Water Operations Division and have oversight of four direct reports, 90 staff, and budgets of approximately $36 million for operations plus $8 million for capital improvements. This position requires an individual who possesses a deep understanding of water management complexities, with the communication skills, emotional intelligence, and political acumen necessary for navigating public and board meetings effectively.
The ideal candidate embodies a unique blend of technical expertise and vision. Moreover, they demonstrate a keen ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-informed decisions to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. The ideal candidate brings a strong project management background in overseeing large municipal projects from initial design through final construction, ensuring technical quality and timely delivery. They also excel at collaborating with multiple agencies, effectively coordinating across jurisdictions to keep complex projects aligned and moving forward. They will also build positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, from government officials to industry partners. Their effective communication skills will enable them to articulate complex ideas clearly and influentially, whether in board meetings, negotiations, or public forums.
Learn more about Modesto Irrigation District and Water Resources at MID here.
Additional Information: This is an exempt position and is represented by the Modesto Irrigation District Employees Association (MIDEA). This position is designated as "at will" and serves at the pleasure of the District in accordance with Board Resolution 93-155.
The total compensation and relocation package is competitive and will be dependent upon qualifications and experience. In addition to salary, MID offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable health plan options and participation in the MID Retirement System. Benefits and retirement information can be found here. Further, there is a 5% cost of living increase effective January 10, 2027.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, plan and implement division goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Coordinate division activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the General Manager and Board of Directors; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the division's work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Water Operations Division budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the division.
• Provide input and direction on issues related to the District's water rights.
• Represent the District in negotiations with outside utilities on matters of common interest; prepare and present District position in response to legislative and regulatory matters impacting the District.
• Ensure the District's water delivery rules and regulations are in compliance with local, State and Federal regulations.
• Provide guidance on operational studies related to the District's water transmission system, improvement districts, pumping and treatment plants, and private facilities.
• Provide direction for new water project development including planning, feasibility, design and construction.
• Represent the division to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil or agricultural engineering, biology, or a related field.
Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in water operations including domestic water system operation and maintenance and irrigation water delivery systems, including three years of administrative and management responsibility.
License and Certificate: Possession of a valid California class C driver's license at the time of appointment. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is highly desirable.
Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of project management with large scale municipal systems
• Demonstrates the ability to proactively oversee and develop strategic asset management systems.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, conflict resolution, and the ability to manage multi-disciplinary staff, including professional, trades, and clerical.
• Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with both office-based technical staff and field or construction services personnel to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Principles and practices of water distribution, production, treatment, storage and transmission.
• Principles and practices of irrigation water delivery, irrigated agriculture, irrigation conveyance, water treatment, pumps, drainage, modernization, SCADA, operations, and construction principles.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Surface and ground water hydrologic principles.
• Rights and laws affecting District facilities and rights-of-way as well as California water rights.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Modern office equipment including use of applicable computer applications.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.
• California Labor Laws and labor unions.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Contract administration, public procurement, bidding, and construction management.
• CA Water Management issues (fisheries, climate change, storage, SGMA, irrigated lands, etc.).
• Preparing Urban/Ag Water Management Plans.
• Working with/for a locally elected Board of Directors.
• Implementing large scale capital improvement plans.

Abilities:

• Plan, direct and control the administration and operations of the Water Operations Division.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports and related documents; know and interpret laws, regulations, codes and procedures; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve division related issues; and explain and interpret policy.
• Prepare and administer complex and multimillion-dollar division budgets.
• Develop and implement division policies and procedures.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel. Strong leadership skills are a must.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Work effectively with multi-agency and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Interpret and apply local, State, Federal, District and division policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Analyze complex technical data involving legal, institutional, engineering and economic considerations and take appropriate action.
• Analyze, interpret and apply complex water rights.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information
APPLY IMMEDIATELY. The position is open until filled. Screening of applications will begin on or after June 5, 2026 .Applications received after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
Applications will be reviewed on a comparative basis and only those most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will consist of an overall assessment of the individual's skills through (1) oral interview and (2) contacting of references to include current and former supervisors. The applicant must perform successfully in each phase of the recruitment in order to continue in the selection process.
Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact Human Resources at (209) 526-7341. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-3933 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD. The Modesto Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
SUCCESSFULLY PASSING AN APPLICABLE BACKGROUND CHECK WILL BE REQUIRED AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
For a complete list of MID Benefits, please refer to the following:
01
Do you possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, agricultural engineering, biology, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you currently registered as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have at least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in water operations, including both domestic water system operation and maintenance and irrigation water delivery systems?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered yes to question #3, please describe your experience and years in each area. If no, please mark n/a.
05
How many years of professional experience do you have in irrigation water delivery, conveyance systems, modernization, or agricultural water management?

• 5 or less years
• 6 - 8 years
• 8 - 9 years
• 10 or more years

06
How many years of professional experience do you have overseeing water distribution, treatment, storage, and transmission?

• 5 or less years
• 6 - 8 years
• 8 - 9 years
• 10 or more years

07
Do you have experience presenting to elected boards, regulatory bodies, or public audiences.

• Yes
• No

08
If you answered yes to question #7, please describe your experience. If no, please mark n/a.
09
Do you have at least 3 years of management responsibility supervising professional, technical, or field personnel?

• Yes
• No

10
If you answered yes to question #9, describe team size and the roles you supervised. Include whether you supervised in a unionized environment. If no, mark n/a.
11
How many years of experience do you have managing large municipal projects?

• 5 or less years
• 6 - 8 years
• 8 - 9 years
• 10 or more years

12
Describe your above project management experience, including the projects you have led, their associated budgets, and the composition of teams involved.
Required Question