Director of Engineering
Job Location
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Application Deadline
04/03/2025
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply immediately by submitting a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume to apply@ralphandersen.com. First review of resumes will take place in mid-April 2025. This recruitment may close at any time once a significant pool of qualified candidates has been established. Confidential inquiries welcomed to Mr. John Rossi at (916)-630-4900.
Detailed brochure available at https://ralphandersen.com/jobs/agm-smwd/.
The Santa Margarita Water District (located in Orange County, California) is seeking an innovative, solution-oriented, and influential professional to serve as the District’s Director of Engineering. The District employs approximately 216 full-time employees and has an annual operating budget of $124 million. The District’s capital improvement program budget is over $250 million as of FY 2025 and anticipated to increase based on District initiatives. The Director of Engineering is responsible for directing and integrating programs and will manage and inspire an accomplished and motivated engineering team. This position will oversee local and regional system planning, water resource planning, engineering design and construction management, and development services. The position reports directly to the Office of the General Manager and will contribute a variety of key, agency-wide initiatives to support the mission of the District.
Requires graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in civil engineering or a closely related field, and at least 10 years of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience in water or wastewater engineering; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred. Registration by the State of California as a Professional Engineer is required.
The annual salary range for this position is highly competitive and commensurate with qualifications and responsibilities similar to other agencies of similar size and scope in the region. Salary will be negotiated based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The District also offers an excellent benefits package including CalPERS Retirement.