Water Resources and Planning Manager

Employer: Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA)
Salary: $194,326.22 – $236,204.73 Annually
Location: 11615 Sterling Avenue, Riverside
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 06/30/2025
Closing Date: 7/31/2025 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

Description

The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and visionary professional to serve as its next Water Resources and Planning Manager. In this influential leadership role, you will help shape the future of the Santa Ana River Watershed by driving regional planning efforts that address water reliability, quality, recycled water, climate adaptation, habitat conservation, and more.

The Water Resources and Planning Manager works directly under the General Manager and is a key member of SAWPA’s leadership team. This position oversees the agency’s water resources planning programs and initiatives, leading collaborative efforts across the watershed. Responsibilities include long-range planning, policy development, grant and loan program administration, and advancing strategic projects focused on sustainability, climate resilience, and integrated water management. The Manager regularly partners with SAWPA member agencies, regulatory bodies, and diverse stakeholders to implement multi-benefit, watershed-wide solutions to complex water resource challenges.

What We’re Looking For:

Proven leadership in project and program management.
Passion for sustainability, climate resilience, and integrated planning.
8+ years of progressive experience in water resources or related fields.
Bachelor’s degree in water resource planning, civil engineering, geological engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is desirable

For additional details about the position and our agency, refer to the Recruitment Brochure. (Download PDF reader) A Comprehensive benefits package is also offered. A full benefits summary is available here.(Download PDF reader)

Applications must be submitted electronically through governmentjobs.com/careers/sawpa by July 30, 2025. Applications received by this date will be included in the first review of applications. Early submission is strongly encouraged. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Examples of Duties

These examples are illustrative of the various types of work which may be performed. Omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.

Chair and facilitate regional planning committees, coalitions, workgroups, roundtables and task forces; coordinate planning concepts, activities, and operations with other divisions, departments, consultants, engineers, and outside planning and water resource agencies.
Manage the efforts of SAWPA’s One Water One Watershed (OWOW) program, including the OWOW Steering Committee.
Manage SAWPA’s Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) activities, including within the watershed and on a state level with the Department of Water Resources. Support SAWPA’s legislative advocacy at the state level with respect to IRWM.
Direct, organize, plan and supervise Department staff; manage the performance of staff including, but not limited to, hiring, training, developing and evaluating staff.
Manage and coordinate the design and contract performance of projects, project elements or programs ensuring compliance with environmental requirements, established standards, specifications, Agency policies, and cost and schedule limitations.
Manage, evaluate, and assist in the preparation of request for proposals and selection of consultants to provide professional services on major projects; provide administration of all contracts for assigned projects.
Manage the development and implementation of strategic planning, goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for SAWPA programs providing effective and efficient water resources planning services; develop and ensure adherence to Agency policies, rules, and procedures; interpret and implement policies and goals set by the Commission and General Manager.
Maintain line management responsibility for all functional activities associated with the execution of assigned projects, with particular emphasis on obtaining maximum job quality, accurate cost control compliance with schedules, and satisfactory project relations.
Manage assigned consultants and staff; direct technical support activities on a variety of water and water resources projects.
Oversee and provide for administration of loan and grant programs; research and apply for funding assistance from various sources for major projects; negotiate the conditions and terms of funding agreements.
Interpret hydrologic, geologic, and socio-economic analyses; interpret data from simulation models, Geographical Information Systems, and relational databases for surface and groundwater systems; coordinate research work related to reclamation and reuse of water.
Work directly with other agencies to obtain or provide water resource planning data; receive updated data from a variety of sources; screen, filter, and prepare data to ensure compatibility with SAWPA computer systems.
Represent SAWPA in local, regional/watershed, State, or multi-state organizations whose focus or sphere of influence is on water resource management including watershed planning, water quality, water supply, or water reclamation.
Manage the development and administration of the assigned budget(s); direct and forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.
Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions including water quality restrictions.
Manage the development and use of GIS, databases, and other tools; research, collect, receive, compile, integrate, and analyze information in support of planning, water resources, capital improvement projects, growth projections, environmental studies, and demographic analyses.
Manage the preparation of comprehensive reports, technical research papers, and maps for presentation and/or publication; prepare maps, stratigraphic cross-sections, diagrams, and factsheets.
Analyze and track the planning efforts of SAWPA’s Member Agencies; develop and maintain working relationships with the Member Agency planning staff and other agency staff on water resource matters; keep abreast of technologies and programs in water resource planning; and recommend, develop, and coordinate implementation of such programs.
Manage, prepare, and review technical reports, memorandums, and environmental documents; respond to correspondence as required.
Prepare memos, presentations and other related materials for SAWPA Commission agenda packet. Make presentations to the SAWPA Commission, other agencies, and public interest groups; participate in and represent SAWPA in meetings with the public, citizen groups, professional associations, private firms, the other agencies; provide guidance to administrative staff about Commission board agenda items.
Oversee and monitor activities of the State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the State Department of Water Resources.
Coordinate operations, activities, and functions with other agencies; negotiate interagency agreements and contracts for special services; understand and administer special government agency agreements.
Develop and evaluate plans and criteria for projects and activities for a wide variety of proposed complex water resource evaluations.
Attend meetings related to watershed management and water resource development activities. Conduct administrative and technical meetings with Agency representatives and consultants.
Prepare study contracts and specifications, cost estimates, and change orders as needed.
Prepare policy recommendations for the General Manager to advance SAWPA strategic plan and major initiatives. Evaluate and propose new business initiatives and opportunities to develop unique solutions.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience: At least 8 years of water resource planning, engineering, and/or related experience, or equivalent experience preferably involving water and watershed systems, and at least five years of senior level project management experience.
Training/Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in water resource planning, civil engineering, geological engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is desirable.
License or Certificate:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record acceptable to the Agency’s automobile Insurance provider. Must be able to drive own vehicle to project sites at various locations within Santa Ana River Watershed.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, registration as an American Institute of Certified Planners’ (AICP) Certified Environmental Planner (CEP) is desirable.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, professional project management certification is desirable.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, registration as a Civil or Environmental Engineer in the State of California is desirable.
- Other related certifications are desirable.

Applications must be submitted electronically through governmentjobs.com/careers/sawpa by July 30, 2025.

This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 30, 2025. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Employer: Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA)

Website: https://sawpa.gov/

Address: 11615 Sterling Avenue, Riverside, California, 92503

4 days remaining