Chief Operating Officer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) position presents an extraordinary career opportunity to join the Friant Water Authority, one of the most creative and innovative water agencies in the United States. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and plans, organizes, and directs all activities necessary to fulfill FWA’s various obligations for the proper operation, maintenance and replacement (OM&R) of the Friant-Kern Canal and related facilities, and acts as the lead for various special projects and programs such as the Friant-Kern Canal Capacity Correction Project, the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, engagement with Groundwater Sustainability Agencies along the Friant-Kern Canal, and other similar high-priority projects and programs related to FWA’s operations and its member agency interests.

WHAT IS FRIANT?
The Friant Water Authority (FWA) is a joint powers authority formed by its member public agencies under California law to operate and maintain the Friant-Kern Canal and to represent its members in federal and state policy and legislation development and operational decisions of the Central Valley Project that could affect the Friant Division’s water supply. FWA’s goal is to provide dependable, sustainable water from Millerton Lake to Friant Division contractors. The operations and maintenance headquarters for FWA is in Lindsay, California.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be a well-rounded water professional with strong project management skills and significant experience in water resources management of a public organization with outstanding leadership, mentoring, and team building skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial.

The ideal candidate will have a robust customer service ethic and the ability to establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships across all levels of Friant membership and with relevant public agencies and entities outside of the organization, as well as internal departments and staff. The COO will be responsible for a wide variety of special studies, projects, reports, and analyses including but not limited to the following:

1. Providing support to the Executive Committee, O&M Committee and Board of Directors on all aspects of FWA’s operations
2. Leading FWA’s strategy development and execution for a variety of high-priority, high-profile special projects and initiatives such as the Friant-Kern Canal Capacity Correction Project, the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement implementation, and engagement with Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (and member Districts) along the Friant-Kern Canal
3. Coordinating closely with Friant-Kern Canal Contractors to ensure the efficient and effective water deliveries and address short and long-term OM&R challenges along the Friant-Kern Canal
4. Acting as a liaison between FWA and the Bureau of Reclamation on all operational matters related to the Friant-Kern Canal and related facilities
5. Representing FWA and Coordinating with Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, the Department of Water Resources, and the State Water Resources Control Board on implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act

The following attributes are of the greatest importance in assessing top candidates:

• Detail oriented with a transparent management style and the ability to think creatively towards solving organizational challenges
• Strategic and forward-thinking
• Honest, straightforward, and ethical leadership
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including active listening
• Ability to quickly analyze and synthesize complex situations to form a rational/reasonable response and make sound decisions in a timely manner
• Resilient and calm under pressure

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Responsible for ensuring efficient and effective FWA operations, including the OM&R of the Friant-Kern Canal and related facilities
• Provides advice and consultation on the development of FWA policies
• Oversee general budget activity for overall operations and special projects
• Represents the Board’s policies and programs with member agencies and other government agencies;
• Plans, writes, edits, and distributes internal communications, prepares group presentations
• Responsible for ensuring that the FWA’s safety practices and programs are being coordinated, implemented and maintained
• Coordinates the activities of the various operational departments within the FWA to ensure a high level of overall program efficiency
• Represents the FWA’s Board of Directors at meetings or in other situations including before federal and state agencies, federal and state legislatures and other organizations
• Participates in monthly meetings of the Board of Directors, establishing agendas, disseminates information and coordinating communications among the member agencies and Contractors that receive water from the Friant-Kern Canal
• Manages special projects and programs such as the Friant-Kern Canal Capacity Correction Project(s), engagement with Groundwater Sustainability Agencies along the Friant-Kern Canal, projects in support of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, and other similar initiatives
• Represents the CEO when delegated
• Performs other duties, as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and at least ten years’ experience in water resources management, including at least five years in a supervisory, management, or executive capacity. For individuals without a Bachelor’s degree, a combination of relevant experience and certification may be considered as a substitute for a degree.

Possession of a valid State-issued driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one) and a satisfactory driving record are required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
This position is exempt with salary range between $250,000 and $360,000 annually.

Benefits package, including health, leave, and retirement programs as approved for all FWA employes by the FWA Board of Directors. For details please see “Benefits Summary” at https://friantwater.org/employee-resources.

HOW TO APPLY
Please apply at https://www.friantwater.org/careers must include:

• Application (to include three professional references)
• Cover Letter
• Resume

All submittals are to be emailed to hr@friantewater.org

CLOSING DATE
Close of business day March 6, 2026.