The General Manager directs, coordinates, reviews the activities and operation of the District, and serves as the administrative head of the District in its relations with the public, legislative bodies, Federal and State governments, and local public agencies. The General Manager is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Board of Directors and receives policy direction from the Board. The individual in this class is distinguished by its chief executive responsibility and collaborates closely with the District’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) to supervise and control the administrative, operational, and financial affairs of the District. The District’s Resources, Finance & Administration, and Operations & Maintenance Departments report to the COO. The COO and External Affairs report to the General Manager.
For a description of specific duties, visit the District’s General Manager class description page on the District’s website.
The core responsibilities of the General Manager are to ensure an adequate and reliable water supply and promote water resilience, sustainability and innovation as defined below:Providing an adequate and reliable water supply, ensuring that the water needs of all water users are met, without interruption. The future water needs of our service area must also be provided for through careful resource planning and capital investments.
Ensuring water resiliency by making sure the staff, systems and infrastructure are dependable and can return to service quickly after interruption.
Creating sustainability by charting a long-term course that addresses external challenges like state/federal policies, aging infrastructure, affordable water supplies, habitat restoration and finding alternative revenue generating land uses.
Continuing Westlands’ long tradition of innovation and creatively solving difficult challenges. Westlands is recognized as one of the most impactful agricultural water districts in California. The commitment to innovation is best evidenced by Westlands continuous commitment to improve its operations and business processes.
The General Manager’s key priorities will be to maintain current operations without interruption and fully execute the Board’s policy vision. Other priorities include building very strong relationships with all key constituencies including external agencies, governing and regulating bodies, and District water users. The General Manager will also review, along with the Board, the fiscal realities: rate structure, strengthening the capital program and financial/fiscal innovation.
Professional Requirements
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, majoring in public administration, business administration, economics, engineering, finance, natural resources or a related field and 15 years of progressively responsible and directly related managerial experience;
or
Advanced degree from an accredited college or university, majoring in public administration, business administration, economics, engineering, law, finance, natural resources or a related field and ten (10) years of progressively responsible and directly related managerial experience.
and
Experience leading an organization with a significant workforce and complex governmental regulation; experience leading an organization with agricultural, municipal, and industrial customers; experience with government relations at the local, state and federal levels; experience in negotiating issues or projects with significant and diverse political interests; or such experience as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
Required knowledge of federal, state, and local government legislative processes; political processes; administrative practices for a public agency organization with responsibilities for a variety of water issues relating to contract negotiations, water management programs, water resources, and regulatory requirements; regional water resilience and local water project development and implementation; groundwater management; energy and environmental impacts of water management and operations; climate science as it pertains to weather patterns and water availability; communications strategies and tools; CVP and State Water Project (SWP) water problems and issues; agricultural, urban, military, and environmental water interests; CVP and SWP water infrastructure and issues including the Delta; current business and organizational management theories and practices; public sector personnel practices and regulations; budgeting practices and procedures; contracting practices and regulations; management and supervisory concepts and techniques; team building; consensus-building best practices; governmental and community relations; contract administration; and complex project management.
Annual Salary Range: $150,000 – $498,000 – Compensation will be commensurate with the experiences of the selected candidate.
Application and Selection Process
This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout all phases of the recruitment and selection process.
Submittals from interested candidates are desired immediately but should be submitted no later than 5 pm on March 1, 2023. The recruitment is open until the position is filled. Candidates are strongly urged to apply early; evaluations of all potential candidates will be done throughout the recruitment process. Only a select number of highly-qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process.
An electronic version of all submittals is required. Interested candidates should apply immediately by sending via email a comprehensive resume and compelling cover letter (two-page maximum) to: tvang@wwd.ca.gov no later than March 1, 2023. If you have questions regarding the position or the recruitment process, contact Ms. Ter Vang, 559-241-6206 or tvang@wwd.ca.gov.
Candidates invited to the interview process will be required to submit a list of six work-related references (two supervisors, two direct reports, and two colleagues). References will be contacted after the interview process.
To learn more about Westlands, visit the District’s Website at: www.wwd.ca.gov Office Hours: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For questions and inquiries, please contact Ter Vang (559) 241-6206.
Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview process.
Conditional Offer of Employment
An offer of employment will be conditioned upon legal ability to work in the United States; passing a medical examination, which will include a drug screening; and verification of a candidate’s employment history, education and training, other information contained in the Employment Application, and any license requirements.
If you need special accommodations for the interview due to a qualifying disability, then contact the Human Resources Department at (559) 241-6205 immediately.
Westlands Water District is an Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer.
