Director of Engineering
Coachella Valley Water District, Palm Desert, CA, United States
Director of Engineering
Annual Salary: $245,280 – $322,812 DOE/DOQ, plus generous benefits. This position is open until filled. First application review date: March 30, 2026.
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) seeks a Director of Engineering to plan, organize, and direct all functions and activities of the Engineering Department for our diverse water and wastewater utility agency. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this executive leader provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for engineering, surveying, development services, right‑of‑way management, and technical support functions that drive the District’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Responsibilities
- Assumes full management responsibility for all Engineering Department programs, services, and activities that contribute to the District's capital improvement program, including engineering, surveying, development services, and supporting technical services.
- Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods.
- Provides day‑to‑day leadership and works with executive and management team members to ensure a high‑performance, customer‑service‑oriented work environment.
- Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs forecasting, approval, and monitoring of expenditures.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates work for acceptability and conformance with department standards.
- Monitors legal, regulatory, technology, and societal changes that may affect the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes.
- Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals; evaluates proposals, recommends project award, negotiates contracts, and administers contracts post‑award.
- Directs the preparation and administration of the long‑term and annual Capital Improvement Program; monitors design and construction progress; ensures integration of new facilities into operating functions.
- Develops and manages the District’s right‑of‑way programs and encroachment permitting system; directs surveying and CAD of District assets.
- Directs the District’s land development services operations; coordinates with developers and prepares developer agreements.
- Develops and directs the technical and engineering support for District rates and changes in partnership with Finance.
- Represents the department to other District departments, elected officials, and outside agencies.
- Conducts departmental organizational and operational studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures.
- Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Directors and related committees; attends professional group meetings.
- Maintains departmental files; prepares and presents staff reports and special project updates.
- Responds to public inquiries and assists with resolutions; serves as a spokesperson at community events.
- Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering.
Experience: Eight (8) years of broad and extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive engineering and development projects and programs; five (5) years of increasing supervisory or managerial responsibility.
Licenses and Certifications: Valid California Driver’s License and valid California Professional Engineer certificate, maintained throughout employment.
Knowledge
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, and staff supervision.
- Principles and practices of leadership and team interaction.
- Capital improvement program development and implementation.
- Strategic plan development.
- Budget administration.
- Contract management.
- Risk management related to the Department’s functions.
- Public administration in a municipal setting.
- Functions and responsibilities of an elected Board of Directors.
- Civil engineering with emphasis on water and wastewater utilities infrastructure.
- Survey, right‑of‑way, easements, and encroachment permitting.
- Construction and operation of a large water, wastewater, and irrigation district.
- Technical and administrative reporting and business correspondence.
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures.
- District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Customer service techniques for dealing with public, vendors, contractors, and staff.
- English language structure and composition.
- Modern equipment and communication tools for business functions.
Ability To
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
- Provide administrative and professional leadership for the department.
- Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate resources cost‑effectively.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel.
- Select and supervise staff; provide training and development opportunities.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
- Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements; ensure contractual compliance.
- Plan and implement the District’s capital improvement program goals and strategic objectives.
- Represent the District and department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and other organizations.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
- Conduct complex research projects and prepare technical staff reports.
- Direct the establishment of filing, record‑keeping, and tracking systems.
- Organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
- Utilize computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, with proper English grammar and syntax.
- Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with stakeholders.