Job Description

General Manager ($225,000 - $275,000)

Carpinteria Valley Water District

• Organization Type: Public Water/Wastewater Agency
• Location: Carpinteria, California
• Job Status: Full-time
• Job ID: 96739

Carpinteria Valley Water District invites visionary leaders to apply for the role of General Manager and Executive Director. Nestled in the beautiful coastal community of Carpinteria, this is a unique opportunity to lead two vital agencies dedicated to sustainable water management and community service.

The Widroe Group, with over 25 years of proven expertise in building exceptional organizations and securing top talent since 1998, is proud to conduct this confidential search. Prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out directly and confidentially to Tom Widroe at 805.680.7772 to learn more about this exciting leadership opportunity.

POSITION TITLE:

General Manager, Carpinteria Valley Water District (CVWD) and Executive Director, Carpinteria Groundwater Sustainability Agency (CGSA)

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

MANAGER JOB TITLE: Reports to the Carpinteria Valley Water District (CVWD) Board of Directors

FTE STATUS: Full-Time

DEPARTMENT: Executive / Administration

ISSUE DATE: June 2025

JOB SUMMARY / PURPOSE

The General Manager (GM) & Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of the Carpinteria Valley Water District and the Carpinteria Groundwater Sustainability Agency, overseeing all operations, strategic initiatives, capital improvement projects, and day-to-day administration of each agency. The GM provides visionary leadership to modernize infrastructure, ensure reliable water supply, and evolve organizational culture. This role is responsible for managing a diverse workforce that includes union-represented employees and is accountable directly to the elected Board of Directors. The ED is responsible for planning and implementation of the Carpinteria Groundwater Sustainability Plan for Carpinteria Basin.

DIRECT REPORTS & KEY COLLABORATORS

Direct Reports:

• Assistant General Manager (Administrative Manager – Accounting, Finance, IT, HR, Customer Service)
• Operations Manager (Field Operations)
• District Engineer (Engineering Manager)

Key Collaborators:

• Board of Directors
• External Legal Counsel
• Joint Power Authorities of which CVWD and CGSA are members

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction to the District in alignment with its mission, goals, and policies established by the Board.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors on operations, finance, capital improvements, water policy, and regulatory issues.
• Build trust with Board of Directors through transparency, communication, and listening.
• Promote a forward-thinking, inclusive culture that enhances organizational performance and responsiveness to community needs.
• Lead change management and culture evolution to strengthen employee engagement, service excellence, and innovation.

Capital Projects & Infrastructure Management

• Direct the planning, execution, and oversight of major capital improvement projects to upgrade water infrastructure and ensure long-term service reliability.
• Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Oversee engineering, construction, and environmental review processes, and coordinate with consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies as needed.

Operations Oversight

• Ensure the efficient operation of water treatment, distribution, and administrative services.
• Monitor water supply reliability, water quality, and system performance metrics.
• Promote continuous improvement through effective systems, standards, and staff development.

Human Resources & Labor Relations

• Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing team, including union-represented employees.
• Maintain positive labor relations and ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Foster a healthy organizational culture through transparency, accountability, emotional intelligence, and active communication.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the public face of the District to the community, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate with the public and media regarding District projects, policies, and service updates.
• Attend and present at Board meetings, community events, and industry forums.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Oversee development and administration of the annual budget and long-range financial planning.
• Ensure sound fiscal management, grant acquisition, and revenue strategies.
• Maintain internal controls and ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education & Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California is preferred.

Experience

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in water utilities, public infrastructure, or public works, including executive-level management.
• Demonstrated success leading capital projects and infrastructure modernization.
• Proven ability to lead organizational transformation and cultivate a collaborative culture.
• Experience working with unionized employees and public agency governance is required.
• Expert level skills in Microsoft Excel, water utility ERP/database systems, various modeling and data analysis software packages.
• Experience with SGMA, groundwater systems, water banking, and ASR operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Politically astute with high emotional intelligence and discretion.
• Commitment to public service, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical and complex information to executives, elected officials, and the public.

TRAITS, ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Planning & Decision-Making
• Leadership & Team Management
• Customer Service & Stakeholder Engagement
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
• Transparency & Ethical Governance

PHYSICAL DEMANDS | WORK ENVIRONMENT | TOOLS

Work Location: Hybrid (home/onsite)

Work Schedule: 40 hours/week

Physical Conditions of Employment:

• Sitting, standing and/or walking 80-90% of the time
• Kneel, crouch, reach, climb, walk; constant use of hands
• Speak, hear, read, write in English
• Constant use of computer, keyboard, and mouse
• Lift up to 20 pounds occasionally

Tools Utilized:

• Personal computer and software
• Standard office equipment: telephone, copier/scanner, and others as required

Environmental Conditions of Employment:

• The position will perform the majority of work in a small office environment.

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