Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering

Salary

See Position Description

Location

26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Non Represented

Job Number

2026-53

Department

Engineering

Opening Date

09/29/2026

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

Join Our Team as the Director of Engineering!

For an accomplished engineering executive who wants room to lead, build, innovate, and leave a visible legacy, this is an exceptional opportunity. The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is looking for a Director of Engineering who will lead, innovate, and build a lasting legacy. With a $700 million, five-year Capital Improvement Program moving forward, the Director will oversee major drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater projects that will serve South Orange County for decades to come. As a member of the executive leadership team, the Director will lead a talented engineering department, support important District decisions, and help ensure that major investments move from planning through construction. More than a traditional engineering leadership role, this is an opportunity to influence strategy, guide major investment, and turn ambitious plans into visible results. The Director joins a forward-thinking organization that is investing boldly in its infrastructure, people, and long-term sustainability. For an exceptional executive who excels at leading large, complex initiatives, SMWD offers the opportunity to guide meaningful, high-profile work and showcase what a modern, innovative water district can achieve. Apply today to turn your leadership experience into lasting impact!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/d4883606-a854-4490-ba4c-d69fa03541a6

SALARY & BENEFITS: $211,159 - $291,084 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an attractive benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY: For first consideration, apply by October 29 at: https://wbcp.applicantpool.com/jobs/1332278-300215.html

View the WBCP Job Board: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board

SAVE THE DATES

Round one virtual interviews will take place on December 4. Finalists will move forward to round two in-person interviews on December 11. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Wendi Brown, with any inquiries:

• wendi@wbcpinc.com
• 541-664-0376 (Direct)
• 866-929-9227 (Toll Free)

Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information

This recruitment is being conducted by WBCP on behalf of Santa Margarita Water District. For detailed information and to apply please click here: Apply Here

Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM: As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.

HEALTH INSURANCE: The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.

DENTAL INSURANCE: The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the Districts rates. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.

VISION INSURANCE: The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.

LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT: The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through VOYA with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employees annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employees salary. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.

GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL: General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness/injuries.

• First year through five-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 304 hours.
• Sixth through ten-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
• Eleventh through fifteen-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
• Sixteenth year and beyond of continuous employment: 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 380 hours.

While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employees six-month probationary period.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Districts deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates.

HOLIDAYS: The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.

FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT: Through the Districts Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.

LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional

well-being.

EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT: All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.

The aforementioned information is only a summary of the Districts benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.

Employer Santa Margarita Water District

Address 26111 Antonio Parkway

Rancho Santa Margarita, California, 92688

Phone (949) 459-6420

Website http://www.smwd.com