Director of Operations Salary
See Position Description Location 92688, CA Job Type Full-Time Non Represented Job Number 2026-7 Department Operations Division General Operations Opening Date 01/20/2026 Closing Date 2/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description Join our team as the Director of Operations! Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a seasoned, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as Director of Operations. This executive-level position is responsible for providing vision and operational leadership for the District's core operational functions, including water and recycled water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and equipment/facilities maintenance. The Director of Operations ensures safe, efficient, reliable services that meet regulatory requirements and community expectations while advancing organizational goals and infrastructure priorities.
This role is ideal for a dynamic leader with deep operational experience in utility management, a strong commitment to public service, and the ability to build high-performing teams and partnerships across functions, agencies, and stakeholders.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
This recruitment is being conducted by Raftelis 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 • 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 Lincoln Financial 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 employees 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.
Employer Santa Margarita Water District Address 26111 Antonio Parkway Rancho Santa Margarita, California, 92688 Phone (949) 459-6420 Website http://www.smwd.com