| Location | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA |
| Salary | $218,781–$299,730 Per Year |
Director of Operations
Salary
See Position Description
Location
26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type
Full-Time Non Represented
Job Number
2026-50
Department
Operations
Division
General Operations
Opening Date
09/16/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Job Description
Join our team as the Director of Operations!
Santa Margarita Water District The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is seeking a seasoned and dynamic Director of Operations to step into a highly visible executive role as the District builds on strong momentum, significant investment, and organizational growth. This is not a steady-state utility role-SMWD runs a complex and forward-looking water system in Southern California, with two advanced wastewater treatment plants, an award-winning advanced recycled water purification plant, 37 pressure zones threaded through canyon terrain, 1,700 miles of pipeline, and billions of gallons of storage. Behind this system sits a $700 million, five-year Capital Improvement Program and an organization deliberately reshaping itself around innovation and collaborative leadership. The new Director will have the opportunity to build the Operations leadership team, bring an operational voice to major infrastructure planning and investment, and influence decisions that reach across the District. For a leader who is energized by building strong teams, improving how work gets done, and collaborating at the executive level, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of water and wastewater in South Orange County. Apply today to help shape the regional evolution of water resource management!
View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/dcc0c9fe-cc2b-46c8-916d-ba6707b83c30
SALARY & BENEFITS: $218,781 - $299,730 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an attractive benefits package.
HOW TO APPLY: For first consideration, apply by October 8 at: https://wbcp.applicantpool.com/jobs/1328174-300215.html
View the WBCP Job Board: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board
SAVE THE DATES
Round one virtual interviews will take place on November 10. Finalists will move forward to round two in-person interviews on November 20. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact your recruiter, Lauren Gerson-Greene, with any inquiries:
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.
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