Assistant Water Director

Salary: $68.76 - $83.58 Hourly
Location : Bakersfield, CA, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Use Regular Full-Time)
Job Number: 02518
Department: Water
Division: Agriculture Water
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026 1:00 PM Pacific

Description
Under administrative direction of the Water Director, is responsible for planning and directing the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the City's Agricultural and Domestic Water Division of the Water Resources Department and related activities; performs other work as required.

Representative Duties
In addition to the above, the following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the essential duties of the position. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential Duties: Responsible for the day to day operation of the City's Agricultural and Domestic Water Divisions of the Water Resources Department. Represents the City in contacts with federal, state, county and local agencies involved with water supply, water quality, water rights, environmental matters, weed control, safety and other matters that are of concern to water users, both agricultural and domestic. Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the City's Kern River water rights ownership. Negotiates water sales and water exchanges to promote maximum cash flow. Negotiates City's position with other Kern River interests relating to Kern River operations. Works with other local agencies in coordinating the City's agricultural and domestic water operations. Assigns and prepares special reports.

Full Job Descriptions:

Minimum Qualifications
Applications will be accepted only for those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED City Application, Supplemental Questionnaire, and Resume that they have:

• Graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or related field; AND
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the direction of agricultural and domestic water resources, or other related managerial experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.
• A valid California Class "C" driver's license.

Highly desirable:

Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer

Examination (Weighted: 100%)
ORAL APPRAISAL INTERVIEW (Weighted 100%): December 1, 2026 (Tentative)

The method of examination may include one or more of the following: written exam; oral exam; evaluation of education, training, experience or other qualifications as shown by the application, or by other information submitted, or by the record; questionnaires submitted to references; or any other appropriate measure of fitness. A minimum passing score of 70% is required.

NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.
Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:

INSURANCE: The City and the employee share contributions for premiums for health insurance coverage. The City provides life insurance benefits based on bargaining unit. Visit the Cityweb page for detailed information (rates and plan information).

RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the page for additional information.
01

What best describes your level of education?

• High School
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• None of the above

02

How many years of progressively responsible experience in the direction of agricultural, groundwater and domestic water resources do you possess?

• 9 years or more
• 7 - 8 years
• 5 - 6 years
• None of the above

03

In regard to question #2, please describe your experience in the direction of agricultural, groundwater and domestic water resources. Please include employers and dates of employment. If you selected None of the above, please write N/A. Do not write "see application" or "see resume".
04

I understand that all future correspondence with the City with regards to this recruitment will be via e-mail provided on my application. Please keep your contact information up-to-date and ensure that your e-mail spam filter allows you to receive messages from HumanResources@bakersfieldcity.us. Note: All City examination notices are also available via your Government Jobs profile.

• Yes
• No

05

I understand that I am required to submit a completed application, supplemental questionnaire, and resume by the filing deadline, November 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time, in order for my application to be accepted. Postmarks are not acceptable; therefore, it is important to submit your resume as soon as possible. (You may submit these documents on-line as an attachment; mail or bring to the Human Resources Department, City Hall 1600 Truxtun Avenue, 1st Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301; email to AdmHrs@bakersfield.gov, or Fax to (661) 852-2070.) All documents must reference the recruitment name and number (i.e. Assistant Water Director #02518) and be submitted to the attention of Isabel Farmer.

• Yes
• No

Required Question