Director, Field Operations

California Water Service Group

$158K — $293K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
  • Five years in a District Manager/Operations Manager role or equivalent
  • Ten years in utility operations or equivalent experience
  • Required: Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification
  • Must obtain Water Distribution Operator Grade V Certification within 12 months
  • Required: Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certification
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Analyze and evaluate operational practices and recommend efficiency improvements
  • Implement programs that support operational objectives based on industry trends and technology
  • Collaborate with IT and Engineering to assess workflow and develop KPIs
  • Manage Local and District Managers, prioritizing work and conducting performance reviews
  • Negotiate and oversee master construction contracts
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and training programs
  • Develop training programs to address skills gaps and promote employee development

Benefits

  • Access to comprehensive training and certification programs
  • Supportive learning environment with mentorship opportunities
  • Participation in Continuous Improvement initiatives
  • Collaboration with city, county, and water agencies
  • Engagement in employee development programs
Full Job Description
California Water Service

Job Description:

The Director of Field Operations manages district field operations throughout Southern California; which includes providing input to district operations to help reduce costs, review, and manage the master construction contracts, improve customer service and ensuring efficient and effective use of resources; analyzes, audits, and evaluates operational practices and procedures; recommends improvements to existing methods to increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and manage costs; and provides guidance on water distribution and production issues. The location of this position will be in Southern California within 30 minutes of a district office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS​:

  • Analyzes, audits, and evaluates operational practices and procedures; recommends improvements to existing methods which increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and reduce cost

  • Evaluates industry trends and new technology; implements programs and projects within the districts which support operational objectives

  • Collaborates with IT and Engineering to analyze and assess workflow systems and tracking mechanisms; develops and implements new key performance indicators (KPI’s) as needed

  • Oversees and manages a Region of Local and District Managers, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance reviews, overseeing the development of staff, approving timecards, expense reports, and requisitions (within the limits of authority)

  • Manages, administers, and negotiates all master construction contracts

  • Ensures compliance with all safety and security programs within the districts; collaborates with the Safety Department to ensure all employees receive appropriate training and equipment

  • Assesses, develops, and recommends water certification programs and courses which address skill or certification gaps and promote employee development; oversees the in house water technology training and certification program

  • Develops and mentors all operations personnel by collaborating with Human Resources and other departments; supports various training programs including the Management Trainee and Exchange programs

  • Ensures Local and District Managers are building, developing and maintaining relationships with City, County, and water agencies

  • Participates in and supports the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and projects

  • Performs work on-site in assigned office location

  • Performs other similar duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field is preferred, but will consider all equivalent and relevant experience

  • Five years of increasingly responsible experience in a District Manager, General Manager, Local Manager or Operations Manager role or equivalent experience

  • Ten years of progressively challenging experience working in a utility operations role or equivalent

  • State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification is required

  • Will need to obtain State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade V in 12 months

  • State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certification required

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications

  • Must be available to respond and support a large variety of emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

  • Valid California Driver License

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices, and techniques

  • Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create presentations, spreadsheets, and Word documents

  • Knowledge and ability to implement all safety and security processes and programs within the District

  • Knowledge of company master contracts and ability to review and administer

  • Knowledge of the water industry including water systems production and distribution

  • Knowledge of capital and expense budgeting

  • Knowledge of Company policies, procedures, and business practices

  • Ability to establish and maintain accurate records

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with agencies, contractors, consultants, customers, employees, and vendors

  • Ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and management

  • Ability to interpret and apply business and governmental laws and regulations

  • Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and motivate employees

  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills

  • Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service

  • Detail-oriented and experienced in analyzing and improving processes

  • Good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

  • Flexible and able to prioritize work

Salary Range:

Bakersfield, Visalia $158,100 - $293,500 (DOE)

Torrance & East Los Angeles $166,400 - $309,00 (DOE)

Deadline to submit resume is Friday, July 24, 2026.

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