Environmental Services Administrator

Salary: $12,825.00 - $17,906.00 Monthly
Location : 75525 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Environmental Services
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary
Incumbent will oversee the Water Quality and Compliance Division within our Environmental Services Department.

Application period may close early if an adequate pool of qualified candidates is reached.
TITLE: Environmental Services Administrator

SRN S33: $12,825 - $17,906 Monthly, Exempt

Bargaining Unit: ASSET

Department: Environmental Services

Sections: Water Quality and Compliance

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Reports to: Director of Environmental Services

Supervises the following positions:Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
Promotional opportunity procedures will include the following:Review of minimum qualifications Review of personnel file, including but not limited: attendance history, disciplinary history, and performance evaluationsTesting / AssessmentsOral Interview(s)

DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, direct, manage and oversee assigned environmental services programs in water quality and compliance and associated policies and procedures with District-wide impact. The Environmental Services Administrator acts as a liaison with public and private organizations and regulatory agencies to support the District's objectives related to environmental services.

This class performs the full range Administration, including planning, coordinating, implementing, and participating in a variety of administrative programs within water quality and compliance to ensure that the District's programs are carried out responsibly, effectively and with integrity. Responsibilities require the use of tact, discretion, and independent judgement. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of assigned programs.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This category of work is considered mid-management, positions at this level plan, direct, manage and oversee one or more water resources and related programs, policies and procedures with District-wide impact. It is common for Administrators to have supervisory, or advanced professional, technical or clerical staff reporting to them. Incumbents are responsible for designing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and modifying functions and programs, including short- and long-term planning activities; allocating staff and budget resources among competing demands; budget preparation and management, and developing and implementing recommendations for operational, policy, and procedural improvements. Employees exercise initiative and resourcefulness, considerable independent judgment, and have extensive contact with senior management positions within the District, its Board of Directors, other public agencies, regulatory and governmental agencies, and the public.
Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations and activities of the assigned Environmental Services programs, including water resources and planning or quality and compliance.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Environmental Services department; continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and make recommendations for improvement.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensure compliance with budgeted funding.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Develops and manages request for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with District specifications and service quality.
• Identifies key issues and develops, recommends, and implements strategies to protect and promote the District's primary business interests including participation in the District's strategic planning activities supporting board and staff interactions externally and support linkage to internal policies and issues.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other District departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces as necessary.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in water resources; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to District needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Ensures staff compliance with District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

See https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cvwd/classspecs for full job description.
Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, geology, hydrogeology, biology, environmental science, natural resources management, or other job relevant field.

Experience: Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in activities related to water quality management, water resources management, wastewater source control management, or professional geological, hydrogeological, or engineering experience. This position requires a minimum of five (5) years of direct managerial/supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
Knowledge of:

• Operational Characteristics, services, and overall business functions of a large water utility.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Water quality standards, permits, and environmental regulations related to the fields of irrigation, domestic water, sanitation, stormwater, and groundwater aquifer replenishment.
• Processes involving irrigation, domestic water, sanitation, stormwater engineering, and groundwater aquifer replenishment.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the staff and assigned programs within the Environmental Services Department.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the division.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations relating but not limited to Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Salt and Nutrient Management Planning (SNMP), public drinking water systems, surface and groundwater rights, groundwater replenishment, stormwater management, sewage collection and treatment, recycled water/reuse, and disposal.
• Develop, update, and implement of Water Management Plans or Water Quality Monitoring Plan to address water supply and quality, and groundwater sustainability.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Negotiate, prepare, and administer complex programs and agreements.
• Identify key issues; develop policy and strategy recommendations; advance the District's policies and positions in external areas.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports.
• Effectively represent the division and the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

The Coachella Valley Water District provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package ensuring employees have many options to meet their healthcare, wellness and/or retirement savings goals. Providing employees with flexibility and support for all the different stages of life. Employees may pay some portion of their benefit premium costs based on the provisions of their labor-negotiated Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) and the level of coverage they select. Additional information regarding CVWD employee benefits is available at
01

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid "C" class California Driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, geology, hydrogeology, biology, environmental science, natural resources management, or other job relevant field?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in activities related to water quality management, water resources management, wastewater source control management, or professional geological, hydrogeological, or engineering experience, including a minimum of five (5) years of direct managerial/supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Please briefly describe how you meet the required eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in activities related to water quality management, water resources management, wastewater source control management, or professional geological, hydrogeological, or engineering experience, including a minimum of five (5) years of direct managerial/supervisory experience.
Required Question