Salary : $131,497.60 - $181,251.20 Annually
Location : 1965 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 09.14.2026
Department: Administrative Services
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Under general direction, assumes responsibility for planning, coordinating, implementing, overseeing, maintaining, and performing District-wide computer services in the areas of hardware, software, programming, communications equipment, and user training; coordinates and monitors projects assigned to the Managed Service Provider (MSP), analyzes, designs, tests, installs, and maintains information technology programs and applications; maintains databases; and provides technical support and training to end users.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general direction from the Business Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Example of Duties Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
- Develops and recommends long-term plans and strategies for effective utilization of information technology and the security of systems from accidental or deliberate actions intended to access District data in a malicious fashion.
- Develops management systems, procedures, and standards for prioritizing projects, allocating resources, accessing system hardware, and evaluating existing programs and security measures to protect and secure District data; conducts needs analyses and researches and recommends hardware/software systems and applications that interface with existing systems and comply with policy standards and user needs.
- Procures and maintains adequate systems, applications, and technology to provide continuous and uninterrupted operations within the District.
- Analyzes technical reports and legislation; evaluates impacts on District operations; recommends and implements equipment, policy, and procedural improvements; negotiates and administers contract agreements with vendors for implementation, maintenance, and staff training; and modifies such agreements as needed.
- Works closely with District departments to coordinate the development and implementation of information technology, including the security of and protection from accidental or deliberate access to District data by external or internal persons, to achieve District-wide goals, objectives, and policies.
- Performs diagnosis of hardware and software problems; installs, repairs, or arranges for repair or replacement of faulty equipment and software; performs general inspections and internal analysis of system security measures to ensure a high level of security is maintained for hardware and data throughout the District.
- Coordinates the selection, purchase, and installation of computer hardware, peripheral equipment, and program applications; coordinates cabling and other installation requirements; and coordinates information security measures to be followed by Information Technology staff and staff in other departments throughout the District.
- Maintains or coordinates District-wide data backup for all critical applications; maintains program documentation, including appropriate security elements associated with all systems, on all computer systems and applications; and prepares basic instructional guides on various applications, as needed.
- Prepares the operation's budget, including budgeting for District-wide information technology and communication systems needs and assisting in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administers the approved budget.
- Plans, organizes, and directs the work of division personnel; directs the day-to-day operations of the Information Technology Division.
- Coordinates training sessions and assists users in learning the use of computer equipment, peripherals, and related security procedures and policies.
- Maintains system hardware inventory, maintenance agreements, and licenses for all District-owned software.
- Develops, implements, and maintains a District-wide Strategic Plan for Information Technology.
- Develops, implements, and maintains Service Level Agreements with all customers.
- Serves as the primary operational liaison with the District's managed service provider, coordinating service requests, escalations, priorities, and issue resolution to support timely and effective technology services.
- Reviews managed service provider performance against service level agreements, project commitments, security requirements, and operational expectations; identifies gaps and recommends corrective actions.
- Prepares and presents regular reports on managed service provider performance, help desk activity, project status, cybersecurity activities, risks, and budget impacts for District leadership and other stakeholders.
- Coordinates managed service provider activities with internal departments, vendors, and District leadership to ensure technology projects, maintenance windows, incident response activities, and user communications are properly planned and executed.
- Manages follow-up on managed service provider deliverables, open issues, project milestones, invoices, and documentation to ensure accountability, transparency, and alignment with District priorities.
- Performs other duties related to the operation of the department and the District, including additional duties that enable the department and District to meet the diverse needs of its community.
Minimum & Desired Qualifications Knowledge of:- Principles and practices of information technology used in a municipal government setting, including but not limited to virtualization, SAN and server hardware, desktop equipment and software applications, networking strategies, and telephone and radio communication systems.
- Principles and techniques of project management, systems analysis, design, and programming.
- Requirements and procedures for setup and minor maintenance of computers and peripheral equipment, and techniques for troubleshooting basic computer problems and restarting jobs.
- Principles and practices of organizational policy and goal setting; program development, implementation, and administration; budgetary techniques and controls; and supervision of personnel.
- Pertinent local, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Ability To:- Develop and recommend long-term plans and strategies for effective utilization of information technology and the security of systems from accidental or deliberate actions intended to access District data in a malicious fashion; serve as the District's Information Security Administrator.
- Establish realistic work priorities, develop and achieve long- and short-term goals and objectives within allocated resources.
- Administer work plans, monitor progress, and, as required, take action to meet established completion dates.
- Maintain records and prepare reports.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Plan, organize, assign, and review the work of subordinate personnel.
- Analyze complex technical and administrative problems, evaluate alternative solutions, and adopt effective courses of action.
Education and Experience:Any combination equivalent to education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical combination is:
Education:Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, information systems management, or a closely related field.
Experience:Four years of increasingly responsible experience performing complex and sophisticated information technology services, systems analysis including system security features, and programming in a governmental or business computer system operation setting, two years of which shall have been in a supervisory or lead District.
Licenses and Certificates:Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Supplemental InformationPHYSICAL DEMANDS- Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 20 pounds
WORKING CONDITIONS- Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
Holidays - Mesa Water provides full-time employees with 107 holiday hours per year, comprised of twelve observed holidays (96 hours) and (11) floating holiday hours.
Vacation - Employees accrue between eighty-eight (88) and one hundred and sixty (160) hours annually, depending on tenure. Accrued time is available to use after six months.
Sick Leave - Employees accrue ninety-six (96) hours per year, with no maximum accrual cap.
Retirement - Mesa Water employees participate in CalPERS retirement.
Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with a three-year final compensation in accordance with PEPRA. New members will be required to pay 8.25% of pension reportable salary as their full share of their member contribution.
An employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% @ 55 benefit formula with one-year final compensation. Effective 1/6/17, employees pay 7.0% of the employee contribution to CalPERS.
The District participates in Social Security. Please contact Human Resources if you have more questions.
Cafeteria Plan Benefits - Employees receive a $2,400 "Flex Credit" allocation per month to be used towards health benefits including medical, dental and vision. Flex credits not used towards benefits may be taken as additional taxable non-"Persable" income.
Deferred Compensation - A voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (Section 457) is available to employees through Empower Retirement. Eligible employees may receive dollar for dollar employer match up to 3.5% of salary per calendar year.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Employees may participate in either or both of Mesa Water's Section 125 plan flexible spending accounts: Dependent Care Reimbursement (eligible upon hire) and Medical Expense Reimbursement (after one-year).
Life Insurance - Full-time employees are covered by $200,000 in group term life insurance paid by District (benefit decreases at age 65).
Long Term Disability (LTD) - Full-time employees receive District-paid LTD insurance coverage equal to 2/3 of salary ($12,000 maximum monthly benefit) after a 90-day waiting period.
Short-Term Disability - The District participates in State Disability Insurance (SDI).
Automobile Allowance - Management employees receive an Automobile Allowance per month.
9/80 Work Schedule - Employees are offered a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.
Tuition Reimbursement and Educational IncentivesSalary Increases - Based on performance, new Mesa Water employees are eligible for merit step increases at 6-months and 12-months, and annually thereafter.
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In order to better evaluate your background, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required in addition to your online application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. Resumes in lieu of this questionnaire will not be accepted. In addition, copies of certifications, coursework and/or degrees must be attached to this application. I acknowledge receipt of this information.
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Which best describes your highest level of education related to computer science, information technology, information systems, or a closely related field?
