The Opportunity
Coastside County Water District is a lean, exceptionally well-run agency seeking a high-caliber, hands-on leader to be the next General Manager continuing the legacy of stability, transparency, and community trust. While situated on the scenic San Mateo County coast, the District functions with the technical and regulatory sophistication of a major metropolitan utility but operates with a small, dedicated team of just 25 employees. Coastside CWD is the biggest little water district in California.
Top areas of focus for the General Manager will be:
- Financial Strategy & CIP Financing
- Capital Improvement Funding: Spearhead the financing and execution of a $73 million, 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The incoming GM must identify creative, non-traditional funding streams and debt strategies to address projected shortfalls.
- Rate Management: Navigate a structural revenue decline as customers continue to embrace significant water conservation measures, resulting in reduced water sales. Ensure the District’s long-term financial sustainability.
- Regulatory & Inter-Agency Coordination
- Regulatory Compliance: Oversee District operations within a complex regulatory environment that includes federal, state, and California Coastal Commission requirements. The GM will work to ensure compliance with applicable environmental mandates while managing associated resources and expenditures effectively.
- Inter-Agency Collaboration: Foster productive working relationships with regulatory agencies, environmental and
engineering consultants, San Mateo County, and the City of Half Moon Bay.
- Workforce Development
- Knowledge Transfer & Recruitment: Prepare for anticipated staff retirements by supporting the transfer of institutional knowledge and implementing strategies to recruit, develop, and retain qualified employees in a region challenged by a severe local housing shortage.
- Human Resources & Professional Growth: Foster consistent management practices and support employee growth through sound HR processes, continuing education opportunities, professional certifications, and ongoing staff development initiatives.
- Hands-On Operational Agility
- A “Working Manager” Ethos: Coastside County Water District is a fast-paced environment where the GM must be self-sufficient and comfortable managing multiple initiatives, allocating resources effectively, and overseeing the successful delivery of long-term capital projects.
- Geographic Independence: Due to the District’s unique coastal geography, the GM should be prepared to respond to emergencies, provide clear direction, and support coordinated, effective response efforts with staff and external agencies.
- Technology & Process Improvement: The GM should encourage continuous improvement in business processes and the use of technology to support effective District operations.
The Ideal Candidate
The Coastside County Water District is seeking a grounded, emotionally intelligent, and highly capable public utility
executive who can blend hands-on operational leadership with exceptional political and administrative savvy. The ideal candidate will possess a strong, quiet confidence—leading by example, empowering a dedicated staff, and serving as a trusted, assertive advisor to the Board of Directors.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative strategist ready to “hit the ground running” to secure the District’s financial future, modernize its operations, and unite a talented workforce. This person will be a well-rounded utility executive who brings a balanced blend of sharp financial acumen, robust engineering/operational experience, and exceptional human resources leadership.
The ideal candidate will be empowering, collaborative and able to listen to institutional wisdom while driving diversity and inclusion. The selected candidate will foster a relationship of mutual respect with the Board of Directors, have outstanding presentation skills and be a visible presence in the office and out in the field. The ideal candidate will continue to foster a strong customer focused environment. This person will also be able to multi-task under pressure, be resilient with a “thick skin,” and be ethical and thoughtful, always prioritizing the long-term well-being of the District as a whole.
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
- A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration or similar discipline; AND
- Ten years of experience in a water district or similar agency. A minimum of five years must be in supervision.
- Additional professional certifications are a plus.
The ideal candidate will also have knowledge in the following:
- Water Industry Expertise & Technical Operations
- Water Resource Management – A deep understanding of the “water world,” including complex water rights issues,
local supply strategies, and the engineering required to maintain resilient distribution networks. - Engineering & Distribution – A strong engineering and operations background specifically tailored to water distribution, treatment infrastructure, and service delivery. A strong curiosity and willingness to incorporate and coordinate with consulting engineers, water supply and treatment advisers, and legal consultants.
- Leveraging Internal Experts – While technical competency is required, the GM must possess the humility and strategic capability to rely on and collaborate with the highly seasoned technical operators already on staff.
- Financial Stewardship & Business Acumen – Proven ability to run a public service organization like a highly effective, efficient business—maximizing limited resources in a fast-paced environment. Comfortable with public agency budgeting, complex cost allocation, and long-term financial forecasting.
- Regulatory Mastery & Legal Diplomacy – Expert familiarity with California’s highly stringent regulatory environment, including direct experience working with the State Water Resources Control Board and managing complex environmental permitting processes. Exceptional negotiation capabilities to defend the District’s interests, secure water rights, and manage multi-million dollar contracts with consultants and regional partners.
- Public Agency Governance – Thorough knowledge of the legal frameworks, Brown Act requirements, and strict rules of governance that dictate how a public utility board operates.
- Modern HR Leadership & Team Building – A candidate who possesses a deep appreciation for modern Human Resources practices, workforce development, employee training, and careful documentation.
Compensation
The July 2026 salary for the current General Manager is $288,385. The hiring range for the new General Manager will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Coastside CWD offers a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and the long-term retirement security of its employees. These benefits include: comprehensive health and wellness, participation in retirement and financial programs, paid time off to support work-life balance and professional growth programs.