Director, Field Operations

California Water Service

Job Description:

California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the third‑largest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.

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

• State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Treatment Operator Grade III Certification desired

• 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, Westlake $158,100 - $293,500 (DOE)

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

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

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.