Deputy Director

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Job Req ID: 324 

​Department: PU Pure Deputy Director 

Salary Range: $227,261.00 to $227,261.00 

Job Type: Unclassified     

Business Area: Public Utilities 

Personnel Area: PU Administrative Services 

Closing Date: 06/27/2025 

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Under the leadership of the Mayor and the general direction of the Public Utilities Department Director and the Assistant Director for the Water Recovery and Pure Water Branch, the Deputy Director of Pure Water Operations (PWO) will oversee the daily operations and management of the City's first advanced water treatment facility — the North City Pure Water Facility (NCPWF).

Construction of the NCPWF began in Spring 2021 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with full production of 30 million gallons per day (MGD) of purified water anticipated by the end of 2027.

Initial roles and responsibilities of the PWO Deputy Director will be expected to gain in-depth knowledge of the facility’s planned operations during its construction and commissioning phases to ensure a smooth transition into full-scale production. This includes strict adherence to State Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Board regulations.

The role will also be responsible for:

• Developing and advancing new operator certification programs for advanced water treatment
• Hiring operations and maintenance staff
• Leading the full-scale operational launch of the facility
• Guiding regulatory compliance efforts associated with the Pure Water Program
• Participating in Pure Water planning efforts 

Upon completion, the division will consist of approximately 44 employees with an annual operating budget of $31 million. The Deputy Director will plan, organize, manage, and evaluate the work of division staff and will be actively involved in developing and implementing the department’s strategic plan as part of its executive leadership team.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Represent the department before various City bodies, including oversight committees, City Council, and the Civil Service Commission.
• Participate in inter-agency negotiations with water and wastewater agencies, collaborating with elected officials and community leaders to reach agreements and decisions.
• Prepare the division’s annual operating, capital outlay, and personnel budgets; justify budget requests and monitor expenditures in alignment with strategic goals.
• Represent the division and department in industry and professional forums.
• Establish and coordinate administrative policies within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Refine and implement the Operations and Maintenance Readiness Plan for Pure Water San Diego.
• Work collaboratively with other Deputy Directors and their teams to ensure the department operates efficiently and effectively.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible managerial experience, including management of large water or wastewater utilities.
• Knowledge of wastewater conveyance, treatment, disposal, monitoring, and advanced water treatment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in water and/or wastewater operations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis tools and techniques.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly and concisely to various audiences, including elected officials, senior leadership, and the public.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to connect technical details to broader policy and operational goals.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
• Genuine interest in municipal services and their impact on the community.
• High ethical standards and the ability to remain objective and professional in political settings.
• Initiative-driven, energetic, and motivated to lead.
• Experience managing large field operations divisions, especially within water or wastewater systems.
• Expertise in budgeting and fiscal management of complex operations.
• Understanding of public sector personnel policies, labor relations, and organizational dynamics.
• Dedication to public service, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a focus on practical and innovative solutions.
• Ability to balance regulatory and political interests while making sound decisions.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Commitment to customer service excellence.
• Political and business acumen necessary to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong advocacy for performance excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Benefits:

The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.). 
• A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
• 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
• Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
• Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
• Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
• Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate. 
• Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
• City-paid life insurance. 

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees  (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924. 

The Department: 

The Public Utilities Department provides reliable and sustainable water, wastewater, and stormwater services to San Diego. Focusing on efficiency, innovation, and environmental stewardship, the department ensures high-quality water delivery and effective wastewater and stormwater management. The department operates through the Water Utility Fund, Municipal Wastewater Fund, and Metropolitan Wastewater Fund, serving retail, wholesale, and reclaimed water customers. The department is implementing the Pure Water San Diego project, which uses advanced water purification technology to provide a safe, sustainable, and drought-proof drinking water supply for the City. For more information, please visit the Department on the City's website.

The City:

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan". 

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information.  Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. 

Resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.   
 

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.