Program Manager

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Job Req ID: 527 

Division: Pure Program Manager 

Salary Range: $176,842.00 to $176,842.00 

Job Type: Unclassified     

Business Area: Public Utilities 

Personnel Area: PU Administrative Services 

Closing Date: 11/28/2025 

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The Position: 
Under the general direction of the Public Utilities Department (PUD) Deputy Director of the Pure Water Operations (PWO) Division, the PWO Program Manager leads scientific research and development efforts related to the Pure Water Program. The North City Pure Water Facility is the first permitted Surface Water Augmentation Indirect Potable Reuse project in the state and features a first-of-its-kind treatment process consisting of ozone, biologically active carbon filters, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light with advanced oxidation. The PWO Program Manager plays a crucial role in the planning, performance, and presentation of scientific research projects related to potable reuse treatment and performance. The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing these projects in a fiscally sound manner, adhering to regulatory and environmental standards. 
 
Key Areas of Responsibility: 

• Plan, perform, and communicate complex applied physical, chemical, and biological research projects related to potable reuse treatment and regulatory compliance; 

• Lead and manage the Pure Water Operations division to solve complex scientific regulatory compliance and treatment issues; 

• Oversee comprehensive reservoir modeling projects and tracer studies associated with direct and indirect potable reuse regulations; 

• Research and review new treatment and monitoring technologies as well as technical and analytical methods relevant to the City’s potable reuse operations; 

• Lead and manage the Pure Water Program utilization of an Independent Advisory Panel to ensure the protection of public health as required by potable reuse regulations; 

• Participate in scientific advisory panels, research advisory boards, and project advisory committees to help guide external research efforts related to potable reuse activities; 

• Lead and participate in negotiations related to regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local officials, as well as a variety of water, wastewater, and environmental agencies; 

• Develop and implement strategic plans, budgets, and performance metrics to achieve divisional goals; 

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to a team of dedicated professionals; 

• Represent the Department before governing bodies within the City, including oversight committees, City Council, Civil Service Commission, etc.; 

• Participate in negotiations with a variety of regulatory and water/wastewater agencies, working closely with elected officials, community leaders, and agency representatives to achieve resolution and decisions; 

• Participate in creating and managing the Division's long-range and annual operating, capital outlay, and personnel budget, including justifying budget requests and monitoring expenditures against goals and objectives; 

• Represent the Division and Department at various industry and professional forums; 

• Establish and coordinate Department policies within assigned areas of responsibility; 

• Work collaboratively with other divisions to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Department; and 

• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A PhD or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Oceanography, Environmental Studies, or a closely related engineering, biological, chemical, or physical science 

• Three (3) years of full-time professional-level experience in a scientific or environmental engineering field, which MUST include one (1) year of supervising the work of professional staff. 

• Three (3) years of full-time professional-level experience in the drinking water, wastewater, potable reuse or water resources fields. 

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.

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. 

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.