Job Board

The Modesto Irrigation District (MID) seeks an Assistant General Manager of Water Operations. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this executive-level full-time regular position is responsible to plan, organize, direct and review the activities and operations of the Water Operations Division including civil engineering, water use, planning and conservation, irrigation services, construction management, and domestic water operations; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the General Manager. This position will lead a division consisting of approximately 85 employees largely represented by the IBEW Local Union 1245.
 
MID, located in California’s Central Valley, provides electric and irrigation and treats surface water for drinking. MID is an independent, publicly owned utility. We provide benefits that include community ownership, control by a locally elected Board of Directors, and business operation on a not-for-profit basis. MID is committed to providing reliable service at the lowest cost possible. More information may be found here.

The Assistant General Manager of Water Operations will oversee the activities related to both irrigation and domestic water treatment operations. Below are some fast facts regarding MID's irrigation and water facilities:

Irrigation Facts
Acres in irrigation service area:		101,700
Irrigated acres:		57,955 acres
Irrigation accounts:		3,104 (active)
Water delivered:		173,750 acre-feet (20-year average)
Water charge:		Fixed charge - $44 per acre; Tier 1 (up to 24") - $2/acre-foot (AF); Tier 2 (24" up to 36") - $5/AF; Tier 3 (36" up to 42") - $11.25/AF; Tier 4 (42" and up) - $40/AF
Miles of canal:		208 miles (includes pipelines)
Water sources:		Tuolumne River & groundwater

Water Facilities
Don Pedro Reservoir		Water storage Other benefits:    Hydropower, flood control, recreation		Completed: 1971 Maximum storage: 2,030,000 acre-feet Dam crest: 830 ft.
La Grange Dam		Divert water for MID  and Turlock Irrigation District		Completed: 1893
Modesto Reservoir		Regulate canal flows, store water		Completed: 1911 Maximum storage: 28,000 acre-feet
Modesto Regional Water Treatment Plant		Drinking water Water sold to the City of Modesto		Completed: 1994 Water source: Tuolumne River Capacity: 60 million gallons per day

 
Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives policy direction from the General Manager. Exercises direct supervision over assigned management, supervisory, professional, technical and administrative support personnel.
 
Additional Information: This is an exempt position and is represented by the Modesto Irrigation District Employees Association (MIDEA).  The MID-MIDEA labor agreement may be found here. This position is designated as “at will” and serves at the pleasure of the District in accordance with Board Resolution 93-155.

The total compensation and relocation package is competitive and will be dependent upon qualifications and experience. In addition to salary, MID offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable health plan options and participation in the MID Retirement System.  Further, there is a scheduled 3% cost of living increase effective December 5, 2021.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, plan and implement division goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Coordinate division activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the General Manager and Board of Directors; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the division's work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Water Operations Division budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the division.
• Provide input and direction on issues related to the District's water rights.
• Represent the District in negotiations with outside utilities on matters of common interest; prepare and present District position in response to legislative and regulatory matters impacting the District.
• Ensure the District's water delivery rules and regulations are in compliance with local, State and Federal regulations.
• Provide guidance on operational studies related to the District's water transmission system, improvement districts, pumping and treatment plants, and private facilities.
• Provide direction for new water project development including planning, feasibility, design and construction.
• Represent the division to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in water operations including domestic water system operation and maintenance and irrigation water delivery systems, including three years of administrative and management responsibility.
 
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil or agricultural engineering, biology or a related field.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of water distribution, production, treatment, storage and transmission.
• Principles and practices of irrigation water delivery.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Surface and ground water hydrologic principles.
• Rights and laws affecting District facilities and rights-of-way.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Modern office equipment including use of applicable computer applications.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and control the administration and operations of the Water Operations Division.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports and related documents; know and interpret laws, regulations, codes and procedures; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve division related issues; and explain and interpret policy.
• Prepare and administer division budgets.
• Develop and implement division policies and procedures.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply local, State, Federal, District and division policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Analyze complex technical data involving legal, institutional, engineering and economic considerations and take appropriate action.
• Analyze, interpret and apply complex water rights.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

License and Certificate: Possession of a valid California class C driver's license at the time of appointment.  Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is highly desirable.
 

Any qualified applicant is encouraged to apply immediately. The position is open until filled. Screening of applications will begin on or after November 4, 2021. Applications received after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
 
Applications will be reviewed on a comparative basis and only those most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will consist of an overall assessment of the individual's skills through (1) oral interview; and (2) contacting of references to include current and former supervisors.  The applicant must perform successfully in each phase of the recruitment in order to continue in the selection process.
 
Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact Human Resources at (209) 526-7341. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-3933 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD. The Modesto Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
 
THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED AND APPLICABLE HIGHER EDUCATION DEGREE AND OFFICIAL EDUCATION TRANSCRIPTS, PASS A MEDICAL EXAM INCLUDING A DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREEN, AND A COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECK PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK.
 
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE