Regular Full-Time Employee
Founded in 1866, San Jose Water Company is an investor owned water company headquartered in Silicon Valley. With a service area of 140 square miles, it is one of the largest and most technically sophisticated urban water system in the United States. We serve over 1 million people with high quality, life sustaining water, with an emphasis on exceptional customer service.
We are actively seeking talented, driven and highly-productive applicants for the position of Director of Water Quality to join our dynamic team. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment along with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the VP of Operations, the Director of Water Quality is the regulatory and technical authority for drinking water quality and environmental compliance for San Jose Water Company. The Director is accountable for regulatory compliance, monitoring and reporting, laboratory oversight, incident response, corrective action, and water quality program performance across source, treatment, and distribution systems. As a Department head, the incumbent organizes, directs and administers department activities and formulates and implements operating policies and procedures within general administrative guidelines; performs other related work as required.
Specific Responsibilities
Serves as the designated technical and regulatory authority for drinking water quality and environmental compliance matters
Provides regulatory interpretation and decision‑making for applicable federal, state, and local drinking water and environmental regulations
Acts as the primary technical liaison with regulatory agencies, government officials, and external stakeholders
Oversees water quality standards, monitoring programs, and compliance strategies for source water, treatment, and distribution systems
Directs water quality sampling programs and laboratory operations, including data quality assurance and regulatory defensibility
Ensures timely, accurate, and complete regulatory monitoring, reporting, and compliance documentation
Oversees Environmental Quality programs, including contaminant investigations, spill response, and environmental permitting
Provides executive oversight of the Cross‑Connection Control program, including regulatory interpretation, enforcement authority, and compliance delivery
Ensures coordination between Water Quality, Environmental Quality, and Operations while maintaining regulatory independence
Develops, implements, and maintains water quality and environmental policies, procedures, and compliance strategies
Prepares and manages program budgets, performance reporting, and regulatory analyses
Leads, mentors, and evaluates Water Quality staff, including managers, supervisors, and technical personnel
Communicates complex water quality issues clearly and effectively to executive leadership, regulators, and customers
Performs other related duties as required.
Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities
Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local drinking water quality and environmental regulations, including compliance monitoring, reporting, and enforcement processes
Demonstrated ability to interpret regulatory requirements and apply sound technical judgment to compliance and risk‑based decisions
Strong understanding of drinking water treatment, storage, and distribution systems and associated water quality risks
Knowledge of water chemistry, microbiology, and analytical testing methods relevant to drinking water and environmental compliance
Experience overseeing water quality monitoring programs, laboratory operations, and data quality assurance
Ability to lead response to water quality and environmental incidents, including investigation, root‑cause analysis, corrective action development, and regulatory communication
Skill in developing, implementing, and maintaining water quality and environmental policies, procedures, and compliance strategies
Ability to manage complex, high‑visibility regulatory issues with accuracy, transparency, and sound professional judgment
Strong leadership and people‑management skills, including the ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams
Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple programs and regulatory obligations simultaneously
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical and regulatory issues clearly to regulators, leadership, and customers
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field
Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in drinking water quality, environmental compliance, or related utility operations, including regulatory compliance and oversight responsibilities
Minimum of four (4) years of experience supervising or leading professional and technical staff
Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, P.E., or PhD) in a relevant scientific, engineering, or environmental discipline is desirable
Must possess or make satisfactory progress toward possession of the following California Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water certifications:
o Distribution Operator Grade D2
o Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2
- Demonstrated experience serving as a technical or regulatory authority for drinking water quality compliance.
Other Requirements
Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
EEO Statement
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
