JOB
Director of Engineering
Annual Salary: $245,280 - $322,812 DOE/DOQ, plus a generous benefits package.
This position will be open until filled, with a first application review date of March 30, 2026.
View our comprehensive recruitment brochure here: CPS HR Consulting
If you are interested in this exceptional opportunity, please
apply online at: CPS HR Consulting
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is seeking a Director of Engineering, this key executive leader responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all functions and activities of the Engineering Department for a diverse water and wastewater utility agency. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this position provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for engineering, surveying, development services, right-of-way management, and technical support functions that drive the District’s comprehensive Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
This department director role oversees both short- and long-term planning, policy development, and operational implementation to ensure infrastructure and facilities projects are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with District goals. The Director is accountable for managing complex capital programs, administering consultant contracts, guiding land development services, supporting rate and financial analyses in partnership with Finance, and ensuring integration of new infrastructure into ongoing operations.
As a trusted advisor to the General Manager and Board of Directors, the Director of Engineering represents the District in meetings with elected officials, regulatory agencies, developers, contractors, and community stakeholders. The position requires balancing strategic vision with hands-on operational oversight, providing leadership to management, professional, and technical staff while fostering a high-performance, customer-focused culture.
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and forward-thinking engineering professional with deep expertise in public infrastructure, capital program delivery, regulatory compliance, and contract administration. This is an opportunity to lead critical infrastructure investments, modernize engineering services, and shape the long-term reliability and sustainability of the District’s utility systems.
TITLE: Director of Engineering
SRN U34: $20,440 - $26,901 Monthly, Exempt
Non-Represented/At-Will/Confidential
DEPARTMENT: Administration
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to: Receives administrative direction from the General Manager.
Supervises the following positions: Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
Promotional opportunity procedures will include the following:
Review of minimum qualifications
Review of personnel file, including but not limited: attendance history, disciplinary history, and performance evaluations
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Engineering Department including those supporting the implementation of a comprehensive capital improvement program for a diverse water/wastewater utility agency encompassing all infrastructure and facilities projects; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; coordinates assigned activities with other District departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among District departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the General Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
-
Assumes full management responsibility for all Engineering Department programs, services, and activities which contribute to the District's capital improvement program for its infrastructure and facilities; areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, engineering, surveying, development services, and supporting technical services.
-
Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
-
Provides day-to-day leadership and works with executive and management team members to ensure a high performance, customer service-oriented work environment, consistent with sound management principles and District mission and values.
-
Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments, as necessary.
-
Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
-
Monitors legal, regulatory, technology, and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
-
Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine District needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
-
Directs the preparation and administration of the long-term and annual Capital Improvement Program; provides administrative review and control over capital programs/projects; monitors design and construction progress; oversees budget and contract administration; and ensures the integration of new facilities into the operating functions of the District.
-
Develops and manages the District’s right-of-way programs and encroachment permitting system; directs the survey and computer aided drafting (CAD) of District assets.
-
Directs the District’s land development services operations; coordinates with developers to ensure projects comply with District land development and design criteria; prepares developer agreements; and updates the development design manual.
-
Develops and directs the technical and engineering support for District rates and changes in partnership with the Finance department.
-
Represents the department to other District departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
-
Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
-
Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Directors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering.
-
Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the General Manager.
-
Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
-
Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, and ensures staff do the same.
-
Performs other duties as assigned.
