Water Director

Description

Under administrative direction of the City Manager, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the City's water systems and wastewater treatment operations; serves as technical expert in matters related to distribution of agricultural and domestic water of Kern River delivery system and Kern River Levee District; and performs related work as required.

Representative Duties

The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the position's essential duties. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential Duties: Serves as the Water Department Head reporting to the City Manager; Manages activities of the Water Department which includes the Agricultural and Domestic Water divisions, the Kern River Levee District and Wastewater Treatment division; Advises the City Council, Water Board, City Manager and others on departmental issues; Ensures timely actions on Water Board items and implementation of City Council resolutions on departmental matters; Administers policy as established by the City Water Board; Develops, controls and manages the Department's annual budget; Develops general departmental administrative policies and procedures.

For a full job description please click here .

Minimum Qualifications

Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application, resume, certifications, and supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements:

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Civil Engineering or related field; AND
• Six (6) years of management and administrative experience in the direction of agricultural and domestic water resources or other related managerial experience, of which two (2) years must be at a division management level.
• An equivalent combination of training, certification and experience may be substituted for the above requirements.
• A valid California Class “C” driver's license.

Examination (Weighted: 100%)

September 3rd, 2026 (Tentative)

An appraisal will be made of the applicant's experience, education, training, certification, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum passing score of 70% is required.

NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.

Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:

• Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit
• Fire Safety Unit
• Police Safety Unit
• Police Trainee Unit
• Supervisory & Management Unit

INSURANCE: The City and the employee share contributions for premiums for health insurance coverage. The City provides life insurance benefits based on bargaining unit. Visit the Cityweb Employee Benefits page for detailed information (rates and plan information).

RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the City's Retirement Info page for additional information.

Closing Date/Time: 8/14/2026 1:00 PM Pacific

City of Bakersfield

661-326-3206 Show more