The Position – The Alameda County Water District, in Fremont, California, seeks an exceptionally talented California water industry leader to lead the District as the new General Manager.
The General Manager is responsible for implementing the policy direction and decisions of the Board of Directors. As such, the General Manager plans, organizes, and directs all activities of the District, establishes goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for the District, and oversees the execution of all administrative policies, District programs, and the District’s Strategic Plan and goals. Through subordinate managers, the General Manager is responsible for the supervision of District operations and staff, the management of all District engineering, planning, design, and construction activities. They will supervise and control all District administrative, operational, and financial affairs and represent the District on various federal, state, local, and industry-related initiatives, and efforts.
The Ideal Candidate – The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes, experience, and more:
- Extensive experience and background in California public water utility issues, legislation, policy, and utility administration.
- Strong collaboration and communication, with a clear vision and direction related to the future of California water initiatives and the District.
- Proven leadership experience in administrative management, both organizational and cultural, and with change.
- Strategic, long-term, and inclusive thinking, skilled in analyzing policy and organizational issues from all viewpoints.
- Proficiency with community and customer service.
- Currently a senior leader, department-head or assistant general manager with a California public water utility.
- Possess an advanced degree in business or public administration or engineering.
Education and Experience – Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
A Bachelor’s degree with a major in business administration, public administration, engineering, or a related field; and eight (8) years of full-time management experience in a water utility; with at least two (2) years in a division manager equivalent role. An advanced degree in a related field is desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – The principles and practices of public administration and management as applied to a local water utility; design, construction, and operation of water production and distribution facilities; federal and state legislative processes and procedures; California water policy and relevant water supply, water quality, and public health and safety issues; financial management, rate setting, and the economics of capital project financing; California laws and regulations governing the operation of public entities and special utility districts; recent developments and sources of information in water policy and public administration; principles of organization, staffing, budgeting, public information, personnel management, and labor relations; principles of public and community information; and more.
For a complete job description, please visit www.acwd.org.
SELECTION PROCEDURE: To apply, please visit https://koffassociates.com/opportunities/. A resume, cover letter, and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted via Koff’s online portal by Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Candidates who present the best job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the first round of panel interviews, tentatively scheduled for the week of February 22, 2021. The District’s goal is for the successful candidate to start on or before May 31, 2021.
About the District
The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is a special purpose public agency that provides drinking water to over 357,000 people in Fremont, Newark, and Union City (greater San Francisco Bay Area).ACWD supplies and treats water from three sources: 1) State Project water via the South Bay Aqueduct, 2) Hetch Hetchy water and treated local water purchased from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and 3) groundwater from an aquifer recharged by both natural runoff and imported water flows. Annual average demand is 37 million gallons per day. ACWD has a staff of 236 employees and a budget of approximately $175 million. The District is headquartered in Fremont, CA. For further District information, see our website at www.acwd.org.
ACWD is located in the city of Fremont and serves the Tri-City area. The Tri-Cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City are conveniently located, central to the San Francisco Bay Area, and combines the region’s rich history with many fun things to do. They are near bustling activity hubs Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco. With excellent schools and a diverse and vibrant community – it’s a great place to raise a family. With a temperate year-round climate, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, including the Alameda Creek Trail and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, and various outdoor hiking trails and scenic landscapes.
Standard Employee Benefits
$253,755-$308,447 annually
Health Insurance: Coverage is provided through the CalPERS Health program. Employees contribute 1.0% of salary toward the cost of their medical benefits. Under the Cafeteria Plan, employees will receive a flex dollar allowance to purchase healthcare coverage and qualifying voluntary products.
Dental and Vision: The District fully pays for coverage of the employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) benefit depends on whether the employee is a “new” member or a “classic” member under state law.
Classic member: Employee who is a member of PERS or reciprocal agency within six months of hire at ACWD. 2.5% @ 55 with 5.5% employee contribution. $5000 Retired Death Benefit, 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance to Continue After Remarriage, Pre-Retirement Death Benefits to Continue After Remarriage of Survivor, Additional Opportunity to Elect 1959 Survivor Benefits, 1959 Survivor Benefit Level 4, Unused Sick Leave Credit, Public Service Credit for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, or AmeriCorps Service, Military Service Credit as Public Service, Final Compensation 1 Year, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, Prior Service.
New member: Employees hired after 12/31/12 that were not members of PERS or a reciprocal agency within the last six months of hire at ACWD. 2% @ 62 with 7% employee contribution. $5000 Retired Death Benefit, 1959 Survivor Benefit Level 4, 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase, Additional Opportunity to Elect 1959 Survivor Benefits, Final Compensation 3 Years, Military Service Credit as Public Service, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance to Continue After Remarriage, Pre-Retirement Death Benefits to Continue After Remarriage of Survivor, Pre-Retirement Option 2W Death Benefit, Prior Service, Public Service Credit for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, or AmeriCorps Service, Unused Sick Leave Credit.
Social Security/Medicare: The District does not participate in Social Security but provides a 1.45% matching Medicare contribution.
Retiree Health Benefits: Employees are provided contributions to a Retiree Health Savings Account towards their future retiree health benefits.
Life Insurance: The District provides you with Basic Life Insurance and Basic AD&D Insurance of one- and one-half times your annual salary to a maximum of $250,000. There is no cost to the employee for this insurance.
Long Term Disability: The District provides you with Long Term Disability Income Insurance of 66 2/3% of monthly earnings with a maximum monthly benefit of $15,000.
Short Term Disability: Coverage is provided through the District for employees working more than 20 hours per week at 66 2/3% of base weekly earnings for the first 12 weeks up to a weekly benefit maximum of $2,350.
Deferred Compensation: Optional deferred income plans allowing tax sheltering of current income and payment later as supplemental retirement income. The District matches up to $1,750 per year to the employee’s 401(a).
Vacation: 10 days first year, increasing to 25 days after 20 years
Holidays: 11 days per year
Sick Leave: 12 days per year
Management Leave: 96 hours of Management Leave per calendar year.
Vehicle Allowance: $600/month.
Employee Assistance Program: Up to 6 sessions for employees and family members for professional consultation and short-term counseling for personal problems.
Tuition Reimbursement: The District will reimburse 100% of the total tuition and textbook costs incurred in taking courses outside of normal working hours related to District employment up to an annual maximum of $5,250.
Employment Information
- Employment offers are normally made following the conduct of a reference check and are always contingent upon successful completion of a job-related pre-employment physical exam, which may include a drug screen, as well as a security background check. These exams are administered by the District at no cost to the applicant. All District employees are subject to the District’s drug and alcohol policies.
- Employment is made contingent upon verification of identity and legal right to work in the U.S.A. pursuant to federal law, and the signing of a loyalty oath pursuant to state law.
Note: The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract