CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

SAN LUIS & DELTA-MENDOTA WATER AUTHORITY (SLDMWA)

THE ORGANIZATION The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (SLDMWA) was established as a Joint Powers Authority in January 1992. Its membership consists of 28 water agencies, 26 of which contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation for water supply from the Central Valley Project (CVP). The Authority delivers water to the most diverse set of member agencies in California. The member agencies provide water to approximately 1.2 million acres of highly productive farmland, 2 million California residents, and millions of waterfowl dependent upon the nearly 200,000 acres of managed wetlands within this area of the Pacific Flyway.

The bond among the diverse group of water agencies is that they all rely on Central Valley Project (CVP) water conveyed through the federal C.W. “Bill” Jones Pumping Plant and delivery through the federal Delta-Mendota Canal, which the Authority operates and maintains.

The Authority is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors and serves two important roles:

1. To act as the operations and maintenance entity for the Delta Division and south of Delta CVP facilities that the Authority’s member agencies depend on for the delivery of their water supply, and

2. To provide unified representation on common interests of

Authority members.

SLDMWA also develops, provides and disseminates information on behalf of its membership to legislative, administrative and judicial bodies concerning a variety of issues such as: Sacramento and San Joaquin Delta exports, water supply, water quality, water development, conservation, distribution, drainage, contractual rights, and surface and groundwater management.

Our Mission:

To Operate the Delta Mendota Canal and related facilities reliably and cost-effectively, and to support member agencies in restoring and protecting adequate, affordable water supplies for agricultural, municipal and industrial, and environmental uses.

Our Vision: Assured, adequate, reliable, and affordable water

supplies for the agricultural, environmental, municipal, and industrial communities served by member agencies within San Joaquin, San Benito, and Santa Clara Valleys.

Cost-effective and reliable delivery of water to member agencies and other Central Valley Project water users we serve.

Effective engagement in regulatory, judicial, legislative, and environmental arenas as well as projects and programs that support the policies and strategies of member agencies.

Respected leader and valued partner in the California water community, helping to achieve the shared goals of our member agencies and the common good.

A diverse and engaged Board and membership, together with a highly trained, motivated, and capable staff to achieve the shared goals of member agencies.

The Central Valley Project (CVP), one of the nation’s major water conservation developments, extends from the Cascade Range in the north to the semi-arid but fertile plains along the Kern River in the south. Initial features of the project were built primarily to protect the Central Valley from crippling water shortages and menacing floods, but the CVP also improves Sacramento River navigation, supplies domestic and industrial water, generates electric power, conserves fish and wildlife, creates opportunities for recreation, and enhances water quality. The CVP serves farms, homes and industry in California's Central Valley, as well as major urban centers in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Silicon Valley. It is also the primary source of water for much of California’s wetlands.

The SLDMWA total annual budget is approximately $31.1 million with $21.3 million for O&M and $9.5 million for other activities. The Authority is funded through its member agencies. O&M expenses are recovered through a charge per acre foot of water delivered to South of Delta CVP Contractors. Other expenditures are allocated through a dues structure that is paid bi-annually by the membership.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

SAN LUIS & DELTA-MENDOTA WATER AUTHORITY (SLDMWA)

The Authority Member Agencies Include: Division 1 (Upper DMC) – Banta-Carbona Irrigation

District, Byron Bethany Irrigation District, City of Tracy, Del Puerto Water District, Patterson Irrigation District, West Side Irrigation District, and West Stanislaus Irrigation District

Division 2 (San Luis Unit) – Panoche Water District, Pleasant Valley Water District, San Luis Water District, and Westlands Water District

Division 3 (San Joaquin River Exchange Contract Districts and Grassland Water District) – Central California Irrigation District, Firebaugh Canal Water District, Grassland Water District, and Henry Miller Reclamation District 2131

Division 4 (San Felipe Division) – Santa Clara Valley Water District and San Benito County Water District

Division 5 (Lower DMC) – Broadview Water District, Eagle Field Water District, Fresno Slough Water District, James Irrigation District, Laguna Water District, Mercy Springs Water District, Oro Loma Water District, Pacheco Water District, Reclamation District 1606, Tranquility Irrigation District, and Turner Island Water District

Staff and Offices

SLDMWA currently has approximately 100 employees working out of an Administrative Office in Los Banos, Field Offices in both Los Banos and Tracy, and Sacramento. Facilities include the C.W. “Bill” Jones Pumping Plant, Delta-Mendota Canal, O’Neill Pumping/Generation Plant, San Luis Drain, Delta Cross Channel, Tracy Fish Collection Facility, and the Delta- Mendota Canal-California Aqueduct Intertie. Looking to the future, SLDMWA will continue to provide the leadership necessary to pursue reliable water supplies for its member agencies and deliver that water with a reliable system in a cost-effective manner. THE POSITION The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports directly to the Executive Director. The COO is responsible and accountable for the planning, management, performance, and improvement of the Authority’s functions. The COO directs four divisions: Operation and Maintenance, Engineering and Planning, Finance and Accounting, and Human Resources. The COO serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and represents the Executive Director in interactions with employees, the public, member agencies and other organizations.

SLDMWA seeks to hire a COO who will:

Administer the provisions of the SLDMWA Joint Powers Agreement.

Provide direction and leadership in the overall administration of the O&M Transfer Agreement with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for Transferred Works Facilities.

Provide direction and leadership in the development, preparation, and administration of the annual budget, prepares fiscal analysis and the preparation of budget proposals, reviews budget requests and recommends approval or disapproval.

Provide direction and leadership in the management of the Human Resources Department.

Provide direction and leadership to ensure that the Authority’s safety practices and programs are being coordinated, implemented and maintained.

Participate in monthly meetings of the Board of Directors, establish agendas, disseminate information and coordinate communications among the member agencies for Authority purposes.

Provide advice and consultation on the development of Authority policies.

Coordinate the activities of the various departments within the Authority to insure a high level of overall program efficiency.

Oversee the conduct of a variety of special studies and surveys to determine the effectiveness of Authority programs and services.

Effectively communicate and administer established policies of the Authority Board of Directors.

Represent the Executive Director at meetings before federal, state and local agencies, and other organizations.

Work closely with the Executive Director in strategic planning, developing implementation plans and setting priorities.

Participate in monthly meetings of the Board of Directors, establish agendas, disseminate information and coordinate communications among the member agencies for Authority purposes.

Plan, write, edit and distribute internal communications, and prepare group presentations.

The COO will work at both the Tracy or Los Banos office, and also be able to work out of any of the Authority’s offices. While some time should be spent at all locations, there is a need to be in Los Banos on a regular basis.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

SAN LUIS & DELTA-MENDOTA WATER AUTHORITY (SLDMWA)

THE CANDIDATE

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical (but not only) way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be through: 1) a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, public administration, business administration, or a related field; and 2) ten years in a supervisory management or executive capacity. Preferences for broad and extensive work experience in a management position in a public agency requiring the responsibility for the formulation and implementation of programs, and managing administrative operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

A few highlighted skills, knowledge and abilities that may be important include:

The principles, practices, and methods of leadership in a public agency, including governance, strategic planning, performance management, continuous quality improvement, and objectives, policies, and procedures development and implementations.

The principles and practices necessary to manage the core operational functions and programs in a water agency, including operation and maintenance of large infrastructure, asset management and capital construction.

Applicable laws, regulations, legal mandates, guidelines and standards affecting public agencies, particularly related to water.

The principles and practices of effective leadership and staff supervision, including selection, training and development, dynamics of line-staff relationships, techniques of effective interpersonal communications and relations, effective problem-solving and decision-making techniques, planning and delegating work, performance evaluations, positive recognition methods, and progressive discipline.

Evaluate, monitor, and lead improvements designed to facilitate organizational unity and effect and efficient delivery of service.

Initiate, develop, and implement goals objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls.

Balance conflicting objectives and policies, diplomatically identify, negotiate and administer effective resolutions.

Select, motivate, supervise, and constructively evaluate managers and staff.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with member agencies, local, state and federal agencies, Authority staff and the general public.

Maintain and exhibit discretion and integrity when handling sensitive information.

Communicate effectively including strong written and oral communication skills.

Provide effective leadership in a diversely staffed organization, consistent with executive direction and Authority principles and values.

Manage complex projects involving multi-teams and requiring coordination and collaboration with external agencies and high level executive managers.

Licenses

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Requires possession and proof of a driving record free of multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least the previous two consecutive years.

COMPENSATION

The salary for this position is negotiable and will be dependent upon the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. In addition, benefits are provided which include: Retirement Benefits: 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan funded by the Authority contributing equal to 8% of the employee’s gross, base annual salary. Also included is an Executive 401(a) Retirement Plan which requires a mandatory 5% employee contribution, matched by an employer 5% contribution, as well as a voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. All contributions under both plans vest immediately to the employee. (Note: The Authority does not participate in Social Security.) Health Benefits:

Three medical benefit plans offered through ACWA–JPIA (Blue Cross PPO, Blue Cross HMO, and Kaiser HMO). The Authority contributes 100% of the premium for the employee and 75% for the employee’s eligible family members.

Dental & Vision Benefits: The Authority contributes 100% of the premium for the employee and the employee’s eligible family members.

Employee Assistance Program: Available to employees and their household members, 100% of the premium for the employee and family members is paid by the Authority.

Holidays Vacation & Medical Leave Optional/Voluntary Benefits: 2% of gross salary for

individual purchase of Life and/or Disability Insurance; vehicle or vehicle allowance; and Credit Union.

HOW TO APPLY Please send cover letter, resume and application (email preferred) by noon on August 9, 2019 to:

SLDMWA PO Box 2157 Los Banos, CA 93635 Telephone: 209.826.9696 Email: apply@sldmwa.org Web: www.sldmwa.org

SLDMWA is an equal opportunity/ADA employer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

SAN LUIS & DELTA-MENDOTA WATER AUTHORITY (SLDMWA)