Director of Engineering
About the role
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is seeking a Director of Engineering, a 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).
Responsibilities
- Oversee 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.
- Manage complex capital programs, administer consultant contracts, guide land development services, support rate and financial analyses in partnership with Finance, and ensure integration of new infrastructure into ongoing operations.
- Represent the District in meetings with elected officials, regulatory agencies, developers, contractors, and community stakeholders as a trusted advisor to the General Manager and Board of Directors.
- Balance strategic vision with hands-on operational oversight, provide leadership to management, professional, and technical staff, and foster a high-performance, customer-focused culture.
Requirements
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.