Senior Management Analyst

The Organization

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $267 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. Are you a transitioning or former member of the military with experience as an an Intelligence Analyst, Logistics Specialist, Operations Manager or in a similar military role? Your leadership, operations planning, personnel management, logistics coordination, and data analysis experience may translate directly into success in this position. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.

Operations & Maintenance The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department is responsible for operating the Water Authority's aqueduct delivery system; ensuring facility security and emergency preparedness; and maintaining and managing the fleet and various other assets. Specifically, the department controls water deliveries to meet member agency demands; manages dam and reservoir operations; ensures water quality; oversees water treatment plant and power generation operations; maintains all vehicles and heavy equipment; provides electro-mechanical support; implements the Asset Management Program (AMP); complies with all applicable environmental regulations; and develops and manages computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and system maintenance programs.

Operations & Maintenance: Administration DivisionThe Operations & Maintenance Administration Division provides administrative support to the 91 personnel located at the Water Authority's Escondido office, and includes the Director of Operations & Maintenance. The division is responsible for all administrative functions including leadership support, department budget management, procurement and invoice processing, contract administration, office management, records management, Board of Directors support, departmental personnel coordination and other related functions.

The Ideal Candidate The Senior Management Analyst will be an essential member of the Operations & Maintenance team, supporting core business functions and providing direct supervision, work oversight, and guidance to support staff.

The ideal candidate is flexible, innovative, and comfortable adapting to change. They excel in a dynamic, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environment, approaching challenges with confidence, professionalism, and a willingness to embrace new ideas and processes.

The ideal candidate thrives in an environment where they interact with a diverse mix of personalities and team members whose strengths may lean toward technical skills or vary in their administrative experience. This individual is an effective communicator who can translate complex concepts in a clear, respectful manner and is adept at fostering collaboration and positive outcomes with colleagues from all backgrounds, whether in straightforward or more challenging situations.

In addition, the ideal candidate will bring:

• Advanced analytical capabilities, including the ability to perform increasingly complex business or management studies and develop detailed spreadsheets.
• Experience with public-sector budgeting and forecasting, including monitoring expenditures, preparing projections, and supporting long-term planning efforts.
• Practical knowledge of public contracting and procurement, such as developing and administering formal and informal bids, managing public works contracts, issuing notices inviting bids, and preparing requests for proposals.
• Experience working in a maintenance or operations environment within water utilities or similar sectors is highly valued for this role, with an understanding of how administrative and analytical functions support field operations and asset intensive programs. Applicants from other industries with strong backgrounds are equally encouraged to apply.
• Adaptability and comfort leading and managing change, with the ability to remain steady, flexible, and effective in a fast-paced workplace undergoing continual operational and organizational evolution.

This role is ideal for a candidate who is motivated by challenge and innovation, eager to learn, and skilled at creating and refining systems and processes. If you thrive in an environment where you must navigate complex, evolving, or unfamiliar parameters - and your work directly supports essential regional infrastructure and service delivery - this opportunity will allow you to make a meaningful impact while growing your expertise and driving continuous improvement. The Position The Senior Management Analyst serves as a key analytical and administrative resource supporting the Operations & Maintenance Department. This role performs a wide range of professional, administrative, financial, statistical, and management analyses that directly contribute to the effective operation of the Water Authority’s aqueduct system, maintenance programs, and departmental business functions.

As a strategic partner to Operations & Maintenance leadership, the Senior Management Analyst helps shape department programs and policies and procedures through thoughtful research, evaluation, and recommendations. The position prepares high-quality presentations, produces clear and compelling data reports, and develops materials that support informed decision-making across diverse operational functions.

This role administers essential department programs including budget development and monitoring, procurement and contracting processes, and records management. The Senior Management Analyst also supports cross-functional initiatives, improves business processes, enhances data systems, and contributes to operational planning that keeps critical water delivery infrastructure running safely and reliably.

Distinguishing Characteristics This is the advanced, journey-level class in the Management Analyst series. Incumbents are fully competent to independently perform responsible and complex analytical work in support of a department or Water Authority-wide program. Assignments are typically received in broad outline form, and incumbents are expected to act independently in developing applicable resources and information. Projects may include statistical analysis, policy, procedures, budget development, regulatory analysis or other areas specific to the assignment. Incumbents are expected to exercise independent judgment in selecting study approach and analytical techniques and in making sound recommendations based on study results.

Representative Duties The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Assists in and/or leads the development, review, analysis and administration of the annual department budget, analyzing current and historical trends, evaluating variances and improving cost effectiveness; investigates and evaluates the need for changes in budgetary allocations during the fiscal year; reviews and evaluates purchase requests and justifications.
• Forecasts operating budget, analyzes budget variances, and prepares quarterly and mid-cycle budget presentation for the General Manager and Board of Directors to provide status of past and future expenditures; assists in the development of the Water Authority's budget document.
• Designs and develops report formats to meet management information needs; works with Information Systems to develop or modify systems to provide required data; tracks and reports on department purchase orders.
• Reviews solicitations, contracts and proposed activities to recommend appropriate requirements.
• Serves as liaison between vendors, outside agencies, and other Water Authority departments.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs or conducts detailed administrative or management studies relating to the activities or operation of the Water Authority or Operations & Maintenance Department; determines analytical techniques and statistical and information-gathering processes and obtains required information and data for analysis; analyzes alternatives and makes recommendations regarding such areas as budgeting, cost analysis, cash flow estimates, productivity, work flow and design, contracting, records retention, and policy or procedure development or modification; discusses findings with management and prepares reports of study conclusions; makes presentations of study results and recommendations; assists in developing and implementing program or functional goals and objectives; conducts a variety of special projects and programs related to the functions of the department or specific projects.
• Attends meetings with officials of other governmental agencies, business and community groups and the public regarding assigned projects; responds to requests for information from the public on Water Authority or department programs or projects; attends professional organization trainings.
• Compiles, analyzes and prepares data and develops training materials in support of policies and procedures as well as presentations of findings and recommendations.
• Performs program administrative functions in a specified area; prepares technical reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Provides technical assistance to others on administrative and analytical matters.
• Provides work supervision, direction, training and work assessment of professional support staff.

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Senior Management Analyst

Work Schedule: Most employees assigned to work at the Escondido office work a 4/10 schedule, 10 hour days from Monday through Thursday. While a majority of the department works a 4/10 schedule, an optional 9/80 schedule is available for this position. The Water Authority offers an optional hybrid work schedule to employees. At this time, this position has the option to telework up to one day per week. Employees authorized to telework must be able to report to Water Authority facilities as needed, depending on the operational needs of the department and/or area of assignment. While onboarding and training, the successful candidate will be required to work primarily onsite during the probationary period. The availability of telework days may change depending on business needs. Qualification Guidelines The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

A Bachelor's degree from and accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration or a closely related field supplemented by four years of professional experience in administration and management analysis. Application Procedure To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

Tentative Exam ScheduleApplication Deadline: 11/22/2026Written Exam: 12/01/2026Oral Panel Interview Date: 12/14/2026 Tentative Department Interview Date: Week of 12/21/26

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

Benefits

Health Insurance: The Water Authority maintains four employee health plan options, inclusive of dental and vision. Currently, the “basic” plans are the Kaiser HMO plan and Aetna Value Network HMO, and the “premium” plans are the Aetna Full Network HMO and PPO Healthcare plans. All medical plans feature a chiropractic benefit. Employees and eligible dependents are covered through Aetna Dental for dental services, and Aetna for vision services. The Water Authority pays 100% of the monthly premiums for full-time employees and their dependents for the basic plans, inclusive of dental and vision. Employees pay 50% of the cost that exceeds the “basic” medical plan Kaiser family coverage premium. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire. Employees who waive Water Authority medical, dental, and vision benefits receive $41.66 per month, deposited into a Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare or Dependent Care) and $42.33 per month deposited into the deferred compensation plan.

Retirement: All regular Water Authority employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire. Additional benefits are provided in accordance with the Water Authority's CalPERS contract.

Classic (Hired on or before December 31, 2012)

• 2.5% @ 55
• 8.0% Employee Contribution
• 1 Year Final Compensation Period

New Members (Hired on or after January 1, 2013)

• 2% @ 62
• 7.75% Employee Contribution
• 3 Year Final Compensation Period

*Membership Category - CalPERS will identify each new member as either a "Classic" or a "New" member of the system based on the prior work history of the individual.

Classic Member: New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the Water Authority will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula and contribute 8% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "Classic" members include:

• Employer-Paid Member Contribution (EPMC): The Water Authority pays 7% of the employee's share of retirement contributions to CalPERS and the value of the 7% member contribution is reported to CalPERS as additional compensation.
• Military Service Credit as Public Service.
• Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
• Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.

New Members: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 benefit formula and contribute 6.75% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "New Members" include:

• Military Service Credit as Public Service.
• Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
• Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.

The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 has set compensation limits for "Classic members" and "New members" for retirement calculations. These limitations have been placed on the reportable annual earnings each calendar year and are adjusted on an annual basis.

Social Security / Medicare: Employees are covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI) and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI). The total employee contribution is 7.65% of salary. Employees of the Water Authority do not pay into State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Merit Review Schedule: Probationary employees (new hires and promotions) will be considered for a merit increase at their six-month review date. Regular employees will receive a performance evaluation and consideration for a merit increase at their one-year anniversary date and annually thereafter.

Alternative Work Week: Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa location will work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. Employees assigned to the Escondido location will work either a 4/10 schedule, with every Friday off, or 9/80 schedule, depending on the position. Individual work schedules are developed on a departmental basis to assure that appropriate staff are available to perform needed work and must be selected from available options outlined in the attendance policy.

Hybrid Work Schedule Option: The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer flexibility and work-life balance. Employees in eligible positions may have the option to telework several days per week, with the remainder of the workweek spent onsite, based on operational needs and management approval. Employees approved to work remotely must maintain California residency and perform their remote work functions primarily within the state of California.

Vacation: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the Water Authority.

Sick Leave: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.

Holidays: The Water Authority observes 14 paid holidays each year, including three (3) floating holidays. Holiday pay is equivalent to the employee's regular scheduled workday (9 or 10 hours). Full-time employees will receive full holiday credit for the floating holidays (eligible hours/floating holiday) on July 1, which must be used in the fiscal year. Meritorious Leave (Exempt Positions Only): 56 hours of vacation leave shall be credited to the employee’s vacation balance effective July 1 of each new fiscal year. Up to 24 hours of additional discretionary leave may be credited to the employee’s vacation balance upon the employee’s annual performance review at the recommendation of the employee’s department director or designee for performance evaluations of above standard or outstanding. Employees appointed to an eligible exempt position after July 1st of the fiscal year shall be eligible for a prorated amount of meritorious leave. Discretionary Leave: Up to an additional 10 hours of discretionary leave will be provided to qualified employees in accordance with departmental work schedules per calendar year.

Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: The Water Authority provides Basic Term Life and AD&D insurance coverage in the amount of $50,000. The Water Authority also provides dependent spouse coverage in the amount of $5,000, and dependent child coverage in the amount of $2,000.

Long Term Disability Insurance: The Water Authority provides a long-term disability insurance benefit of up to 66.67% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $7,400 per month. Benefits begin on the 61st day of absence due to illness or injury.

Cell Phone: Employees meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a monthly cell phone / data plan allowance.

Tuition Reimbursement: The Water Authority may reimburse the actual cost paid for tuition up to a maximum of $3,000 per fiscal year. Tuition costs of $3,001 - $4,500 may be reimbursed at 50% per fiscal year.

National University: Water Authority employees are eligible for 25% discount in tuition. Water Authority employees’ spouse/ partner/dependents are also eligible for 10% discount in tuition.

Wellness Center: Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in the Water Authority's Wellness Program by attending sponsored, on-site wellness training and screening sessions.

Employee Assistance Program: Employees have access to no-cost confidential, third-party personal counseling, financial and legal advice, and more. This benefit is available to employees and members of their household.

Additional Voluntary Benefits (Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they chose to elect coverage):

Flexible Spending Account – Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($3,400 maximum) and dependent care expenses ($7,500 maximum, or $3,750 if married and filing taxes separately).

Deferred Compensation Plan – The Water Authority's 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan is provided by TIAA-CREF and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. The Water Authority contributes up to $1,500 per calendar year into the plan.

Short-Term Disability – This voluntary insurance plan pays a benefit up to 60% of your weekly covered earnings – to a maximum of $1,728 per week. Before collecting benefits, employees must satisfy the elimination period following the date of disability (0 days for accident, 3 days for sickness of continuous disability). The Water Authority does not contract with California's Employment Development Department (EDD) for State Disability Insurance benefits.

Group Legal Insurance – This voluntary insurance plan offers a variety of legal services including revocable and irrevocable trusts, estate planning, family law, consumer protection, and traffic ticket defense. It is designed to help employees plan for, prevent, and resolve a wide range of legal issues – saving time and potentially thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Critical Illness Insurance – This voluntary insurance plan pays a lump sum upon initial occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or other serious illness. The payment can be used to cover related expenses, medical or otherwise.

Voluntary Life and Personal Accident Insurance – Employees may purchase voluntary life and personal accident insurance up to 5 times annual salary (maximum of $500,000). You may also purchase additional life and/or personal accident insurance for spouse/domestic partner and/or children.

Employees' Association – Employees have the option to join the Employees' Association. Events and reduced ticket prices offered to employees through this association include the annual picnic, annual holiday party, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more.

This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Administrative Code, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Water Authority. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Water Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.

Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (858) 522-6660.