Joint Regional Water Supply System (JRWSS) Engineering Manager

Summary

The Joint Regional Water Supply System (JRWSS) is a regional potable-water transmission system that extends from Irvine through southern Orange County into northern San Diego County. The system includes the Joint Transmission Main (JTM), reservoirs, interconnections, flow-control facilities, valves, and related infrastructure used to convey imported potable water to participating agencies. The South Coast Water District (SCWD) serves as the designated operator for the JRWSS and manages the system on behalf of nine member agencies which include: South Coast Water District, California State Parks, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, City of San Clemente, El Toro Water District, Irvine Ranch Water District, Moulton Niguel Water District, Santa Margarita Water District, and Southern California Edison / San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. For FY 2026–27, JRWSS has a total budget of approximately $10.7 million, and has 7.5 full-time budgeted positions.

Job Description

Reporting to the Deputy General Manager/Chief Engineer, the Engineering Manager – JRWSS is an executive-level, non-merit system contract position that oversees the JRWSS Capital Improvement Program, including engineering planning, design review, project management, budgeting, regulatory compliance, construction management, and preparation of engineering documents and reports. This position is part of the District’s Leadership Team and participates in District strategic planning and regional water supply planning efforts. The position currently has no staff oversight but may supervise assigned professional and technical personnel. The Engineering Manager takes ownership of complex projects from inception through design and bidding, manages design consultants, maintains strong contract documents and technical specifications, and provides informed support during construction. The role also supports annual maintenance, repair, and capital-improvement budgeting, pipeline condition assessment and asset management, and administration of JRWSS agency agreements. The ideal candidate brings practical construction experience, sound field and constructability judgment, and technical credibility. Experience with large-diameter water transmission pipelines is especially valuable, as is the ability to build trusted interagency relationships and communicate technical recommendations clearly to Board members, partner agencies, and permitting agencies.