General Manager

General Manager Half Moon Bay, CA Coastside County Water District Career Opportunity Coastside County Water District is a lean, exceptionally well-run agency seeking a high-caliber, hands-on leader to be the next General Manager continuing the legacy of stability, transparency, and community trust. While situated on the scenic San Mateo County coast, the District functions with the technical and regulatory sophistication of a major metropolitan utility but operates with a small, dedicated team of just 25 employees. Coastside CWD is the biggest little water district in California. Top areas of focus for the General Manager will be: Financial Strategy & CIP Financing Capital Improvement Funding: Spearhead the financing and execution of a $73 million, 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The incoming GM must identify creative, non-traditional funding streams and debt strategies to address projected shortfalls. Rate Management: Navigate a structural revenue decline as customers continue to embrace significant water conservation measures, resulting in reduced water sales. Ensure the District’s long-term financial sustainability. Regulatory & Inter-Agency Coordination Regulatory Compliance: Oversee District operations within a complex regulatory environment that includes federal, state, and California Coastal Commission requirements. The GM will work to ensure compliance with applicable environmental mandates while managing associated resources and expenditures effectively. Inter-Agency Collaboration: Foster productive working relationships with regulatory agencies, environmental and engineering consultants, San Mateo County, and the City of Half Moon Bay. Workforce Development Knowledge Transfer & Recruitment: Prepare for anticipated staff retirements by supporting the transfer of institutional knowledge and implementing strategies to recruit, develop, and retain qualified employees in a region challenged by a severe local housing shortage. Human Resources & Professional Growth: Foster consistent management practices and support employee growth through sound HR processes, continuing education opportunities, professional certifications, and ongoing staff development initiatives. Hands-On Operational Agility A “Working Manager” Ethos: Coastside County Water District is a fast-paced environment where the GM must be self-sufficient and comfortable managing multiple initiatives, allocating resources effectively, and overseeing the successful delivery of long-term capital projects. Geographic Independence: Due to the District’s unique coastal geography, the GM should be prepared to respond to emergencies, provide clear direction, and support coordinated, effective response efforts with staff and external agencies. Technology & Process Improvement: The GM should encourage continuous improvement in business processes and the use of technology to support effective District operations. About Coastside County Water District The Coastside County Water District was established in 1947 and originally served about 400 potable water connections. Today, the District provides water service to approximately 7,800 connections, supporting a population of 19,000 living along the San Mateo County coast, about 25 miles south of San Francisco on Highway 1. The District’s service area includes the City of Half Moon Bay and the unincorporated communities of El Granada, Miramar, and Princeton-by-the-Sea. Coastside County Water District, a customer of the San Francisco Regional Water System receives water from SFPUC’s various sources including local coastal surface watersheds. The District operates two conventional water treatment plants, nine treated water storage tanks, 17 miles of raw water transmission pipeline, and 82 miles of distribution pipelines, with a$19 Million Revenue Budget and a $73 Million Capital Improvement program. The Department The District headquarters provide a special and unique place for employees to work and live in Half Moon Bay, a small city along the California Coast known for a string of picturesque beaches. Home to the world-famous monster waves at Mavericks and giant pumpkins, Half Moon Bay is a beach town – a perfect place for a walk along the beach or bicycling the11.5 mile Coastal Trail, whale watching, fishing or dinner at one of many local seafood restaurants. The region has strong agricultural roots with nurseries, family farms, and a bustling Farmer’s Market. There are also great dining and shopping on Half Moon Bay’s historic Main Street. To learn more, go to: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/half-moon-bay/ The Position The Coastside County Water District is seeking a grounded, emotionally intelligent, and highly capable public utility executive who can blend hands-on operational leadership with exceptional political and administrative savvy. The ideal candidate will possess a strong, quiet confidence—leading by example, empowering a dedicated staff, and serving as a trusted, assertive advisor to the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate is a collaborative strategist ready to “hit the ground running” to secure the District’s financial future, modernize its operations, and unite a talented workforce. This person will be a well-rounded utility executive who brings a balanced blend of sharp financial acumen, robust engineering/operational experience, and exceptional human resources leadership. The ideal candidate will be empowering, collaborative and able to listen to institutional wisdom while driving diversity and inclusion. The selected candidate will foster a relationship of mutual respect with the Board of Directors, have outstanding presentation skills and be a visible presence in the office and out in the field. The ideal candidate will continue to foster a strong customer focused environment. This person will also be able to multi-task under pressure, be resilient with a “thick skin,” and be ethical and thoughtful, always prioritizing the long-term well-