Executive Officer, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board

The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Lahontan Water Board) is looking for a dynamic leader to serve in the demanding position of Executive Officer.

The Executive Officer is the key guardian of the State’s water resources in a region that spans all or portions of twelve (12) counties from Modoc County in the north, along the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada, to San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties on the south, including Lake Tahoe and Mono Lake. Based in offices in South Lake Tahoe and Victorville, the Lahontan Water Board’s mission is to preserve and enhance water quality in the Lahontan Region for the benefit of present and future generations.

In protecting all surface and groundwater in the region, as well as crucial drinking water supplies, the Board regulates nonpoint and point source discharges that may affect the region’s waters, including from municipal, agricultural, military, recreation, industrial, and environmental restoration activities.

The Executive Officer advises the Lahontan Water Board on policy and is often tasked with developing creative, sustainable solutions to complex water quality problems. Under the administrative direction of up to 7 board members appointed by the Governor, the Executive Officer supervises a dedicated and diverse staff of approximately 80 engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, administrative support staff, and student interns. With the Board, the Executive Officer sets organizational priorities and shapes the organization’s culture. 

This position is located in South Lake Tahoe.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Demonstrated success in leadership, including an ability to: achieve the agency’s mission; create and communicate a vision for the agency’s work; set appropriate priorities; think strategically to define a pathway to achieve long-term outcomes; cultivate trust with board, staff, partners, and stakeholders; and lead by example.

• Demonstrated management experience, including an ability to: set clear goals that convey the intent of the direction; delegate to the lowest capable level; organize and foster strong interdisciplinary teams; promoting an increase in the diversity of perspectives of the staff and creating a safe space for feedback in the workplace; encourage innovation and initiative; set clear performance expectations and metrics; meet deadlines; and plan for effective succession within staff leadership.

   

• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to manage a budget, motivate professional staff, manage changes in staffing, achieve the priorities in the Board’s portfolio, and work with appointed Board members as they change through different administrations.

• Demonstrated knowledge and fluency in policies, plans, and organization mission of the Lahontan Water Board and State Water Board; familiarity with federal and State laws and regulations used in the protection and restoration of water quality, as well as the methods and programs used to manage water quality problems.

   

• Demonstrated ability to work constructively and promote partnerships with internal/external customers, including public, media, elected officials, and governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations. Demonstrated sensitivity to the need for increased public outreach and maintaining good relationships with stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in negotiation and problem solving; ability to synthesize and explain complex scientific and public policy issues and make sound policy recommendations; and preparing and delivering presentations to boards, other government agencies, and the public.

• Demonstrated possession of personal characteristics including integrity; flexibility; dependability; tact; sound judgment; and an ability to maintain composure in stressful and conflicted situations. Excellent written and verbal skills. Willingness and ability to travel within and outside California on a regular basis.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Information

• Location: South Lake Tahoe, United States

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: VP, Exec VP, MD, Dean, General Manager, Business Unit Manager

Years of experience: 20 years or above

Taxonomy

• Executive
• Utility Management
• Executive water engineer
• Water Utility
• Executive administration