The Coastal Water Authority (CWA) is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Authority’s water conveyance and distribution systems.

The Operations Manager is a director-level position responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of CWA’s critical water infrastructure, including canals, levees, dams, reservoirs, pump stations, pipelines, electrical systems, and related facilities.

This position provides leadership for system-wide operations, maintenance programs, emergency response coordination, regulatory compliance, infrastructure reliability initiatives, and long-range operational planning. The Operations Manager serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on operational strategy, asset management, infrastructure risks, capital priorities, and system resilience.

Position Highlights

  • Lead and oversee CWA’s water operations and maintenance activities.
  • Establish operational strategies, performance standards, and reliability initiatives.
  • Support emergency preparedness, response efforts, and dam safety programs.
  • Coordinate maintenance programs, infrastructure improvements, and operational planning.
  • Lead and develop senior operational staff while promoting a strong safety culture.
  • Collaborate with customers, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and community partners.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, operations management, public administration, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in water operations, infrastructure management, engineering, construction, maintenance, or related operational environments.
  • Minimum 5 years of senior-level management experience.
  • Experience managing large-scale infrastructure systems, emergency response activities, and operational teams.
  • Strong knowledge of water conveyance systems, dams, reservoirs, pump stations, asset management, and regulatory compliance.

Additional Requirements

  • Valid Texas Driver License required.
  • TWIC card preferred or ability to obtain.
  • Ability to work in office and field environments, including inspections of operational facilities and emergency response situations.

Employee Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Pension, 403(b), and 457(b) retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • 9/80 flexible schedule
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Professional development, continuing education, and licensure/certification support

Interested candidates should submit a completed application and resume for consideration.

Application Deadline: September 20, 2026
Application Process: Please complete the application provided on CWA’s website (https://coastalwaterauthority.or/careers/) and submit the application and resume to dcato@coastalwaterauthority.org

For more details: Operations Manager Job Description