City of Paso Robles
Application Deadline: Monday, February 2, 2026 at 10:00 am
Tentative Interviews: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The City of Paso Robles is excited to announce an exceptional career opportunity for a Water Utility Manager within our
Utilities Department . The Water Division’s mission is to provide customers with a reliable high‑quality water supply. The water system serves approximately 9,200 residential, 800 commercial, and 400 irrigation customers within the City of Paso Robles. Facilities include 19 wells, two arsenic‑removal treatment systems, a micro‑filtration water treatment plant, seven booster stations, four reservoirs, and 172 miles of water main. The Water Utilities Manager is responsible for managing the operations and long‑term planning of water distribution, treatment, and water quality, and serves as project manager for large and small utility improvement projects. The City is seeking a visionary leader who is detail‑oriented and a strong communicator. If this exciting leadership role interests you, please do not hesitate to apply today!
About Paso Robles Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small‑town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation.
With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life. The city’s central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions, including the nearby California Polytechnic State University, scenic Highway 1, and the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach.
The Organization The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general‑law city and operates under the Council‑Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City’s population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City’s high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.
The City is a full‑service municipality, providing a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents, including police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well‑being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.
The governing body consists of a five‑member City Council. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non‑elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney. The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025‑26 and employs 314.44 full‑time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities. The Utilities Department is currently budgeted 50 FTEs, 22 of which report to the Water Utility Manager.
Job Responsibilities
Provides leadership and works effectively with staff and other stakeholders to cultivate a productive, collaborative, customer‑service oriented work environment reflecting the City’s mission, plans, objectives, and values
Plans, organizes, oversees, and reviews programs and activities for all water quality testing, distribution, and treatment
Ensures that all plant and operational activities conform to regulatory agency standards, and that plant certifications are maintained
Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of division maintenance and operations programs, policies, and procedures
Assists in compiling and administering the budget; conducts short‑ and long‑term departmental planning
Reviews, inspects, and monitors compliance with the City’s Municipal Code relating to division operational activities
Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures, identifies resource needs, reviews with appropriate management staff, and assists with implementation of improvements
Prepares, reviews, and completes various reports, including City Council agenda reports and division‑related documentation and correspondence
Prepares and/or manages the development of complex design work, reports, studies, planning documents, environmental documents, permits, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and contracts
Plans, schedules, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff
Assists in preparing and reviewing specifications and requests for proposals for system construction, modification, and improvements; inspects work‑in‑progress and upon completion
Provides leadership of water management activities for compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
Contributes and assists in the long‑ and short‑range planning of facility construction, modification, and improvement projects
Works with the City Engineer and Utilities Engineering to review private development submittals and agreements
Prepares and directs the preparation and timely submission of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, and other materials
Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect division operations; implements changes to policies and procedures
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of municipal water production
Evaluates the risk to City water sources from various threats, including biological and physical contaminants
Develops and conducts water resources exploration programs to determine optimum well and well‑field locations for future drinking water supply sources
Interacts with the public and/or community groups in response to complex complaints, requests for information, and conflict resolution; develops and participates in activities/programs with community partners
Conducts assessments for City drinking water sources as required by state and federal mandates
Represents the City and the department in meetings with a variety of public, private, and regulatory agencies
Implements the City's Water Master Plan and Groundwater Sustainability Plan
Prepares Urban Water Management Plans
Periodically prepares water rates study and leads the City through the public process of adjusting rates
Develops well drilling specifications and directs well construction, evaluation, and restoration
Knowledge of
Principles and practices of program management and employee supervision, including goal setting, program development and evaluation, work planning, staff supervision, performance review, and training
The operation, maintenance, and repair of water pumps, booster stations, mains, laterals, and other related equipment
Public agency budget development, administration, and accountability
Equipment, materials, supplies, mechanical and electrical control systems, and hydraulic principles and practices related to the production, distribution, treatment, and testing of the City’s water supply
Coordination and implementation of City water resource plans, including water management strategies, water resource assessments, policy, outreach, and education
Contract negotiation and administration
Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications
Recent developments, and current technology regarding the field of municipal water production
Development and advancement of potential funding opportunities and partnerships with local governments, academic institutions, private sector, state, and agency partners
Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and programs regarding a municipal water system and hazardous materials control
Safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals
Methods of effective and efficient public outreach
Recycled water engineering standards, laws, rules, and regulations
City representation at stakeholder meetings, technical workshops, board meetings, and forums
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone
Instrumentation, telemetry, and SCADA systems
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and the associated implications for groundwater extractors in the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin
Ability to
Plan, organize, supervise, coordinate, review, evaluate, and participate in the functions of a municipal water system
Administer complex and technical operations, maintenance, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner
Exhibit professional expertise, critical thinking, and independent judgment, using tact and discretion within established policies and legal guidelines
Plan, assign, supervise, review, train, and evaluate the work of staff, including providing ongoing coaching and professional development
Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions
Analyze, interpret, and present administrative and technical data and prepare clear written and oral reports for technical and non‑technical audiences
Effectively address and solve customer complaints and issues regarding water services, construction activities, and other related issues
Design, perform, and evaluate drilling, water quality testing, and aquifer pumping test programs
Utilize complex computational, analytical, and mapping software
Serve as project manager on utility related improvement and repair projects
Envision, prioritize, and develop measures in cooperation with staff and other agencies, to provide for the City’s future water needs
Analyze and evaluate hydrologic and water quality data
Read and interpret construction drawings, plans, and specifications
Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of the work
Assess drinking water well vulnerability to contamination
Work in a collaborative atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and City‑wide committees to enhance the provision of all City services
Understand and work with wellhead treatment technologies
Analyze policies, procedures, and federal, state and local regulations, and to make recommendations to ensure compliance
Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals
Education and Experience Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to:
Graduation from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field; and
Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible, related professional experience, including at least three years in a managerial role. Experience in municipal water utility operations, including water treatment, distribution, and water quality programs, is highly desirable. Experience with groundwater management, regulatory compliance, and capital improvement project management is preferred.
Additional experience as outlined above may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the educational requirement up to a maximum of two years.
Licenses Must possess a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record. A California Civil Engineer license is desired but not required.
Application Process To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application, resume, and cover letter by the application deadline. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job‑related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre‑employment physical, background check, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record. City of Paso Robles participates in E‑Verify; more information can be found at
www.PRCity.com/HR . Following appointment, a twelve‑month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237‑3962, or by email at
Jobs@PRCity.com .
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as “disaster service workers” as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101. The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Tentative Interviews: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The City of Paso Robles is excited to announce an exceptional career opportunity for a Water Utility Manager within our
Utilities Department . The Water Division’s mission is to provide customers with a reliable high‑quality water supply. The water system serves approximately 9,200 residential, 800 commercial, and 400 irrigation customers within the City of Paso Robles. Facilities include 19 wells, two arsenic‑removal treatment systems, a micro‑filtration water treatment plant, seven booster stations, four reservoirs, and 172 miles of water main. The Water Utilities Manager is responsible for managing the operations and long‑term planning of water distribution, treatment, and water quality, and serves as project manager for large and small utility improvement projects. The City is seeking a visionary leader who is detail‑oriented and a strong communicator. If this exciting leadership role interests you, please do not hesitate to apply today!
About Paso Robles Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small‑town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation.
With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life. The city’s central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions, including the nearby California Polytechnic State University, scenic Highway 1, and the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach.
The Organization The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general‑law city and operates under the Council‑Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City’s population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City’s high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.
The City is a full‑service municipality, providing a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents, including police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well‑being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.
The governing body consists of a five‑member City Council. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non‑elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney. The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025‑26 and employs 314.44 full‑time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities. The Utilities Department is currently budgeted 50 FTEs, 22 of which report to the Water Utility Manager.
Job Responsibilities
Provides leadership and works effectively with staff and other stakeholders to cultivate a productive, collaborative, customer‑service oriented work environment reflecting the City’s mission, plans, objectives, and values
Plans, organizes, oversees, and reviews programs and activities for all water quality testing, distribution, and treatment
Ensures that all plant and operational activities conform to regulatory agency standards, and that plant certifications are maintained
Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of division maintenance and operations programs, policies, and procedures
Assists in compiling and administering the budget; conducts short‑ and long‑term departmental planning
Reviews, inspects, and monitors compliance with the City’s Municipal Code relating to division operational activities
Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures, identifies resource needs, reviews with appropriate management staff, and assists with implementation of improvements
Prepares, reviews, and completes various reports, including City Council agenda reports and division‑related documentation and correspondence
Prepares and/or manages the development of complex design work, reports, studies, planning documents, environmental documents, permits, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and contracts
Plans, schedules, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff
Assists in preparing and reviewing specifications and requests for proposals for system construction, modification, and improvements; inspects work‑in‑progress and upon completion
Provides leadership of water management activities for compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
Contributes and assists in the long‑ and short‑range planning of facility construction, modification, and improvement projects
Works with the City Engineer and Utilities Engineering to review private development submittals and agreements
Prepares and directs the preparation and timely submission of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, and other materials
Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect division operations; implements changes to policies and procedures
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of municipal water production
Evaluates the risk to City water sources from various threats, including biological and physical contaminants
Develops and conducts water resources exploration programs to determine optimum well and well‑field locations for future drinking water supply sources
Interacts with the public and/or community groups in response to complex complaints, requests for information, and conflict resolution; develops and participates in activities/programs with community partners
Conducts assessments for City drinking water sources as required by state and federal mandates
Represents the City and the department in meetings with a variety of public, private, and regulatory agencies
Implements the City's Water Master Plan and Groundwater Sustainability Plan
Prepares Urban Water Management Plans
Periodically prepares water rates study and leads the City through the public process of adjusting rates
Develops well drilling specifications and directs well construction, evaluation, and restoration
Knowledge of
Principles and practices of program management and employee supervision, including goal setting, program development and evaluation, work planning, staff supervision, performance review, and training
The operation, maintenance, and repair of water pumps, booster stations, mains, laterals, and other related equipment
Public agency budget development, administration, and accountability
Equipment, materials, supplies, mechanical and electrical control systems, and hydraulic principles and practices related to the production, distribution, treatment, and testing of the City’s water supply
Coordination and implementation of City water resource plans, including water management strategies, water resource assessments, policy, outreach, and education
Contract negotiation and administration
Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications
Recent developments, and current technology regarding the field of municipal water production
Development and advancement of potential funding opportunities and partnerships with local governments, academic institutions, private sector, state, and agency partners
Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and programs regarding a municipal water system and hazardous materials control
Safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals
Methods of effective and efficient public outreach
Recycled water engineering standards, laws, rules, and regulations
City representation at stakeholder meetings, technical workshops, board meetings, and forums
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone
Instrumentation, telemetry, and SCADA systems
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and the associated implications for groundwater extractors in the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin
Ability to
Plan, organize, supervise, coordinate, review, evaluate, and participate in the functions of a municipal water system
Administer complex and technical operations, maintenance, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner
Exhibit professional expertise, critical thinking, and independent judgment, using tact and discretion within established policies and legal guidelines
Plan, assign, supervise, review, train, and evaluate the work of staff, including providing ongoing coaching and professional development
Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions
Analyze, interpret, and present administrative and technical data and prepare clear written and oral reports for technical and non‑technical audiences
Effectively address and solve customer complaints and issues regarding water services, construction activities, and other related issues
Design, perform, and evaluate drilling, water quality testing, and aquifer pumping test programs
Utilize complex computational, analytical, and mapping software
Serve as project manager on utility related improvement and repair projects
Envision, prioritize, and develop measures in cooperation with staff and other agencies, to provide for the City’s future water needs
Analyze and evaluate hydrologic and water quality data
Read and interpret construction drawings, plans, and specifications
Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of the work
Assess drinking water well vulnerability to contamination
Work in a collaborative atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and City‑wide committees to enhance the provision of all City services
Understand and work with wellhead treatment technologies
Analyze policies, procedures, and federal, state and local regulations, and to make recommendations to ensure compliance
Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals
Education and Experience Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to:
Graduation from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field; and
Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible, related professional experience, including at least three years in a managerial role. Experience in municipal water utility operations, including water treatment, distribution, and water quality programs, is highly desirable. Experience with groundwater management, regulatory compliance, and capital improvement project management is preferred.
Additional experience as outlined above may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the educational requirement up to a maximum of two years.
Licenses Must possess a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record. A California Civil Engineer license is desired but not required.
Application Process To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application, resume, and cover letter by the application deadline. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job‑related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre‑employment physical, background check, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record. City of Paso Robles participates in E‑Verify; more information can be found at
www.PRCity.com/HR . Following appointment, a twelve‑month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237‑3962, or by email at
Jobs@PRCity.com .
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as “disaster service workers” as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101. The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr