Santa Margarita Water District
Management Analyst (Operations)
Santa Margarita Water District, Rancho Santa Margarita, California, United States, 92688
Please note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled fo
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Tuesday, August 26th, 2025
Meet Santa Margarita Water District Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the regions largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters. Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWDs goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies. Santa Margarita Water Districts values include: Exemplary service excellence Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency Environmental and resource stewardship Employee development and leadership training Building relationships that strengthen communities Santa Margarita Water District is looking for a management analyst to play a central role in supporting operations through detailed data analysis, reporting, and project oversight. This position is responsible for evaluating infrastructure performance, preparing regulatory and operational reports, and managing data systems tied to GIS, SCADA, and financial tools. The role involves working across departments to assess system efficiency, support compliance efforts, and provide analytical insight for operational and capital planning. Its well suited for someone comfortable interpreting large datasets and contributing to data-informed decision-making at an organizational level. Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by individual positions. JOB SUMMARY
Under direction, performs complex and varied financial, statistical, administrative and/or operational analysis and data analytics in support of District functions and activities; leads department-specific processes and projects. May plan, supervise and review the work of support staff and/or intradepartmental project teams. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS A Management Analyst is responsible for providing advanced analytical and business management support. This position will work very closely with the Finance, Operations, Engineering, and Information Technology Departments to ensure accurate data management and analysis. This is a professional level position responsible for performing complex analytical assignments involving significant accountability and independent decision making responsibilities within the framework of established policies and procedures. This position typically reports to the department head, section head, or his/her designee and may be required to supervise the work of other staff members and intradepartmental project teams. ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class. Conducts complex research and analysis on a variety of areas involving business planning, financial and operational activities, and work processes. Evaluates alternatives, develops and tracks key performance indicators, and recommends best practice solutions, as well as develops implementation plans and assists in implementing processes, policies and procedures. Reports findings to management by preparing written plans/reports and participates in the implementation and coordination of new programs and processes. Evaluates the effectiveness of various programs and provides data analysis to support findings and recommendations. Provides rigorous data support for these programs, including financial analysis, statistical analysis, and benefit/cost analysis. Prepares drafts for management review on a wide variety of materials on assigned issues, items and other reports, procedures, manuals, handbooks, newsletters, communication memoranda, proposed policy and procedural changes and other materials; collects background information, input and feedback and prepares recommendations and a variety of other supporting materials. Provides management support for department specific functions and programs; reviews and analyzes operational and financial data and performance reports to ensure department goals, objectives and standards are being met; represents the department in meetings with other departments and outside agencies; and might represent the department and the District in developing and maintaining partnerships with other agencies. Drafts agreements and a variety of other supporting documents; monitors contract performance and expenditures; audits reports and invoices submitted by contractors to ensure accuracy and compliance with contract terms; researches and provides recommendations for resolution of contract problems and disputes. Plans, assigns, schedules, implements and monitors work plans to achieve assigned unit objectives; provides input to the annual budget; monitors performance against the annual budget; participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, processes and procedures to achieve established goals and objectives in accordance with department standards; prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports. Works with District databases, including Financial Enterprise System, Computer Maintenance Management System, Asset Management System, Customer Information System, Geographic Information System, SCADA, and lab and treatment information systems. Develops analyses, reports, and queries using databases. Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department's and District's mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies best practices and quality assurance processes to assigned areas of responsibility; enforces the maintenance of safe working conditions and ensures safe work practices are followed by staff. Provides assistance with the day-to-day operations of an administrative section within a department; oversees department specific administrative operations; supervises or oversees purchasing/procurement functions including preparation and/or review of requisitions, purchase orders and associated bid packages, accounts payable processing and contractor oversight; supervises or oversees payroll/ personnel processes including preparation and processing of personnel action forms, timekeeping and payroll processing. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required. Ability to: Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies. Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively. Analyze operational, procedural, organizational, financial and administrative problems, evaluate alternatives and reach sound, logical, fact-based conclusions. Collect, evaluate and interpret data, either in statistical or narrative form. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence and other documents appropriate to the audience. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances. Represent the District effectively in dealings with the Board, customers and other agencies. Maintain confidential information. Potential to plan, supervise, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff. Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work. Knowledge of: Computer competency with MS Office and statistical software. Preference for working knowledge of GIS, CMMS, R, PowerBi/Tableau, SQL, and other relevant reporting and analysis tools. Principles, practices and methods of organizational, financial, administrative and procedural analysis. District policies, procedures, methods and systems applicable to budget development, purchasing, contracting, human resources administration and payroll/timekeeping. Basic principles, tools and techniques of project planning and management. Research methods and data analysis techniques. Safety policies, practices, equipment and supplies applicable to the work. Applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Principles and practices of sound business communications. District practices and procedures for budgeting, purchasing and maintaining public records. Principles and practices of effective supervision. District Human Resources policies and labor contract provisions. QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education and/or Experience Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a major in finance, public or business administration, environmental science, engineering or a closely related field, and at least two years of professional experience in performing financial, operations, budgetary, administrative and similar analyses; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. An advanced degree is desirable and experience in a public agency is preferred. Other Requirements
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists; stoop, kneel, bend at the waist. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds unaided.
Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The employee works in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet. #J-18808-Ljbffr
r
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025
Meet Santa Margarita Water District Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the regions largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters. Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWDs goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies. Santa Margarita Water Districts values include: Exemplary service excellence Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency Environmental and resource stewardship Employee development and leadership training Building relationships that strengthen communities Santa Margarita Water District is looking for a management analyst to play a central role in supporting operations through detailed data analysis, reporting, and project oversight. This position is responsible for evaluating infrastructure performance, preparing regulatory and operational reports, and managing data systems tied to GIS, SCADA, and financial tools. The role involves working across departments to assess system efficiency, support compliance efforts, and provide analytical insight for operational and capital planning. Its well suited for someone comfortable interpreting large datasets and contributing to data-informed decision-making at an organizational level. Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by individual positions. JOB SUMMARY
Under direction, performs complex and varied financial, statistical, administrative and/or operational analysis and data analytics in support of District functions and activities; leads department-specific processes and projects. May plan, supervise and review the work of support staff and/or intradepartmental project teams. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS A Management Analyst is responsible for providing advanced analytical and business management support. This position will work very closely with the Finance, Operations, Engineering, and Information Technology Departments to ensure accurate data management and analysis. This is a professional level position responsible for performing complex analytical assignments involving significant accountability and independent decision making responsibilities within the framework of established policies and procedures. This position typically reports to the department head, section head, or his/her designee and may be required to supervise the work of other staff members and intradepartmental project teams. ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class. Conducts complex research and analysis on a variety of areas involving business planning, financial and operational activities, and work processes. Evaluates alternatives, develops and tracks key performance indicators, and recommends best practice solutions, as well as develops implementation plans and assists in implementing processes, policies and procedures. Reports findings to management by preparing written plans/reports and participates in the implementation and coordination of new programs and processes. Evaluates the effectiveness of various programs and provides data analysis to support findings and recommendations. Provides rigorous data support for these programs, including financial analysis, statistical analysis, and benefit/cost analysis. Prepares drafts for management review on a wide variety of materials on assigned issues, items and other reports, procedures, manuals, handbooks, newsletters, communication memoranda, proposed policy and procedural changes and other materials; collects background information, input and feedback and prepares recommendations and a variety of other supporting materials. Provides management support for department specific functions and programs; reviews and analyzes operational and financial data and performance reports to ensure department goals, objectives and standards are being met; represents the department in meetings with other departments and outside agencies; and might represent the department and the District in developing and maintaining partnerships with other agencies. Drafts agreements and a variety of other supporting documents; monitors contract performance and expenditures; audits reports and invoices submitted by contractors to ensure accuracy and compliance with contract terms; researches and provides recommendations for resolution of contract problems and disputes. Plans, assigns, schedules, implements and monitors work plans to achieve assigned unit objectives; provides input to the annual budget; monitors performance against the annual budget; participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, processes and procedures to achieve established goals and objectives in accordance with department standards; prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports. Works with District databases, including Financial Enterprise System, Computer Maintenance Management System, Asset Management System, Customer Information System, Geographic Information System, SCADA, and lab and treatment information systems. Develops analyses, reports, and queries using databases. Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department's and District's mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies best practices and quality assurance processes to assigned areas of responsibility; enforces the maintenance of safe working conditions and ensures safe work practices are followed by staff. Provides assistance with the day-to-day operations of an administrative section within a department; oversees department specific administrative operations; supervises or oversees purchasing/procurement functions including preparation and/or review of requisitions, purchase orders and associated bid packages, accounts payable processing and contractor oversight; supervises or oversees payroll/ personnel processes including preparation and processing of personnel action forms, timekeeping and payroll processing. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required. Ability to: Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies. Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively. Analyze operational, procedural, organizational, financial and administrative problems, evaluate alternatives and reach sound, logical, fact-based conclusions. Collect, evaluate and interpret data, either in statistical or narrative form. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence and other documents appropriate to the audience. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances. Represent the District effectively in dealings with the Board, customers and other agencies. Maintain confidential information. Potential to plan, supervise, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff. Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work. Knowledge of: Computer competency with MS Office and statistical software. Preference for working knowledge of GIS, CMMS, R, PowerBi/Tableau, SQL, and other relevant reporting and analysis tools. Principles, practices and methods of organizational, financial, administrative and procedural analysis. District policies, procedures, methods and systems applicable to budget development, purchasing, contracting, human resources administration and payroll/timekeeping. Basic principles, tools and techniques of project planning and management. Research methods and data analysis techniques. Safety policies, practices, equipment and supplies applicable to the work. Applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Principles and practices of sound business communications. District practices and procedures for budgeting, purchasing and maintaining public records. Principles and practices of effective supervision. District Human Resources policies and labor contract provisions. QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education and/or Experience Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a major in finance, public or business administration, environmental science, engineering or a closely related field, and at least two years of professional experience in performing financial, operations, budgetary, administrative and similar analyses; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. An advanced degree is desirable and experience in a public agency is preferred. Other Requirements
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists; stoop, kneel, bend at the waist. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds unaided.
Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The employee works in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet. #J-18808-Ljbffr