Interim Water Quality Program Manager

California Water Service

Job Description:

California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the third‑largest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.

The Interim Water Quality Program Manager will oversee and lead the implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) requirement for lead testing in schools and childcare facilities across all water systems in California, New Mexico, and Hawaii. This position is critical to ensuring compliance with the new federal mandate, which aims to protect children and staff from lead exposure in drinking water. 

The Interim Interim Water Quality Program Manager will report directly to the Supervisor of Water Quality and will work closely with the Districts, Communication team, and the Division of Drinking Water. The Program Manager will liaise with external consultants involved in this project.

The federal requirement is to test for lead in schools and daycares over a 5-year period with the completion date of 2032, but we are proposing to do the work in 3 years. The interim role is essential for ensuring California schools and childcare facilities meet new lead safety standards. This position can be located in Los Altos, Salinas, or Commerce, CA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Knowledge of applicable drinking water laws and regulations to relating to lead testing in schools and the Lead and Copper Rule requirements.

• Lead the overall coordination of the lead testing program across all identified schools and childcare facilities in California, New Mexico, and Hawaii.

• Develop a comprehensive project plan outlining key milestones, timelines, and resources required for the successful execution of the LCRI initiative.

• Work with the district to develop sampling plans and ensuring plans meet LCRI guidelines.

• Work with CWS internal lab and contract labs to order sample kits in accordance with sampling plan developed for facilities.

• Notify schools and childcare facilities of any exceedances, all sample results and public health materials per LCRI.

• Ensure that all activities comply with California, New Mexico, and Hawaii’s water quality regulations and the specific requirements of the LCRI program related to lead testing in schools and day care facilities.

• Serve as the primary point of contact between districts, schools, childcare facilities, and regulatory agencies.

• Work with Corporate Communication department to conduct outreach and provide educational materials to facilities on best practices for lead testing and remediation.

• Oversee the collection of water samples from facilities and ensure that proper procedures are followed according to the LCRI guidelines.

• Manage data analysis and ensure timely and accurate reporting of testing to the California State Water Resources Control Board, New Mexico Environmental Department, Hawaii’s Department of Health, and other relevant bodies.

• Tracking progress of testing and remediation efforts and providing regular updates to leadership.

• Conduct regular reviews of program operations to ensure compliance with LCRI mandates.

• Performs other similar duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.

• California Division of Drinking Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 Certification preferred.

• California Division of Drinking Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 Certification preferred.

• Valid California Driver License.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal customers and various departments, outside vendors, and consultants.

• Knowledge of applicable drinking water laws and regulations to include SDWA, and Title 22.

• Knowledge of internal Policy and Procedures related to drinking water, safety, and operations support.

• Ability to prepare, manage, and analyze data.

• Strong knowledge of and experience in project management.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.

Salary Range:

East Los Angeles, & Salinas, CA - $91,800 - $170,500 (DOE)

Los Altos, CA - $102,000 - $189,400 (DOE)

Deadline to submit resume is Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.