Do you have a passion for water resources, agriculture, and community engagement? Are you a strategic thinker who can translate complex groundwater sustainability challenges into practical, locally supported solutions? Do you enjoy building relationships, managing projects, developing workable programs, and working directly with growers, agencies, consultants, NGOs, and stakeholders?

The East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (ETSGSA) is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as its next Water Resources Manager.

This is a unique opportunity to join an organization at a pivotal point in its evolution. The Agency is actively working to build long-term internal capacity and transition from a consultant-driven model to a more hands-on operational organization.

The Water Resources Manager will play a critical role in helping shape that future by providing leadership, technical expertise, project management, program development, and stakeholder engagement in the Turlock Subbasin.

The successful candidate will be more than a technical expert, they will be a trusted advisor, relationship builder, and visible presence within the community who is committed to supporting growers, advancing groundwater sustainability, and helping ETSGSA build a strong foundation for the future. Apply today!

Regional Government Services and its staff are conducting this recruitment on behalf of the East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (ETSGSA).

The Position

The Water Resources Manager serves as a key leader and coordinator within ETSGSA and supports implementation of the Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). Working closely with Agency leadership, Joint Powers Authority (JPA) members, growers, consultants, engineers, NGOs regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders, this position helps guide the development and implementation of groundwater sustainability strategies, water management projects, demand reduction strategies, land repurposing initiatives, and recharge programs.

The Water Resources Manager will provide both strategic and operational leadership while helping the Agency strengthen its internal capabilities and expand its direct involvement in policy development, project planning, implementation, and stakeholder engagement.

This position requires a leader who is equally comfortable discussing technical groundwater issues in the field with growers, presenting information to Boards and committees, coordinating consultants and contractors, and helping Agency leadership navigate evolving regulatory and policy challenges.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL

The Agency is looking for a leader who combines technical expertise with leadership, relationship-building ability, and a genuine commitment to the region.

The ideal candidate will be

A strong project manager who can successfully move projects from concept through implementation.
Strategic in their thinking while remaining practical and action oriented.
Skilled at building trust and long-term relationships with growers, agencies, consultants, and stakeholders.
Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
Politically savvy and able to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
Have a basic understanding of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the history of groundwater issues in the Turlock Subbasin.
An effective communicator capable of influencing and building consensus among diverse groups.
Comfortable handling conflict and facilitating productive conversations around challenging issues.
Solutions-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
Willing to take initiative and assume ownership of projects and outcomes.
Comfortable working in both leadership and service-oriented roles.
Interested in mentoring others and helping build a growing organization.
Equally comfortable in the field, at a Board meeting, or sitting down with a grower to discuss concerns.
Motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on groundwater sustainability in the region.
Local Connection Matters
ETSGSA places a high value on candidates who understand the region, appreciate the importance of agriculture and groundwater to the local economy, and are committed to becoming an active and visible member of the community.
The successful candidate should expect to regularly attend meetings, conduct site visits, engage with growers, and maintain a strong presence throughout the Subbasin.
About ETSGSAThe East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency was formed to implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) within the Turlock Subbasin.
The Agency is governed by a Joint Powers Authority consisting of:
Eastside Water District Ballico-Cortez Water District Merced Irrigation District Merced County Stanislaus County
Together, these partners work to ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources while supporting the economic vitality of one of California's most productive agricultural regions.
Why Join ETSGSA?This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future direction of a growing groundwater sustainability agency that strives to be a thought leader in the integration of water supply, recharge and land repurposing strategies into working lands, and in the development of workable strategies that balance grower incentives with the realities of diminishing water supplies.
Agency leadership is actively investing in internal capacity and long-term organizational development.
The Water Resources Manager will have the opportunity to help define how the Agency evolves over the coming years, build relationships across the region, and contribute directly to the success of one of California's most important groundwater sustainability efforts.

This position offers the opportunity to:

Lead meaningful groundwater sustainability initiatives. Work directly with growers and local communities. Influence regional water management strategies. Build and strengthen organizational capacity. Develop and mentor future staff. Collaborate with respected water professionals, engineers, consultants, NGOs and public agencies.

Make a tangible impact on the future of agriculture and groundwater sustainability in the Turlock Subbasin. COMPETENCIESCollaboration - Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes.

Informing & Influencing – Listening carefully and providing clear, factual information to address stakeholder questions, concerns, and understanding of GSA programs and requirements.

Leading Others – Guiding and encouraging others to contribute to and accomplish a common goal.

Professional & Technical Expertise – Applying technical subject matter to the job.

Communication –Effectively shares information with audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge.

Project Management - Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives.

Relationship Building - Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.

Results Orientation & Execution - Manages time/priorities effectively.

Strategic Perspective - Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objectives.

Systems Thinking - Comprehending the organization as a system of integrated and interdependent functions.

Teamwork – Works collaboratively with others in order to achieve a goal. For an overview of the role, you can review the job description here. Any combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities needed to succeed within the role. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Bachelor’s or higher degree in water resources, hydrogeology, environmental science, agricultural or civil engineering, or other applicable field. Experience:5 to 10 years of experience.SALARY & BENEFITS$90,000 - $130,000 yearly DOE/DOQFor information on benefits through RGS employment - - https://rgsjpa.org/rgs-employees-assigned-to-calsaws/

APPLICATION PROCESS AND SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications must be submitted on-line through this applicant tracking system. Materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Incomplete, late, emailed, and faxed applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required employment application.

Certificates, resumes, and/or cover letters must be uploaded with your application through this applicant tracking system. All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.

The deadline to apply is July 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM.Appraisal Process – (Pass/Fail) After the closing deadline, applications will be screened in relation to the criteria indicated in this announcement.

This process may also include various interviews and/or a skills assessment exam to rank applications, and to prepare a Qualified Candidate List. Application – Minimum Qualification Assessment - (Pass/Fail) All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications.

Remote Screen Interview Exam – (Pass/Fail) Candidates who pass the Remote Screen Interview assessment will be invited to a Remote Screen Interview Examination to evaluate training, experience, and other job-related qualifications for the position.

The Remote Screen Interview will be conducted via a video conference platform and is tentatively scheduled for early July 2026 Oral Board Interview Exam – (100%) Applicants may be selected for consideration to participate in an Oral Board Interview appraisal to evaluate training, experience, and other job-related qualifications for the position.

The Oral Board Interview is tentatively scheduled for late July 2026. Successful candidates will be placed on a list of qualified candidates.

Successful candidates will be submitted to ETSGSA for further consideration.

All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail. Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to dprieto@rgs.ca.gov. Neither Regional Government Services nor the ETSGSA are responsible for failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application.

Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources by mailing dprieto@rgs.ca.gov.