Located on the southern coast of San Francisco Bay in northern California, Santa Clara County is the home of Silicon Valley, the technology center of the world. With an agrarian heritage, the county today hosts thousands of technology companies including the headquarters of industry giants Adobe, Alphabet (Google), Apple, Cisco, eBay, HP, Meta (Facebook), and Netflix, among others. The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) is the primary water resources agency for the county and the second-largest water wholesaler in the state. Valley Water’s FY 2025-26 operating budget of $948,925 million supports approximately 876 employees.

A seven-member Board of Directors governs the agency and appoints the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), one of three positions (Clerk of the Board, District Counsel) reporting directly to the Board. The CEO is responsible for execution of the policy directives from the Board, day-to-day operations, and management of the leadership team, comprised of the CEO, the assistant CEO, three chief operating officers (COOs) (water utility enterprise, watersheds, and IT and administrative services), and the chief of external affairs. Valley Water has been much in the news recently and encourages all prospective candidates to explore all aspects of this opportunity thoroughly, including the organization itself, the cost of living, etc. The current interim CEO has served since February 2025. CEO tenure dating back to late-1994 averages 7.38 years.

A bachelor’s degree (public or business administration, finance, engineering, or related) and at
least seven years of experience demonstrating progressively increased responsibility, including
three years in a high-level capacity, are required. Water utility and industry knowledge, technical expertise, and local government leadership and management are desirable.

The hiring range for this position is $429,042 to $544,752 DOQE. In addition, the following benefits (partial list) are provided: vacation, sick, executive, and personal leave, plus 14 paid holidays. Valley Water offers a defined benefit retirement plan through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) – 2.5% at 55 (Tier 1), 2% at 60 (Tier 2: Valley Water pays employee contribution) or 2% @ 62 (Tier 3), depending on CalPERS membership status at the time of hire. Valley Water employees do not contribute to Social Security. Valley Water also offers a voluntary 401(a) deferred compensation plan with up to $9,000 in matching funds from the agency. Extensive retirement health benefits are available with a minimum of 15 years public agency service. Insurances include medical, dental, vision, and EAP, all provided by Valley Water with no monthly premium cost to the employee. Additional benefits include group life, short- and long-term disability insurances, flexible spending accounts (health care, dependent care), and multiple wellness programs. Automobile allowance is $600/month. An employment contract will further describe the terms of this unclassified, at-will position. Valley Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer.