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. The FY 2026-27 adopted budget of $1.284 billion supports approximately 876 employees.

A seven-member board of directors governs the agency and appoints the district counsel, one of three positions (chief executive officer, clerk of the board) reporting directly to the board. The district counsel is Valley Water’s chief legal officer and oversees approximately 11 employees within the district counsel’s office and associated risk management functions, with a combined FY 2026-27 adopted budget of approximately $16.8 million. Valley Water has enjoyed considerable stability in this position. The most recent district counsel served for five years from June 2021 to June 2026.

A minimum of eight years of recent experience actively practicing law in California is required. Of these, at least five years of progressively responsible experience in public agency/municipal law is required, including two years supervising management, professional, or paraprofessional staff. Executive management experience, including advising elected officials and working in a political environment, departmental budgeting, and litigation valuation, are all preferred. Knowledge of law and principles related to flood protection, water resource management, modern water law, and state and local water history is desirable. Candidates must be active and in good standing with the State Bar of California.

The hiring range for this position is $353,745.60 to $449,176.00 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. 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.

Filing Deadline: August 9, 2026
Contact: Andrew (Drew) Gorgey at (970) 987-1238 (direct)
Full information: https://columbialtd.com/recruitments
Cover letter and resume only to: apply@columbialtd.com