The SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY invites you to apply for

GENERAL COUNSEL

The Organization

The San Diego County Water Authority is a progressive, independent public agency that serves as San Diego County’s regional water wholesaler. The mission of the San Diego County Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable supply of water to its member agencies serving this semi-arid region’s $218 billion economy and its 3.2 million residents. In 1944, the Water Authority was formed by the California State Legislature, and operates under the County Water Authority Act, which can be found in the California State Water Code. The Water Authority is comprised of 24 member agencies who appoint representatives to serve on the Board of Directors, serving staggered six-year terms. The 36-member Board of Directors serves as the legislative and policy-making body to the Water Authority. The General Manager and the General Counsel are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, under employment contracts. As a wholesale agency, the Water Authority purchases a portion of its water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The Water Authority also obtains water via long-term Colorado River water conservation and transfer agreements with agencies in the Coachella Valley and Imperial County. In late 2015, the Water Authority will add a new, drought-proof water supply from the Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Project, the largest desalination plant in North America. The Water Authority sells this water to its 24 member retail agencies, who in turn provide that water to the retail customer - residents and businesses - in San Diego County. The Water Authority also works with its member agencies to develop local supplies and promote water efficiency. With an acute awareness of San Diego’s dependence on imported water sources, the Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to improve the region’s water reliability by diversifying the region’s supply sources, making major investments in the region’s water delivery and storage system, and improving water-use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost-effectively managing the region’s water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance future reliability.

The Office of General Counsel

The Office of the General Counsel provides comprehensive in-house legal services on a broad range of issues affecting the Water Authority operations. The General Counsel’s office includes a Deputy General Counsel and support staff.

Board of Directors General Counsel

General Manager

The Position

The General Counsel is the Chief Legal Officer of the Water Authority and manages all legal affairs for the Water Authority Board and staff. Specifically, the General Counsel ensures that Water Authority business is conducted according to all applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations; provides legal support to assist the accomplishment of the Water Authority’s policy goals; and represents the Water Authority, its officers and employees in litigation and administrative proceedings. The General Counsel’s Office provides legal support to the Water Authority in various areas including water rights, water quality laws, natural resources and environmental law; municipal and public law; contracts, public works construction and real estate; employment, employee benefits, retirement, and labor law; tort litigation and public liability insurance; public finance, taxes, rates, and charges. Where specialized legal services are needed, the General Counsel’s Office provides oversight and supervision to maximize the efficient use of outside counsel and minimize cost.

Requirements

Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the active practice of public or water law and be a licensed member of the State Bar