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THE ORGANIZATION
The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is a fiscally healthy and sustainability-focused retail water district located in southern Orange County, California, providing high-quality drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services to 200,000+ residents across a 111 square mile service area. Governed by a five-member elected Board of Directors and with an annual budget of approximately $170 million, the District is at a pivotal moment as it works to build and align a new organizational structure focused on innovation, collaborative leadership, and long-term sustainability. With a mid-sized workforce of over 200 employees, the District has added a number of strategic new positions for this fiscal year, with the goal of centering operational agility and targeted growth to meet current demand and future needs. Leveraging meaningful regional, state, and federal impact in water policy and resource management, SMWD is recognized for its award-winning conservation efforts and campaigns, and places a strong emphasis on leadership development through a well-received internal leadership training program. As the District continues to grow as a cohesive, high-performing organization, it seeks team-oriented leaders who value accountability, collaboration, and service excellence in advancing SMWD’s mission and public trust. Learn More about the District: https://www.smwd.com/
[GRAPHIC]: SMWD By the Numbers [AL1.1]
• 233 Facilities
• 1,700 Miles of Pipeline
• 9,500 Acre-Feet of Recycled Water Reservoirs
• 2 Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants
• 1 Groundwater Treatment Plant
• Award-Winning Advanced Recycled Water Purification Plant[AL2.1]
Click here for more details about SMWD’s complex infrastructure: https://wbcpinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Santa-Margarita-Water-Di…
Safety and Risk Manager
Santa Margarita Water District
Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Annual Salary: $153,896.09 - $213,868.79 DOE/DOQ
The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is seeking an innovative Safety and Risk Manager to trailblaze the District’s safety and risk management efforts. A critical component of the Human Resources Department, this role provides District-wide leadership over occupational safety, accident prevention, regulatory compliance, training, and risk management programs, with a strong emphasis on building consistency and a culture where safety is embedded into daily operations. SMWD is at a key moment of transformation and growth, and this is unique opportunity to truly reshape the safety program for a dynamic and forward-thinking water district. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical foundation in safety and risk management and an understanding of water and wastewater operations, paired with the passion, presence, and judgment needed to build trust and effectively drive change. Set the standard and advance safety measures across the District; apply today!
View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/3ded71b7-a373-49e1-9231-34cd8089ed87
SALARY & BENEFITS: This position will receive an annual salary of $153,896.09 - $213,868.79 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an attractive benefits package.
HOW TO APPLY: For first consideration, apply by July 15 at: https://wbcp.applicantpool.com/jobs/1309978-300215.html
View the WBCP Job Board: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board
SAVE THE DATES
Round one virtual interviews are expected to take place on August 11. Round two in-person interviews will follow with selected finalists, to be scheduled based on mutual availability.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact your recruiter, Lauren Gerson-Greene, with any inquiries:
• lauren@wbcpinc.com
• 541-664-0376 (Direct)
• 866-929-9227 (Toll Free)
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in occupational health and safety, safety or environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: At least six (6) progressively responsible years of experience working in an environmental health and safety program, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Licenses / Certifications:
o Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program.
o Annual certification for CPR, First Aid, Confined-Space Entry and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) per OSHA requirements are required for some assignments.
PREFERRED
• Public agency experience administering Cal/OSHA regulations and field training.
• Certified Instructor by the Department of Labor on OSHA Standards for construction and general industries.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation or similar professional certification.
• Certifications issued by American Water Works Association (AWWA) or recognized industrial safety organizations on topics relevant to conducting safety training and responding to hazardous materials and waste operations incidents.
