Job Description

General Manager

Rivergrove Water District

Full-time  |  Exempt  |  Reports to: Board of Commissioners

Salary range: $100,000-$130,000 annual, with a salary band up to $160,000 depending on qualifications, experience and demonstrated performance over time.

Opening Date:  September 23, 2026

First Review Date:  October 30, 2026 / Open until filled

About the District

Rivergrove Water District is a publicly owned, water-only utility that serves portions of Lake Oswego, Rivergrove, and Unincorporated Clackamas County. It is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners. The District is self-supporting, funded entirely by water sales and related services, and operates wells, pump stations, reservoirs, chlorine generation systems, and a distribution system serving approximately 1400 connections. A small team in field operations and finance/administration, together with contracted providers (engineer, auditor, attorney, and others), delivers safe, reliable drinking water at a fair price.

Purpose of the Role

The General Manager is the District's senior executive, responsible for keeping the water system safe, compliant, financially sound, and well governed, and for carrying out the policies adopted by the Board. This is a hands-on role. The manager leads day-to-day administration and customer service, and periodically steps in on routine, procedure-based field tasks. Engineering and specialized operations work are provided by a mix of certified staff as well as contracted professionals, and the manager directs and coordinates that support.

What Success Looks Like

• First 90 days: Learn the system, meet staff, regulators, and key vendors, and review open compliance items, capital projects, and the current budget with the Board.
• First year: Present and administer an adopted budget and rate proposal, keep sampling and reporting current, and establish a steady rhythm of monthly Board reporting.
• Ongoing: No major regulatory violations, progress on Master Plan priorities, a stable and well-supported team, and customers who trust the District's service and communication.

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance and Board Support

• Serve as Clerk of the Board: prepare agendas and packets, attend monthly, special, and emergency Board meetings, and keep the official record.
• Implement Board-adopted policies and give the Board clear options for policy, rate, and capital decisions; prepare monthly activity reports.
• Ensure compliance with Oregon Public Records and Public Meetings laws and records retention requirements.
• Maintain the District website, including required postings of budgets, audits, and meeting notices.

2. Operations, Compliance, and Field Support

• Oversee operation and maintenance of the water system, including required sampling, monitoring, problem resolution and regulatory reporting.
• Ensure adherence to permits and requirements of the Oregon Health Authority (Drinking Water Services), the Department of Environmental Quality, and other agencies; respond promptly to consent orders, notices of violation, and inspection reports.
• Maintain emergency response and preparedness plans; identify and correct safety deficiencies.
• Oversee care and maintenance of District assets, including tools, equipment, vehicles, and inventory.
• Periodically perform routine field tasks following written procedures (such as quality control checks, flow adjustments, and basic troubleshooting), and fill in for staff as needed. Engineering judgment and lead operator duties rest with the District's engineer and certified operator.

3. Finance and Customer Service

• Serve as Budget Officer: develop and present the annual budget, including capital and extraordinary expenditures, under Oregon Local Budget Law.
• Oversee fiscal management, accounting, and audit in line with municipal accounting principles and public funds requirements; recommend rates based on cost of service.
• Manage semi-monthly utility billing so the District receives accurate and fair revenue.
• Serve as a daily point of contact for customers; resolve inquiries, complaints, and complex issues in a friendly, customer-focused way.

4. Planning and Projects

• Plan and manage improvements to water mains, wells, pump stations, reservoirs, and chlorine generation systems, guided by the engineer's Master Plan and aimed at preventing costly reactive repairs.
• Prioritize and schedule maintenance and construction; review and approve plans, specifications, and construction standards with the District's engineer.
• Procure and administer improvement and consulting contracts; in line with district Master Plan pursue grants and low-interest loans where available.

5. People and Vendor Management

• Recruit using equal opportunity practices; supervise staff, including assigning and reviewing work, scheduling, evaluations, training, coaching, corrective action, and leave approval to ensure coverage.
• Manage contracts and performance of engineer, auditor, attorney, and other consultants and providers.
• Represent the District with regulators, county and state officials, neighboring utilities and special districts.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, professionalism and continual improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, a natural science, environmental policy, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience in a management or supervisory role.
• 5+ years of experience in a public utility or local government, preferably in the water sector.
• Experience working with a governing board, with basic knowledge of public meetings and public records requirements.
• Valid driver's license accepted in Oregon with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Oregon Health Authority Certificate of Competency for Water Distribution, Level 2 (or agree to obtain within 12 months of hire).
• Oregon Cross Connection Specialist certificate.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Prior familiarity with grant and loan programs and public contracting rules.

Core Competencies

Sound judgment under pressure, fiscal stewardship, plain-language communication, patience and professionalism in customer service, delegation and coaching, comfort with public accountability, and willingness to respond to emergencies.

Work Environment

Mix of office and field work. Monthly Board meetings, occasional special or emergency meetings, and periodic after-hours emergency response or on-call duty. Field work may involve walking uneven terrain, lifting up to [#] lbs, entering outdoor or confined facilities, and working in all weather. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary range noted above
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and alternative care for employee and family, plus three supplemental Aflac plans, starting 60 days after hire.
• 12 paid federal holidays, 2 weeks' paid vacation, and 12 paid sick days.
• Employer contribution of 12% of gross pay to a deferred compensation retirement plan after 6 months.
• Paid time off for professional development.

Equal Opportunity

Rivergrove Water District is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.

This description is representative of the duties of the position and is not exhaustive. The District may assign additional or revised duties, and an incumbent may not perform every function listed.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications are available on the website or may be picked up at the Rivergrove Water District Office, 17040, Ste 206, Pilkington Road, Lake Oswego, OR. You may also send an email request for an application to Rivergrove Water District email. Resumes may be attached to the completed application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application. Completed applications can be returned by email.