San Diego County Water Authority
Description
The Organization
JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!
The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency established in 1944 that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to 22 retail water providers, including cities, special districts and a military base.
For jobseekers, the Water Authority offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact work. Our team supports a $267 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, maintaining major infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. We’re also exploring new ways to strengthen regional water security, support strategic water resource management across Southern California, and deliver cost savings for local families. Learn more at www.sdcwa.org.
We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. Are you a former service member with experience in providing legal assistance, document preparation, and records management, and have you supported agencies like the U.S. Attorney’s Office or other government legal offices? Your strong organizational and communication skills and legal office experience may translate directly into success in this position. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.
The San Diego County Water Authority offers excellent benefits, a supportive work/life balance, and the opportunity to contribute to an industry leading organization.
The General Counsel's DepartmentThe General Counsel’s Office is responsible for the efficient and effective administration of all legal affairs, including but not limited to, advising the Board, Board Committees, and Water Authority management, making recommendations for procedures affecting the legal position of the Water Authority, preparing contracts, ordinances, and resolutions for legality, and representing or supervising the representation of the Water Authority in judicial, administrative, and legislative proceedings.
The Position
The Position:
The position serves as a key executive support to the General Counsel and office staff, managing office activities and staff, and helping to ensure the agency’s legal processes, including Board governance support, Brown Act-compliant meeting procedures, Public Records Act responses, contracts administration, recordkeeping, and general legal office management are carried out efficiently and in compliance with laws, regulations and policies governing the administration of a public utility in the State of California.
The Ideal Candidate:
Extensive legal support experience, with deep knowledge of law office practices and legal procedures, including familiarity with legal terminology, documents, research (both internal and external) and court/administrative filing requirements.
Demonstrated supervisory experience, with history of experience in supervising other legal support staff and independently overseeing complicated legal affairs.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact tactfully and effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including attorneys, executives, Board members, colleagues, outside counsel, and the general public, while providing outstanding customer service and demonstrating diplomacy and professionalism at all times.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, calendars, and deadlines in a fast-paced legal environment.
Meticulous attention to detail and confidentiality, with the ability to prepare clear, error-free documents and records, spotting and correcting inconsistencies, and maintaining strict confidentiality with sensitive legal information.
A Legal Executive Assistant provides highly responsible and confidential secretarial, administrative, supervisory, and office management services in the Office of the General Counsel that requires thorough knowledge of office functions, procedures, and practices. This position requires in-depth knowledge of and experience with legal terminology, court procedures, procedures for conducting legal and historical research, preparing legal documents, and following system and legal protocols. An incumbent is expected to perform difficult, diverse, and sensitive duties in support of the General Counsel and legal staff with a significant degree of independence, judgment, and accountability for results.
Legal Executive Assistant is distinguished from Administrative Assistant and other administrative and office support classes in that an incumbent in the former class performs a variety of complex and difficult secretarial and legal functions and supervises the work of administrative and clerical support staff, in addition to providing general secretarial and office management services.
Representative Duties:
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.
- Types, formats, edits, revises, proofreads and prints a variety of legal analyses, opinion letters, ordinances, resolutions, board letters, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, contracts and amendments, deeds, easements, overheads and presentation materials and other business and legal documents and materials ranging from routine to complex; types from rough notes, drafts, dictation, modified standard formats and brief oral instructions; creates forms, charts, tables and spreadsheets involving limited data manipulation; edits and revises materials; reviews documents for clerical accuracy, completeness and compliance with Water Authority requirements; develops, revises and maintains standardized and master forms and documents; composes correspondence and compiles reports; copies and binds reports for internal and external distribution.
- Researches and assembles information from a variety of sources for the preparation of records and reports; makes arithmetic or statistical calculations; conducts special studies and recommends organizational, procedural or other changes.
- Supervises the performance of assigned administrative and clerical staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; monitors performance and provides coaching; recommends compensation adjustments and provides other rewards to recognize performance; participates in disciplinary action up to and including termination to address performance deficiencies in accordance with Authority policies and procedures.
Review the Legal Executive Assistant Classification Specification for more information on the essential duties assigned to the position.
Optional Hybrid Work Schedule:
The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer employees flexibility and work-life balance. An option to telework up to 1 day per week and work onsite 3-4 days per week is available for this position. Employees authorized to telework must be able to report to Water Authority facilities as needed, depending on the operational needs of the department and/or area of assignment. Additionally, employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. While onboarding and training, the successful candidate may be required to work primarily onsite before establishing a hybrid work schedule.
Qualification Guidelines
The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by six years of increasingly responsible office administrative, or secretarial, and supervisory experience, including three years in a law office or legal department and two years of supervision. A bachelors degree and experience in a government or utility setting are highly desirable.
Application Procedure
To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday October 25, 2026 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement.
Examination Process
Applicants considered most qualified after the application review process will be invited to participate in an oral panel interview (in-person). The oral panel interview is anticipated to be scheduled the week of November 2, 2026 or November 9, 2026.
Department Interview
The top candidates will be invited to a department interview following the oral panel interview. The Department interview is anticipated to be scheduled the week of November 9, 2026 or November 16, 2026.
To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Cristina Lever-Santos, Principal Human Resources Analyst at 858-522-6661 or clever-santos@sdcwa.org.
The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.
The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.
Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Cristina Lever-Santos, Principal Human Resources Analyst at 858-522-6661 or clever-santos@sdcwa.org.
The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.
Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Cristina Lever-Santos, Principal Human Resources Analyst at 858-522-6661 or clever-santos@sdcwa.org.
Health Insurance: The Water Authority maintains four employee health plan options, inclusive of dental and vision. Currently, the “basic” plans are the Kaiser HMO plan and Aetna Value Network HMO, and the “premium” plans are the Aetna Full Network HMO and PPO Healthcare plans. All medical plans feature a chiropractic benefit. Employees and eligible dependents are covered through Aetna Dental for dental services, and Aetna for vision services. The Water Authority pays 100% of the monthly premiums for full-time employees and their dependents for the basic plans, inclusive of dental and vision. Employees pay 50% of the cost that exceeds the “basic” medical plan Kaiser family coverage premium. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire. Employees who waive Water Authority medical, dental, and vision benefits receive $41.66 per month, deposited into a Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare or Dependent Care) and $42.33 per month deposited into the deferred compensation plan.
Retirement: All regular Water Authority employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire. Additional benefits are provided in accordance with the Water Authority's CalPERS contract.
Classic (Hired on or before December 31, 2012)
- 2.5% @ 55
- 8.0% Employee Contribution
- 1 Year Final Compensation Period
New Members (Hired on or after January 1, 2013)
- 2% @ 62
- 7.75% Employee Contribution
- 3 Year Final Compensation Period
- Membership Category - CalPERS will identify each new member as either a "Classic" or a "New" member of the system based on the prior work history of the individual.
Classic Member: New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the Water Authority will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula and contribute 8% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "Classic" members include:
- Employer-Paid Member Contribution (EPMC): The Water Authority pays 7% of the employee's share of retirement contributions to CalPERS and the value of the 7% member contribution is reported to CalPERS as additional compensation.
- Military Service Credit as Public Service.
- Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
- Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.
New Members: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 benefit formula and contribute 6.75% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "New Members" include:
- Military Service Credit as Public Service.
- Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
- Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.
The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 has set compensation limits for "Classic members" and "New members" for retirement calculations. These limitations have been placed on the reportable annual earnings each calendar year and are adjusted on an annual basis.
Social Security / Medicare: Employees are covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI) and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI). The total employee contribution is 7.65% of salary. Employees of the Water Authority do not pay into State Disability Insurance (SDI).
Merit Review Schedule: Probationary employees (new hires and promotions) will be considered for a merit increase at their six-month review date. Regular employees will receive a performance evaluation and consideration for a merit increase at their one-year anniversary date and annually thereafter.
401(a) Incentive Retirement Plan: The Water Authority contributes 2.5% of base wage salary per year to a 401(a) incentive retirement plan. 401(a) participants are required to make a mandatory contribution to the plan in the following amounts: 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. Upon hire into a Confidential classification, employees must make a one-time, irrevocable election to this plan.
Alternative Work Week: Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa location will work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. Employees assigned to the Escondido location will work either a 4/10 schedule, with every Friday off, or 9/80 schedule, depending on the position. Individual work schedules are developed on a departmental basis to assure that appropriate staff are available to perform needed work and must be selected from available options outlined in the attendance policy.
Hybrid Work Schedule Option: The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer flexibility and work-life balance. Employees in eligible positions may have the option to telework several days per week, with the remainder of the workweek spent onsite, based on operational needs and management approval. Employees approved to work remotely must maintain California residency and perform their remote work functions primarily within the state of California.
Vacation: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the Water Authority.
Sick Leave: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Holidays: The Water Authority observes 14 paid holidays each year, including three (3) floating holidays. Holiday pay is equivalent to the employee's regular scheduled workday (9 or 10 hours). Full-time employees will receive full holiday credit for the floating holidays (eligible hours/floating holiday) on July 1, which must be used in the fiscal year.
Meritorious Leave (Exempt Positions Only): 40 hours of vacation leave shall be credited to the employee’s vacation balance effective July 1 of each new fiscal year. Up to 40 additional hours may be credited to the employee’s vacation balance upon the employee’s annual performance review at the recommendation of the employee’s department director or designee for performance evaluations of above standard or outstanding. Employees appointed to a Confidential exempt position after July 1st of the fiscal year shall be eligible for a prorated amount of meritorious leave.
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: The Water Authority provides Basic Term Life and AD&D insurance coverage in the amount of $100,000. The Water Authority also provides dependent spouse coverage in the amount of $5,000, and dependent child coverage in the amount of $2,000.
Long Term Disability Insurance: The Water Authority provides a long-term disability insurance benefit of up to 66.67% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $7,400 per month. Benefits begin on the 61st day of absence due to illness or injury.
Cell Phone: Employees meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a monthly cell phone / data plan allowance.
Tuition Reimbursement: The Water Authority may reimburse the actual cost paid for tuition up to a maximum of $3,000 per fiscal year. Tuition costs of $3,001 - $4,500 may be reimbursed at 50% per fiscal year.
National University: Water Authority employees are eligible for 25% discount in tuition. Water Authority employees’ spouse/ partner/dependents are also eligible for 10% discount in tuition.
Wellness Center: Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in the Water Authority's Wellness Program by attending sponsored, on-site wellness training and screening sessions.
Employee Assistance Program: Employees have access to no-cost confidential, third-party personal counseling, financial and legal advice, and more. This benefit is available to employees and members of their household.
Additional Voluntary Benefits (Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they chose to elect coverage):
Flexible Spending Account – Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($3,400 maximum) and dependent care expenses ($7,500 maximum, or $3,750 if married and filing taxes separately).
Deferred Compensation Plan – The Water Authority’s 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan is provided by TIAA-CREF and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals.
Short-Term Disability – This voluntary insurance plan pays a benefit up to 60% of your weekly covered earnings – to a maximum of $1,728 per week. Before collecting benefits, employees must satisfy the elimination period following the date of disability (0 days for accident, 3 days for sickness of continuous disability). The Water Authority does not contract with California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) for State Disability Insurance benefits.
Group Legal Insurance – This voluntary insurance plan offers a variety of legal services including revocable and irrevocable trusts, estate planning, family law, consumer protection, and traffic ticket defense. It is designed to help employees plan for, prevent, and resolve a wide range of legal issues – saving time and potentially thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Critical Illness Insurance – This voluntary insurance plan pays a lump sum upon initial occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or other serious illness. The payment can be used to cover related expenses, medical or otherwise.
Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance – Employees may purchase voluntary life and AD&D insurance up to 5 times annual salary (maximum of $500,000). You may also purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for spouse/domestic partner and/or children.
Employees' Association – Employees have the option to join the Employees' Association. Events and reduced ticket prices offered to employees through this association include the annual picnic, annual holiday party, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more.
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Administrative Code, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Water Authority. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Water Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.
Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (858) 522-6660.