Civil Planning Manager

Location: San Gabriel Valley, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Salary: $185,000 to $200,000 DOE

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Civil Planning Manager to lead strategic planning and infrastructure initiatives for a complex water utility system serving multiple divisions throughout the San Gabriel Valley. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a licensed California Professional Engineer with deep expertise in water system planning, capital improvement programming, GIS oversight, hydraulic modeling, and utility infrastructure asset management.

Reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, this individual will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Planning Department while managing critical long-term infrastructure planning efforts that support water production, treatment, storage, and distribution systems.

The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of technical engineering expertise, utility planning leadership, regulatory coordination, and team management experience within the water industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Planning Department
• Develop and manage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgets for multiple water divisions
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive water system master plans
• Oversee asset management programs, GIS systems, and hydraulic modeling platforms
• Evaluate system risks and develop mitigation strategies for critical infrastructure assets
• Conduct strategic planning, feasibility studies, and infrastructure assessments
• Prepare technical reports, project justifications, cost estimates, and engineering analyses
• Support CPUC filings, rate cases, advice letters, testimony preparation, and regulatory documentation
• Coordinate planning initiatives with local, regional, and state public agencies
• Manage engineering consultants and outside vendors supporting planning studies and projects
• Develop conceptual plans and long-range infrastructure strategies for water system improvements
• Track department timelines, project deliverables, and staff performance metrics
• Lead, mentor, train, and evaluate planning personnel, including direct management of GIS staff
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, finance, and executive leadership teams
• Deliver presentations to executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university
• Active California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible civil engineering and infrastructure planning experience
• Strong water utility industry background
• Experience leading Capital Improvement Programs (CIP)
• Experience with water system master planning
• Hands-on experience overseeing GIS and hydraulic modeling systems
• Strong understanding of water production, treatment, storage, and distribution infrastructure
• Experience preparing technical reports, feasibility studies, and infrastructure analyses
• Experience coordinating with public agencies and regulatory entities
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, consultants, and complex projects
• Strong knowledge of applicable engineering codes, regulations, and industry standards
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Valid California driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Preferred

• Experience supporting CPUC filings, rate cases, or utility regulatory processes
• Asset management program experience
• AWWA membership or related industry affiliations
• Experience within investor-owned or municipal water utilities
• Advanced knowledge of infrastructure planning software, GIS platforms, and hydraulic modeling tools

Leadership Profile

We are looking for a forward-thinking engineering leader who can balance strategic infrastructure planning with operational execution. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical depth, sound judgment, and the ability to lead teams through complex utility planning initiatives while maintaining regulatory compliance and long-term system reliability.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $185,000 to $200,000 DOE
• Full benefits package
• Long-term leadership opportunity within a stable utility environment
• High-impact role supporting critical infrastructure initiatives

Ideal Backgrounds

Candidates with experience from the following environments are highly encouraged to apply:

• Water Utilities
• Municipal/Public Works Agencies
• Investor-Owned Utilities
• Infrastructure Engineering Firms
• Water Resource Planning Organizations
• Civil Infrastructure Consulting Firms