THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a rare opportunity to lead a newly formed regional wastewater authority at a pivotal moment in its evolution. Serving the growing communities of Lincoln and northwestern Placer County, the General Manager of LiSWA will step into a high-impact leadership role that blends strategic vision, technical oversight, and organizational development. With major capital expansion projects underway, a modern treatment facility poised for increased capacity, and a governance structure that requires thoughtful collaboration between partner agencies, the next General Manager will play a central role in shaping the Authority’s long-term success. This position offers the chance to build and lead a young agency from the ground up – establishing systems, guiding critical infrastructure investments, and ensuring reliable, compliant operations – while supporting a region that values both its small-town character and its forward-looking approach to growth and environmental stewardship.
ABOUT LINCOLN AND WESTERN PLACER COUNTY
Lincoln, California is located at the edge of Northern California’s foothills, approximately 27 miles northeast of Sacramento, California. With a population of about 55,000, Lincoln was one of the fastest-growing cities in the country from 2000 to 2007, yet it has managed to maintain the small-town charm that has made it such a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. Lincoln serves as the primary urban center of northwestern Placer County, California, a largely rural and agricultural region that includes communities such as Sheridan and the developed areas north of Auburn. Residents throughout northwestern Placer County value the area’s rural character, strong sense of community, and proximity to the Sacramento metropolitan region. At the same time, Lincoln and surrounding communities continue to experience steady growth due to their high quality of life, access to employment centers, and desirable residential neighborhoods.
LiSWA
The Lincoln-Sewer Maintenance District 1 Wastewater Authority (LiSWA) is a Joint Powers Authority (Authority or JPA) formed in 2022 between the City of Lincoln, California and Placer County. LiSWA primarily treats wastewater flows from the City of Lincoln and from Placer County Sewer Maintenance District No. 1, which serves the North Auburn area, the community of Sheridan, California, and surrounding unincorporated areas.LiSWA is governed by a Board of Directors composed of elected officials from the City of Lincoln and Placer County. The Authority oversees regional wastewater treatment and major conveyance facilities serving both jurisdictions. Day-to-day plant operations and maintenance are provided through a contracted professional operator, while LiSWA provides overall policy direction, financial oversight, capital planning, and regulatory compliance. The Authority manages a multi-million-dollar operating and capital budget and is responsible for implementing ongoing system improvements to support continued regional growth and environmental stewardship.
THE POSITION
The General Manager of the Lincoln Sewer Maintenance District 1 Wastewater Authority (LiSWA) is appointed by and reports directly to the LiSWA Board of Directors. The General Manager serves as the Authority’s chief executive and administrative officer and is responsible for implementing Board policy, overseeing the operation of regional wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities, and guiding the organization through a period of continued growth and development. The position requires a collaborative and technically informed executive who can effectively coordinate with member agencies, consultants, regulators, and stakeholders while ensuring reliable and compliant wastewater treatment operations.
Key responsibilities include planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all LiSWA programs, services, and administrative functions; overseeing the operation, maintenance, and capital improvement planning for regional wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities; managing and coordinating the work of consultants, contractors, and any future LiSWA staff while establishing performance expectations and accountability; preparing and administering the Authority’s annual operating and capital budgets; building strong working relationships with member agencies, regulatory bodies, regional partners, and the public; and representing LiSWA in regional, professional, and intergovernmental forums related to wastewater management and infrastructure planning.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience or exposure to working with a board or council; a strong skillset in capital project delivery and a solid understanding of wastewater treatment and its surrounding issues; a background that includes public information and engagement; a strong financial acumen as LiSWA will need to strategically forecast its finances with significant capital investments in the future; andbeastrategic industry professional who can navigate the significant regulatory environment of this industry.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is listed below.
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, environmental health science, life science, or a related field. Highly desired is experience managing consultants and projects as well as receiving input and taking decisive actions.
Experience:Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in a government agency, directing, preparing and coordinating a variety of programs including budget and fiscal control; four years of which must have been in an administrative and management capacity.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The Board of Directors will negotiate a highly competitive salary and benefits package for its General Manager with a salary up to $260,000. As the first employee of the JPA, LiSWA has flexibility in the design of its benefits package including flexibility to establish CalPERS benefits or to offer a different retirement/benefits vehicle. LiSWA will also offer relocation assistance to the selected candidate if needed. Flexibility is a key benefit of the position, as benefits can be tailored to the selected candidate.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé no later than Monday, May 18, 2026, at:
www.mosaicpublic.com/careers
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 581-1426
