What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Asset Management position at SJWD Water District?
Position Summary
The Director of Asset Management is responsible for establishing and leading SJWD’s enterprise Asset
Management Department and program. Reporting directly to the Chief Information & Services Officer, this
position will design, implement, and sustain a comprehensive asset management framework aligned with
the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) principles.
This role is both strategic and execution-focused, tasked with building the asset management function from
the ground up. The Director will lead the evaluation and implementation of enterprise systems, including
CMMS/EAM solutions, while developing the organizational structure, processes, and data governance
required to support long-term infrastructure planning, operational efficiency, and informed decision-making.
The position serves as a key integrator across Engineering, Operations, Finance, and IT, ensuring that asset
data, systems, and lifecycle strategies are aligned with SJWD’s strategic priorities and service objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Department & Program Development
- Establish and lead SJWD’s Asset Management Department, including defining roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure.
- Develop and implement an enterprise asset management program aligned with Institute of Asset Management (IAM) principles.
- Create policies, standards, and procedures governing asset lifecycle management, including acquisition, maintenance, renewal, and disposal.
- Lead the development of levels of service (LOS), risk frameworks, and asset performance standards.
2. CMMS / EAM Strategy & Implementation
- Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system.
- Define system requirements, business processes, and workflows to support maintenance, asset tracking, and lifecycle management.
- Ensure successful system adoption through training, documentation, and change management.
3. Systems Integration & Data Governance
- Establish governance and integration strategies across CMMS/EAM, GIS, financial systems, SCADA, and other enterprise platforms.
- Develop data standards, naming conventions, and quality control processes to ensure reliable and actionable asset data.
- Oversee development of reporting tools, dashboards, and analytics to support operational and strategic decisions.
4. Capital Planning & Financial Alignment
- Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to integrate asset management practices into capital planning and budgeting processes.
- Support lifecycle cost analysis, asset condition assessments, and risk-based prioritization of capital investments.
- Collaborate with Finance to support asset tracking, valuation, and compliance with applicable accounting standards (e.g., GASB).
5. Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as the primary coordinator for asset management efforts across departments, ensuring alignment of processes and priorities.
- Facilitate collaboration between Engineering, Operations, Finance, and IT to support enterprise asset management goals.
- Lead organizational change management efforts related to new systems, processes, and data standards.
6. Team Development & Oversight
- Build and supervise the Asset Management team, including positions such as:
- GIS / CMMS Administrator
- Asset Management Specialist
- Provide leadership, training, and professional development for team members.
- Promote a culture of data stewardship, accountability, and continuous improvement.
7. Continuous Improvement & Industry Alignment
- Monitor and evaluate asset management performance using KPIs and benchmarking.
- Identify opportunities to improve service reliability, operational efficiency, and lifecycle cost management.
- Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in utility asset management.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Systems, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field required
- MBA or advanced degree preferred
- Engineering degree preferred but not required
Experience
- 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in asset management, utility operations, engineering support, or related field
- Demonstrated experience building or standing up a new program, department, or system from the ground up strongly preferred
- Experience evaluating and implementing CMMS/EAM systems required
- Experience working in or with water/wastewater utilities or public sector organizations preferred
Certifications (Preferred)
- Institute of Asset Management (IAM) Certificate or Diploma
- Certified Asset Management Professional (CAMP)
- Other relevant certifications in asset management, data systems, or project management
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of asset lifecycle management and IAM principles
- Experience with CMMS/EAM systems, GIS integration, and enterprise data environments
- Knowledge of capital planning, lifecycle costing, and risk-based decision-making
- Familiarity with public sector financial practices and capital asset tracking (GASB)
- Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and build programs from inception
- Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills
Working Conditions / Additional Notes
- Primarily office-based with occasional field coordination
- May require collaboration across departments and participation in meetings outside standard hours
Benefits
- Four-Day Work Week (Monday - Thursday)
- Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- 401(k) Match Program
- Uniform Allowance
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
All SJWD employees are expected to conduct themselves at the highest standard of honesty and integrity and consistently render loyal and efficient service. They must be aligned with the District's mission, vision, and values.