General Manager

Overview

Clean Water Services (CWS) is partnering with Raftelis to conduct a national search for a General Manager who will lead the organization through a transformative period and continue its position as an industry leader in water resource recovery operations and environmental stewardship. Reporting to the CWS Board of Directors, the General Manager will provide executive leadership for all CWS operations, leveraging strong leadership and communication skills to ensure effective organizational management, advance long-term sustainability, and uphold the highest standards of public service.

For a more detailed overview of this opportunity, please review the recruitment brochure. Interested candidates must apply through the Raftelis website. To receive full consideration, completed applications must be submitted no later than Monday, February 16, 2026
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Recognizing Clean Water Services’ history as an innovative industry leader, the successful General Manager will continue to advance organizational health and development through the following multi-year priorities:

• Reaffirm and execute a back-to-basics operational focus, ensuring CWS consistently delivers high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective services while maintaining system reliability and public confidence.
• Continue rebuilding trust through visible leadership, transparent communication, and consistent engagement, effectively conveying CWS’ mission, impact, and service value to employees, partners, and ratepayers.
• Strengthen and stabilize the organizational structure and core business functions, aligning roles, systems, and services to effectively support current operations and future needs.
• Build a cohesive, collaborative, high-performing executive leadership team while fostering trust, stability, inclusiveness, and shared ownership across the organization.
• Foster a culture that empowers employees, strengthens organizational excellence, and develops leaders while preparing the next generation of professionals through intentional succession planning, talent development, recognition, and long-term retention.
• Maintain strong Board relationships and intergovernmental partnerships to ensure effective governance, clear decision-making, and productive collaboration with partner cities and stakeholders.
• Develop and execute a clear financial strategy that prioritizes fiscal discipline, sustainability, affordability, and value for ratepayers.
• Sustain CWS leadership in innovation and science, strategically advancing practical, mission-aligned solutions that improve environmental and overall performance while delivering core services with measurable value.
• Proactively position CWS to navigate regulatory and legislative challenges, strengthening relationships with regulatory agencies and policymakers while preparing the organization for future compliance and policy changes.

At least ten years of public agency leadership experience and ten years of management experience, including at least three years managing professional, senior-level staff, are required. Strong business acumen with demonstrated experience leading and managing in a complex, matrixed environment is essential. A sound financial background with a strong understanding of budgets and financial management is required. Prior experience working with elected officials is also required.

Strong consideration will be given to direct knowledge of water, wastewater, stormwater, environmental services and operating in a highly regulated, compliance-driven environment.

A bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, engineering, environmental policy, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field is preferred. Executive leadership credentials, certification, or designation, including ICMA-CM, are beneficial. Existing knowledge of or an ability to develop an understanding of ORS 451 and ORS 198 is essential to success. Upon selection, the candidate must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Heather Gantz at  or Robert Colichio at

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.