Energy, environment & water

Director, Water Resources

State Water Project, dams and flood control. The Director of the California Department of Water Resources leads the state's primary agency responsible for managing and protecting California's water resources for the benefit of the environment and the public. This role oversees operation of the State Water Project, flood management programs, groundwater coordination, dam safety, and long-term water supply planning in the face of climate change. The Director coordinates with federal agencies, water districts, agricultural users, urban utilities, and tribal governments to implement integrated water management strategies. Candidates typically bring senior experience in water resources engineering, hydrology, public administration, or water policy.

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The appointment

Appointed by: The Governor
Confirmation: Senate, by majority vote
Term: At the Governor's pleasure
Compensation: $202,000/yr
Availability: At-pleasure: available to the next Governor on day one; Senate confirmation of the replacement within one year where required.
Statutory requirements: None in statute.

Statute-verified

Sources

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2019/06/28/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-6-28-19/; Statute research 2026-09-12: Water Code secs. 120, 122; Gov. Code sec. 11552 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/water-code/wat-sect-120/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/water-code/wat-sect-122/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-11552/

In the catalog

The catalog entry behind this profile. The role explorer lists every California Department of Water Resources role, including deputies and other seats.

Director of the California Department of Water Resources

California Department of Water Resources

Energy & EnvironmentAgency Head$202,000/yrSenate confirmation required

Environment and Natural ResourcesPolicy and Analysis

The Director of the California Department of Water Resources leads the state's primary agency responsible for managing and protecting California's water resources for the benefit of the environment and the public. This role oversees operation of the State Water Project, flood management programs, groundwater coordination, dam safety, and long-term water supply planning in the face of climate change. The Director coordinates with federal agencies, water districts, agricultural users, urban utilities, and tribal governments to implement integrated water management strategies. Candidates typically bring senior experience in water resources engineering, hydrology, public administration, or water policy.

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