Helix Water District is a progressive industry leader, providing high-quality water, through an efficient and reliable system. Our innovative and dedicated employees and board members maximize human and technological resources while providing superior service to our customers and supporting the environment for a sustainable future.

HELIX WATER DISTRICT has been delivering clean, reliable water to the communities of East San Diego County for over a century. The work is meaningful; the team is strong and there is always more to do. That is why we are seeking an experienced analytical leader with the skills to turn complex data into decisions, and decisions into measurable results.

The Operations Analyst is a supervisory role that carries direct responsibility for leading the Operations Department's customer service and dispatch functions, while serving as the primary analytical resource for the department, reporting directly to the Director of Operations. The team may be small, but the scope of this work is broad and the impact is real. Work products regularly reach the executive level.

Overview of Responsibilities
The core of this position is data; collecting it from multiple sources, validating it, interpreting it and presenting it in a way that moves the organization to act. The Operations Analyst conducts cost-benefit analyses, evaluates contracts and operational models, and delivers substantive recommendations to leadership. They answer questions like: should a service be brought in-house?; does an existing contract still make financial sense?; would another approach be more cost-effective over time?; and does so with rigor and the ability to defend their position with confidence.

This position leads the district's grant writing efforts by identifying and pursuing federal, state, and regional funding opportunities and managing applications from research through submission. Additional responsibilities include revenue development tied to the district's EV charging infrastructure and oversight of Helix's participation in California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard program.

The Operations Analyst owns the asset management function for the Operations Department, serving as the go-to resource for everything from infrastructure and facilities to vehicles and field equipment. Working in close coordination with the broader district effort, this role ensures that operational assets are well documented, well planned and well cared for throughout their lifecycle

Helix is actively integrating new technology into its operations and is looking for a candidate with hands-on experience doing the same. Demonstrated success implementing AI in a practical operational context is something the district takes seriously.

What we’re looking for:
The ability to build a financial model and present it persuasively to leadership is essential. Grant writing experience and a track record of leading people are both expected.

Technical expertise alone is not enough. The ideal candidate earns credibility with data and keeps it with relationships. The ability to build trust across the organization with field staff, managers and executive leadership is what separates a good analyst from the right one.

Training and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in operations management, business administration, public administration, finance, economics, data science, information technology management, logistics or a related field; and a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible analytical or operational experience encompassing data analysis, program evaluation, budget and/or operational support. A related master’s degree can substitute for one year of professional experience.

Certification or formal training in data analytics, asset management, process improvement, or a closely related discipline is highly desirable. Certifications in relevant areas may be required over time.