About Rancho California Water District
What is the Rancho California Water District?
The Rancho California Water District ("Rancho Water") is the retail water district for the Temecula and Murrieta area of southwest Riverside County, California — roughly 99,700 acres across its Rancho and Santa Rosa divisions, with wastewater service in the Santa Rosa division. Its origin is unusual: it was formed in 1965 by the Kaiser/Macco developers of the planned Rancho California community to secure water for the new town, consolidating with the Santa Rosa Ranches Water District under the current name in 1977. The district owns Vail Lake and Vail Dam, partners in the Santa Rosa Regional Resources Authority recycled-water venture, and imports supply via Eastern and Western MWD from the Metropolitan Water District.
Where will I work?
District headquarters at 42135 Winchester Road, Temecula — Southern California wine country. Around 100-150 staff work across engineering, operations, finance, customer service and administration.
What is the Rancho Water team like?
A mid-sized district team recognised as a Top Workplace 2025 (Inland Empire) — the badge sits on its own careers page. Recent postings include a CIP Manager and a Senior Purchasing Agent. It also runs the "Rancho In Bloom" water-wise garden program with the cities of Temecula and Murrieta.
Work-Life Balance
The district's bulletins state it agency-wide, verbatim: "All full-time employees work a 9/80 schedule." Eligible employees may add a hybrid arrangement as determined by department needs. Every other Friday off, for everyone full-time.
Perks and Benefits
- 9/80 schedule — "All full-time employees work a 9/80 schedule"
- CalPERS pension — 2.7% at 55 (classic) / 2% at 62 (PEPRA)
- Dental and vision insurance paid 100% by the District; life insurance at twice annual salary at no cost
- Vacation 80 rising to 160 hours/year; 10 holidays including one floating (Christmas Eve on the list)
- Education Assistance — up to 80% of degree-program tuition, with books and parking at 100%
- Certificate Bonus Award for new certifications/degrees; 457 deferred comp; EAP