About Sweetwater Authority
What is Sweetwater Authority?
Sweetwater Authority is the publicly-owned retail water agency for National City, Bonita and western/central Chula Vista, California — around 200,000 people across 36 square miles of the South Bay. Formed in 1977 as a joint powers authority between the South Bay Irrigation District and the City of National City, it is unusually self-sufficient for the region: its supply comes from the Sweetwater and Loveland reservoirs (fed by a 230-square-mile watershed running from the Cleveland National Forest to San Diego Bay), National City's deep freshwater wells, and the Richard A. Reynolds brackish groundwater desalination facility. It advertises some of the lowest water rates in San Diego County, and runs a Water Affordability Program giving low-income customers up to $180 a year in bill assistance.
Where will I work?
The authority's headquarters at 505 Garrett Avenue, Chula Vista, with reservoir and treatment sites across the South Bay.
What is the Sweetwater team like?
A compact agency workforce (LinkedIn band 51-200) across engineering, water resources, environmental, finance and operations, governed by a seven-member board — five elected and two appointed by the Mayor of National City. Recent postings include an Associate Engineer (Water Resources & Environmental).
Work-Life Balance
Bulletins publish the working hours verbatim: "Flex Schedule: Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. (9/80); Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., and every other Friday off or, as assigned by the supervisor." Note the tail — the pattern can be supervisor-assigned per role, so ask about the specific position's schedule when applying. PTO replaces traditional vacation/sick and starts at 18 working days a year, rising to 35.
Perks and Benefits
- 9/80 flex schedule — Monday-Thursday 9-hour days, every other Friday off
- CalPERS pension — 2.5% at 55 (classic) / 2% at 62 (new members), plus a PARS 401(a) contribution worth 24 hours of pay each year and a $1,300-$1,500 457 match
- Vision, dental & orthodontic premiums 100% paid for employees and dependents; health share capped at $35/pay period
- PTO starting at 18 working days/year rising to 35, plus 48 hours of floating holidays
- Retiree healthcare — $700/month at 55 with 15 years of service
- Tuition reimbursement and EAP