The Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors. The Board represents a diverse array of interests, including the City of Salinas, South County cities, disadvantaged communities and public water systems, CPUC-regulated water companies, agriculture, and environmental interests.

The alternate for the seat representing disadvantaged communities, public water systems, and mutual water companies is currently vacant. The SVBGSA is currently seeking applications for this vacancy. The individual appointed as the alternate for this seat will finish out the seat’s term, which ends June 30, 2028. The application window for this position will close on July 16, 2026.

Staff will provide all eligible applications to a nominating group consisting of the following organizations:

  • Castroville Community Services District
  • Environmental Justice Coalition for Water
  • San Jerardo Cooperative
  • San Ardo Water District
  • San Vicente Mutual Water Company

This group will make their nomination to the Castroville Community Services District Board of Directors, which will appoint the member.

Applicants do not need to be a member of one of the nominating group organizations in order to apply. However, they must be a resident of a disadvantaged community in the unincorporated area, or representative of a public water system, including mutual water companies servicing residential customers only.

Disadvantaged communities are defined as “a disadvantaged community or economically distressed area as those terms are defined in Water Code section 79702 (as may be amended from time to time) within the Basin.

Qualifications

In addition to the requirements listed above, applicants are expected to meet the following qualifications:

  • Have general education and/or knowledge, interest in and experience relating to control, storage, and beneficial use of groundwater.
  • Have a general understanding and knowledge of the Salinas Valley Basin and all its beneficial users.
  • Have a working knowledge and understanding of how to develop strategic plans, policies, programs, and financing/funding mechanisms.
  • Possess a genuine commitment to collaboratively work with other Board members to:
    • Achieve groundwater sustainability through the implementation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans
    • Provide for the ongoing sustainable management of the Salinas Valley Basin
  • Have general knowledge and understanding of one or more of the different facets (administration, financial, legal, organizational, personnel, etc.) needed for a successful and productive organization.
  • Possess the ability to commit the time necessary to fulfill their commitment to the SVBGSA, including but not limited to:
    • Attending Board meetings when the primary is unavailable (held monthly on the second Thursday from 2-5 p.m., except for July and December)
    • Attending Board trainings
    • Reviewing Board agenda packets before meetings
    • Serving the remainder of the full three-year term