Apply Now for the SVBGSA Board of Directors Environmental Seat

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. In June 2026, the three-year term for the current environmental seat representative will be ending. The next term for the seat will be July 2026 – June 2029 and the seat has both a primary and an alternate. The SVBGSA is currently soliciting applications for this upcoming environmental seat vacancy. Applications will close on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5 p.m.

After the application period has ended, staff will provide all eligible applications to a nominating group consisting of the following organizations: California Native Plant Society – Monterey Chapter, the Carmel River Steelhead Association, Friends and Neighbors of Elkhorn Slough, LandWatch Monterey County, League of Women Voters of Monterey County, the Nature Conservancy, Surfriders, Sustainable Monterey County, and Trout Unlimited (currently under review). This group will make their nomination to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, who 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 representative of an established environmental organization that has a presence or is otherwise active in the Salinas Valley Basin.

Qualifications

In addition to being a representative of an established environmental organization that has a presence or is otherwise active in the Salinas Valley Basin, 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 (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 on Board Committees to which they are assigned
    • Serving their full three-year term