Jason Lillion
Ridgecrest,CA
Summary
Seasoned Operations Manager with over 18 years of leadership in water utility management, regulatory compliance, infrastructure operations, and budgetary development and implementation. Recognized for strategic decision-making and steady leadership during critical events, including guiding the district through back-to-back 6.4 and 7.1 magnitude earthquakes while maintaining service continuity. Adept in capital improvement planning, emergency response coordination, and team building and mentoring. Seeking to bring strategic vision and operational excellence to a General Manager or Assistant General Manager position.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Indian Wells Valley Water District
04.2012 - Current
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and delayed project deadlines.
- Provide operational oversight for treatment, distribution, and field services for a district serving over 12,000 customers.
- Led the district through two major earthquakes (6.4 and 7.1 magnitude) in 2019, coordinating emergency response, maintaining water service, and rapidly restoring damaged infrastructure.
- Supervise 16 personnel across multiple departments; implemented safety protocols and cross-training that improved emergency readiness.
- Managed $14 million annual operations budget and secured funding for resiliency and seismic upgrades.
- Directed a $20 million capital improvement plan including SCADA modernization, pipeline replacement, and facility hardening.
- Maintained 100% compliance with all water quality and safety regulations; no violations during tenure.
- Utilize key performance indices to regularly report to Board of Directors and community stakeholders on system performance, emergency plans, and strategic initiatives.
- Implemented new GIS system improving record retention and efficiency of Operations and Engineering departments.
Assistant Operations Manager
Indian Wells Valley Water District
06.2007 - 04.2012
- Coordinated with Operations Manager in different operational issues and capital improvement projects.
- Led the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the District’s Emergency Response Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- Partnered with local emergency services, public health officials, and mutual aid networks to strengthen disaster response coordination.
- Supported grant writing and reporting efforts for disaster recovery and resilience funding opportunities.
- Supported the Operations Manager in daily activities including scheduling, field crew coordination, and safety oversight.
- Designed new and updated existing SOPs to improve operational efficiency by over 400%.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CASkills
- Team building/leadership
- Strategic planning
- Budget Development & Fiscal Oversight
- Staff Development & Labor Relations
- Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response
- Stakeholder & Board Communication
- Regulatory Compliance (EPA, SWRCB, OSHA)
- Water Utility Operations
Accomplishments
- Earned the “Person of the Year” Award in 2023 from Desert Tortoise Conservation Alliance.
- California Special District Association, Special District Leadership Academy 2025.
- Earned the “Certificate of Appreciation” in 2025 from Daughter's of the American Revolution for speaking on conservation in the desert.
Certification
- Certified Water Distribution Operator Grade IV, California State Water Resources Control Board
- Certified Water Treatment Operator Grade III, California State Water Resources Control Board
Timeline
Operations Manager
Indian Wells Valley Water District
04.2012 - Current
Assistant Operations Manager
Indian Wells Valley Water District
06.2007 - 04.2012
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
University of California, San Diego
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