Automation Services Supervisor (Working Title)

Now Hiring: Automation Services Supervisor (Working Title)

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Are you looking to take your career to the next level at an agency committed to the vision and aspirations above? Western Water is searching for a highly motivated and experienced Automation and Electrical Services Operations Supervisor to join our team. If you are looking to advance your career and you are a water/wastewater professional with the ability to be part of an elite workforce and become the key team member maintaining, advancing and impacting a best-in-business Automation & Electrical Services team, you are encouraged to apply for this professional opportunity.

ABOUT WESTERN WATER

Western Water stands out:

• Western Water is one of the largest public agencies In Riverside County providing water and sewer services to nearly one million people;
• We see ourselves as more of a business than a bureaucracy;
• We view our customers as an essential partner ensuring long-term water security for our region;
• And together, the Western Water team Is focused on being the definitive leader in water and wastewater services, upholding the highest level of stakeholder trust.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are seeking a technically strong and people-centered leader to serve as Operations Field Supervisor – Automation & Electrical Services. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled automation professional to lead day-to-day field operations and supervise staff responsible for the District’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, programmable logic controller (PLC) programming, radio telemetry, process automation control systems, and process information networks supporting water and wastewater facilities.

Under the direction of the Operations Field Manager – Automation & Electrical Services, this position plans, coordinates, assigns, and inspects highly skilled work across the District’s automation and SCADA programs. The incumbent serves as the primary crew leader for the automation team and is accountable for both technical outcomes and personnel development, while helping ensure the reliability, security, and availability of critical control infrastructure. In this role, you will help lead a critical function that supports the technology and infrastructure behind reliable utility operations. You will join a team that values accountability, technical excellence, safety, collaboration, and high-quality service, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to both field operations and long-range system improvement. 

This role is ideal for a leader who can balance deep technical expertise with strong communication, sound judgment, staff development, and a commitment to operational excellence. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

This position is responsible for supervising and participating in a wide range of field, technical, and administrative activities. Key responsibilities include:

Lead Automation Field Operations

• Oversee day-to-day work involving SCADA systems, PLC programming, radio telemetry, process automation control systems, and process information networks supporting District operations.
• Provide field oversight and technical assistance to assigned department functions.
• Inspect, operate, calibrate, and maintain equipment linked to assigned department functions.
• Monitor and utilize the District’s SCADA system as required by department or call team roles.

Support Department Planning and Performance

• Develop schedules and methods to ensure department work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Develop and maintain systems to track and report key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Assist with development of department operating and capital improvement budgets and monitor implementation of adopted budgets.
• Coordinate and purchase department supplies and equipment.
• Maintain accurate records for timesheets, workload planning, and related documentation in accordance with District policy and applicable laws.
• Utilize and maintain detailed records in the Computerized Work Management System (CWMS) and ensure work orders are developed and completed accurately.
• Assist with standard operating procedure (SOP) development and support short- and long-term planning, goals, and objectives.

Maintain and Improve Critical Automation Systems

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on District SCADA and automation systems.
• Program, design, and configure SCADA server software, including historian configuration and cybersecurity practices for industrial control environments.
• Develop and maintain Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Operator Interface Terminal (OIT) applications.
• Review and respond to hardware, communication, and application failures and manage data recovery activities.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft-starters, motor protection relays, power quality meters, and associated motor control equipment.
• Assist with design, installation, and modification of PLC programs and review and develop P&IDs.

Support Communications and Cybersecurity

• Maintain, configure, and troubleshoot radio telemetry systems including RTUs, antennas, repeaters, and communication pathways used for remote monitoring and control.
• Support industrial control Ethernet networks, modems, fiber optics, and other communications devices.
• Configure and maintain Modbus, DNP3, and other industrial communication protocols.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining cybersecurity measures for SCADA and operational technology systems in coordination with IT/Cybersecurity staff.

Typical Qualifications:

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to cultivate professional partnerships and inspire team collaboration.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to clearly articulate options and recommendations to management.
• A self-starting, resourceful approach and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• The ability to define and explain key departmental processes and business requirements.
• Strong presentation and leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and influence others with energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism.
• Working knowledge of industrial cybersecurity principles and best practices for operational technology environments, including network segmentation, access controls, and patch management for ICS/SCADA systems.

Leadership Expectations

This is a supervisor position. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of:

• Directing the daily activities of a technical field crew, including work assignment, scheduling, and performance feedback.
• Mentoring and developing junior- and mid-level automation technicians.
• Coordinating with project managers, contractors, and vendors to deliver automation projects on time and within budget.
• Representing the Automation & Electrical Services function in cross-functional meetings and providing clear technical updates to operational management.
• Leading emergency response activities and after-hours call team operations.

District employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to accommodate Western Water’s needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Emergency Service Worker.