Operations Manager

FYE 2026 Salary Range: $112,299 – $140,254

FLSA: EXEMPT

OPERATIONS MANAGER

 DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs skilled and supervisory work in the operational control of the District’s water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems and processes for effective and efficient operations. Ensures that the District’s potable water system functions to the highest level, wastewater is collected, treated and disposed of according to all health and environmental regulations. Plans, organizes, supervises and reviews various water, wastewater collections and wastewater treatment system installations, maintenance and repair activities; provides work direction and review to water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment division staff and personally performs the most complex technical and skilled work in the installation, maintenance and repair of water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment system facilities and appurtenances. Provides highly responsible and complex administrative and operational assistance to the General Manager and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the District General Manager. Exercises general and direct supervision over water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment division staff and others as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full management-level class in the water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment division that is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day operation, maintenance and repair of varied water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment system facilities, staff and equipment meet accepted quality and operational standards. Responsibilities include providing work training, direction and review to staff, in addition to providing the full range of maintenance duties. Incumbents are highly competent in the management, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of varied water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment system facilities and equipment, and perform the most complex troubleshooting and repair activities. This position has the overall responsibility for all water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment and service operations, installation, maintenance and repair functions for the District’s water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems and for assisting with the development, implementation and interpretation of District policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

·        Manages and supervises day-to-day operations and maintenance of the District’s water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems, including providing direction, overseeing staff duties in various areas, providing training, selection, motivation and evaluation for staff, assigning and scheduling tasks, and analyzing and making recommendations regarding procedures and policies.

·        Manages and supervises day-to-day operations and maintenance of the District’s wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems to control collection, flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, effluent and support processes; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings; and test results to determine processing requirement.

·        Manages and supervises day-to-day operations of the District’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, instrumentation and controls. Troubleshoots SCADA system, instrumentation and controls and coordinates with various vendors to make changes, analyze issues and incorporate and manage new sites.

·        Prepares detailed, clear and concise Board staff reports and attend Board of Directors meetings.

·        Plans, prioritizes, assigns and reviews the work for District Compliance and the District’s safety program, Southern California Air Quality Management District (AQMD) permitting process and all other regulatory compliance for the water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment operations.

·        Manages staff duties in various areas, providing training, motivation, and evaluation for staff, assigning and scheduling tasks, and analyzing and making recommendations regarding procedures and policies.

·        Evaluates water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment operations, daily activities, recommends modifications and improvements and prepares various operational compliance reports.

·        Reviews operating costs and makes recommendations to increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve processes.

·        Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.

·        Participates in the development of standardized procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the District’s water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems; continuously monitors and evaluates the service delivery methods and procedures and identifies opportunities for improvement; recommends improvements to the General Manager and implements new procedures and methods.

·        Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for the water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.

·        Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.

·        Assists with the preparation of the water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment annual budget including cost estimates for budget recommendations; submits justifications for budget requests; assists with controlling expenditures; monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders supplies and tools as necessary; prepares documents for equipment procurement; participates in informal bid processes for repair and construction projects as necessary.

·        Ensures proper preventative maintenance plans are in place and that adequate maintenance records are kept.

·        Operates a variety of heavy equipment including sewer vacuum hydro-jetter truck, dump truck, backhoe, skip loader, snow cat and other related equipment as necessary.

·        Performs complex and difficult water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment system operations, maintenance and repair work within programmatic and procedural guidelines.

·        Oversees the maintenance of the District’s water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment system in a safe and sanitary manner to ensure safe conditions for the District, including repairing broken water pipelines and facilities to ensure public health and safety.

·        Directs the inspection and troubleshooting of facilities to determine maintenance and repair needs; coordinates work to be completed with other District departments, outside agencies and appropriate contractors.

·        Oversees the inspection of new water and sewer connections and makes necessary installations and repair.

·        Directs the excavation, shoring, backfilling, and resurfacing of maintenance areas.

·        Oversees and coordinates the water, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems reporting, legal and regulatory requirements.

·        Ensures that safe work methods are being used and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.

·        Confers with other departments on questions regarding matters related to assigned areas of responsibility.

·        Provides technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures and methods; interprets and explains rules, regulations and procedures; answers questions and resolves concerns.

·        Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.

·        Answers inquiries from citizens regarding work performed; maintains accurate records of work performed.

·        Maintain such records as logging operations, test results, maintenance work performed, chemical use and operating conditions.

·        Review and evaluate records for process control.

·        Provide direction and instructions to operations staff to control facility/wastewater processes.

·        Provide assistance with contractor tie-ins or shutdowns.

·        Plan and coordinate start-up of new processes or equipment.

·        Evaluate and review operations of new equipment and processes.

·        Perform frequent inspections of facility equipment/processes and review operating procedures to assure their efficient operation.

·        Participate in the operation of the wastewater treatment plant to solve difficult or unusual problems.

·        Read and interpret plant piping and distribution plans; assist in locating and troubleshooting plant malfunctions.

·        Organize, operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant record system and computer database.

·        Recommend and initiate improved work methods and procedures.

·        Assist in the training of existing and new employees.

·        Research and investigate information for development of process parameters and standard operating procedures.

·        Perform analysis and laboratory tests as necessary to monitor wastewater treatment plant and process performance.

·        Evaluate alternate proposals and make sound recommendations.

·        Conduct surveillance of facilities to determine safety, efficiency of operation, cleanliness and maintenance requirements.

·        Ensure that the facility process operations satisfy requirements established by regulatory agencies.

·        Monitor operating efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant; develop and implement methods of improving plant efficiency.

·        Plan, assign, schedule, supervise, motivate and evaluate employees as assigned.

·        Order supplies and materials; prepare cost estimates; develop equipment specifications.

·        Prepare Purchase Orders

·        Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Treatment Services Section.

·        Prepare/review regulatory reports.

·        Prepare reports for General Manager and Board of Directors

·        May assist other divisions in emergency or relief situations.

·        Responds to after-hours emergencies.

·        Performs on call duties as needed and/or assigned.

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

·        Modern water and wastewater process control practices and principles.

·        Operation and preventive maintenance of modern primary, secondary and advanced wastewater treatment plants and related processes.

·        Mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and hydraulic principles as they apply to the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

·        Wastewater sampling, preservation of samples, standard process control tests and wastewater math.

·        Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.

·        Principles and practices of water distribution, treatment, operations and maintenance programs, project development and administration.

·        Principles, practices, equipment, tools and materials of water system maintenance, installation, and process control.

·        Construction technology related to water distribution and treatment facilities and equipment construction, maintenance and repair activities.

·        Observing safe work practices.

·        Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

·        Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines relevant to assigned duties.

·        Basic principles and practices of budget and Capital Improvement Program development, administration, and accountability.

·        Safety principles, practices and procedures for water and wastewater system operations, maintenance, installation and repair including equipment and hazardous materials.

·        The operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.

·        Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.

·        Computer applications related to the work.

·        Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and District staff, in person, by electronic means and over the telephone.

·        Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and District staff, in person, by electronic means and over the telephone.

·        Modern training and supervisory techniques.

·        Personal computers, SCADA and distributed control systems.

·        Laboratory equipment and procedures.

·        Principles and practices of supervision, training and evaluation.

·        Basic English composition and grammar.

Ability to:

·        Perform all operations and maintenance without direct supervision.

·        Prepare detailed reports and maintain records.

·        Interpret plant piping and distribution plans.

·        Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.

·        Supervise, train, plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.

·        Organize, implement and direct utilities operations activities.

·        Analyze, interpret, apply, and enforce Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

·        Understand, interpret, and successfully communicate both orally and in writing, pertinent department policies and procedures.

·        Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, develop and present recommendations and justification for solution.

·        Perform the most complex operations duties and operate related equipment safely and effectively.

·        Develop cost estimates for supplies and equipment.

·        Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.

·        Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.

·        Maintain accurate records and files of work performed.

·        Develop and recommend systems and procedures related to assigned operations.

·        Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping and project management systems.

·        Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.

·        Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.

·        Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software programs.

·        Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

·        Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.

·        Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

·        Analyze and develop improved methods and procedures.

·        Perform laboratory analysis as needed.

·        Deal effectively with others and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations.

·        Work shifts, weekends and holidays as scheduled.

·        Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications.

·        Prepare memos and reports.

·        Respond to emergency calls; work after normal business hours and weekends as required.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12^th) grade and seven (7) years of experience performing the functions of a wastewater treatment plant operator at a wastewater treatment plant utilizing a membrane bio-reactor (MBR) process or similar experience for secondary or tertiary treatment, including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or,

Four (4) years of experience performing the functions of a wastewater treatment plant operator while certified as a Grade 3 operator at a wastewater treatment plant utilizing the MBR or similar process for secondary or tertiary treatment.

Required License(s)/Certifications:

·        Valid California driver’s license Class C with acceptable driving record.

·        Possession of an active Grade 3 or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California.

·        Possession of an active Grade 3 or higher Collection System Maintenance certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association.

·        Possession of a State of California Grade 3 Water Distribution Certificate.

·        Possession of a State of California Grade 2 Water Treatment Certificate.

·        Possession of a California Water Environment Association Grade 2 Mechanical Technologist Certificate

·        Possession of a current California Water Environment Association Grade 1 Electrical/Instrumentation Certificate.

Consideration may be given if the applicant can acquire the required certifications within 24 months of the date of hire.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work in and around wastewater treatment and collection systems and related facilities; possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with other staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

·        Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and off-hour shifts and must live within 30 minutes of the District for emergency on-call response.

·        May be required to be on-call outside of normally scheduled work hours and available for dispatch to emergencies during those periods.

·        Working conditions may be extremely hazardous.

·        May be required to work on evenings and/or weekends to attend Board of Directors meetings and various other meetings and events.