Operations Supervisor

Founded in 1866, San Jose Water Company is an investor owned water company headquartered in Silicon Valley. With a service area of 140 square miles, it is one of the largest and most technically sophisticated urban water system in the United States. We serve over 1 million people with high quality, life sustaining water, with an emphasis on exceptional customer service.

We are actively seeking talented, driven and highly-productive applicants for the position of Operations Supervisor to join our dynamic team. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment along with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.  

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Manager of Operations, the Operations Supervisor directly supervises and has responsibility for the day-to-day activities of Systems Operators, Maintenance Crews, and Electrical Technicians performing a wide variety of water production, storage treatment, and distribution functions at a number of facilities; and performs other related work and analysis as required. 

Specific Responsibilities:

•  Plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates the operation of a water distribution system on a 24-hour, 7-day basis. 
•  Uses supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software to efficiently manage the operation of plant equipment, maintain system water quality, and minimize customer outages and impacts.  
•  Observes and documents compliance with health and safety protocols. Provides training, resources, and materials as needed.   
•  Develops and reviews standard operating procedures in the areas of general administration, distribution system operation, preventative maintenance, plant equipment, chemical systems, and electrical/control systems.   
•  Periodically inspects equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory, maintenance, and organizational standards. Reports on observed deficiencies and takes prompt corrective action.  
•  Directs projects and programs to improve plant equipment, system water quality, customer service, and business continuity.  
•  Directly or indirectly supervises various water quality procedures including flushing, boosting, and sampling.  
•  Works with outside contractors and uses internal resources to accomplish tasks.  
•  Collaborates effectively with other workgroups throughout the organization. Provides support for Planning, Engineering, and Construction on large capital improvement projects.  
•  Reviews reports, records, and design drawings for accuracy and seeks opportunities for continuous improvement.  
•  Prepares daily and monthly reports, budgeting forms, and other written assignments. Performs data analysis and general administrative duties.  
•  Conducts hiring interviews, observes staff performance, and prepares written performance reviews. 
•  Interacts with customers and responds to inquiries regarding water service, system operation, and water quality. Takes corrective actions to resolve deficiencies and provides excellent customer service.  
•  Evaluates current practices related to distribution system operation and water quality and makes improvements to increase levels of service.   
•  Coordinates directly or indirectly with local city, state, and federal agencies to meet regulations and maintain compliance.  
•  Utilizes new technologies to improve workflows and/or resolve problems.  
•  Completes department-oriented goals and objectives annually.    
•  Performs other related duties as required. 

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities: 

•  Supervisory principles and practices. 
•  Safety practices in the operation of pumping, production, and storage facilities. 
•  Principles, practices, methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the operation and maintenance of potable water treatment systems and associated transmission and distribution facilities. 
•  Water quality samplings processes and procedures. 
•  Planning and scheduling construction and maintenance activities of electrical, mechanical, and water pipeline infrastructure. 
•  Experience using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software. 
•  Ability to interpret plant, piping, distribution, and engineering drawings. 
•  Resourcefulness, initiative, and independent judgement, particularly during emergencies. 
•  Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet varied and changing operational needs.  
•  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and staff. 
•  Effective verbal and written communication.  
•  Ability to utilize spreadsheet and word processing software to conduct detailed analysis and reporting.  

Required Education and Experience:

•  Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent course work in electrical/civil/mechanical engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field is preferred. 
•  Additional experience is desirable as either (1) an operator in responsible charge of a water filtration plant of distribution system operations, or (2) an engineer or other professional with responsible charge over water treatment and distribution activities. 
•  Possession of a SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 certification is preferred, and candidate must make satisfactory progress toward possession of Grade D5 after appointment to this position. 
•  State Water Resources Control Board Grade T2 is desirable.  
•  At least 2 years of supervisory experience is desirable. 

Other Requirements 

•  Possession of a valid California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record. 
•  Willingness to be on-call for emergencies after normal business hours.