City of San Luis Obispo

Water Distribution System Supervisor

Onsite - San Luis Obispo, CA
Full-Time
Application Deadline: 10/31/24

JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of San Luis Obispo has an opening for a Water Distribution System Supervisor!

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CLICK HERE to view the full job description for Water Distribution System Supervisor. 

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate for the Water Distribution System Supervisor role will possess a deep understanding of water distribution systems, including operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance, particularly within the context of California’s complex water management environment. They will have demonstrated experience in overseeing day-to-day operations, coordinating maintenance, repairs, and upgrades, and ensuring uninterrupted water service to the community.

This individual will have strong leadership and supervisory skills, capable of managing a team of water distribution operators and technicians, fostering a collaborative and safety-oriented work culture. They will be proactive in identifying system inefficiencies, safety hazards, and opportunities for improvement, while staying updated with the latest industry practices and technology. 

An exceptional candidate will also have the ability to interpret complex technical documents, including blueprints, engineering plans, and regulatory guidelines, and translate them into actionable tasks. They will be comfortable interacting with various stakeholders, including public officials, engineers, contractors, and the public, ensuring transparent communication and timely updates on system performance and project progress.

In addition to holding a valid California Water Distribution Operator Certification (Grade 3, with the ability to obtain a Grade 4 certification within one year of hire), the ideal candidate will possess a track record of managing budgets, resources, and personnel effectively. They should also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, ensuring that repairs and restorations are completed efficiently with minimal service interruptions.

Key Qualities:

  • Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience leading teams, mentoring junior employees, and promoting a positive work culture.
  • Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of water distribution maintenance and operations and California state regulations.
  • Regulatory Compliance: In-depth understanding of local, state, and federal drinking water standards, with a proactive approach to maintaining compliance.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders, fostering positive relationships and clear communication.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and decision-making skills in addressing operational issues and emergencies.

This candidate will be dedicated to enhancing water system performance while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient service to the community.

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Candidates must submit an online application by 5:00 pm on October 31, 2024. Once the position has closed, applications that meet the minimum qualifications for the role will be reviewed by subject matter expert(s). After review, candidates will be notified of their status and those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to interview. 

Search Schedule:

Recruitment Open: October 8, 2024

Filing Deadline: October 31, 2024

First Round Panel Interviews (in-person): November 19, 2024   

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Exercises supervision over water distribution and underground utility locator staff. Works under general supervision of the Deputy Director of Utilities – Water. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

  • Recommends specific CIP projects and reviews specifications for water infrastructure improvements.
  • Assists in developing CIP budget and long term CIP planning relating to infrastructure replacement and water system improvements.
  • Oversees compliance with State and Regional Water Quality Control Board Low Threat Discharge Permit requirements; including semi-annual reporting, implementation of Best Management Practices for system operations and emergencies.
  • Makes periodic inspections and reports of system conditions to ensure adherence to maintenance procedures; performs and assists in work necessary to keep the system in clean, orderly and operating condition, and inform related budget.
  • Identifies, develops and implements programs relating to the operation and maintenance of the potable and recycled water distribution systems.
  • Provides for the instruction and training of distribution personnel; is responsible for safe working conditions.    
  • Maintains surveillance of the operating efficiency of mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Operates computers and utilizes various computer programs such as spreadsheets, word processing and asset management/preventive maintenance programs to accomplish administrative and related tasks.
  • Interprets and makes required adjustments to specialized instruments such as recorders, gauges, meters charts, and telemetry items.
  • Ensures that water distribution system services are maintained during construction, maintenance and emergency repair activities.
  • Assists in preparing and reviewing specifications and requests for proposals for system construction, modification and improvements; inspects work-in-progress and upon completion; contacts vendors and service contractors regarding prices, delivery and services for materials, supplies and equipment.
  • Investigates, develops and administers various funding programs for the investigation and rehabilitation of water mains, service lines, water meters, and appurtenances.
  • Represents the City and the department in meetings with a variety of public, private and regulatory agencies.
  • Confers with and assists staff of other City departments to ensure that regulatory and industry standards are complied with in related projects.
  • Maintains inventory, equipment, and materials records and written data including equipment malfunctions, facility conditions, pumping rate, and equipment lubrication requirements. Compiles reports of work performed, responds to requests for information and complaints involving the water distribution system and its components.
  • Develops and administers the water distribution sections budget, identifies and assists in the development and administration of capital improvement projects.
  • Inspects construction projects and jobs in progress for compliance with State, City, and County plans and specifications and Health Department requirements with regard to appropriate personnel, equipment and procedural requirements and precautions.
  • Recommends, prepares, and reviews plans and specifications for water distribution system and related materials, equipment, vehicles, and other related items.
  • Oversees and coordinates the City’s potable water cross connection control program with the contract cross connection control services.
  • Prepares and administers consultant contracts for activities which staff are unable to accomplish due to emergencies, time constraints or specialized skills required.
  • Reviews and analyzes water distribution related claims from customers and recommends whether City is responsible or not.
  • Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

  • The operations of pumps, electrical motors, piping, automatic control valves, control systems, metering systems, related equipment common to water distribution systems, and facilities.
  • Modern potable and recycled water distribution methods and practices.
  • Safety rules, including development and implementation of State mandated rules, regulations, and practices pertaining to the work.
  • Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
  • Telemetry and computer systems, including word processing, spreadsheets, and other related programs.
  • Distribution system equipment including pumps, valves, and automatic control devices.

Ability to:

  • Perform maintenance and make operating adjustments to the water distribution system.
  • Recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
  • Interpret piping, electrical, and distribution diagrams.
  • Plan, coordinate, direct and supervise the work of the water distribution system personnel.
  • Supervise the operation of a variety of distribution system equipment, valves, and pumps.
  • Prepare comprehensive correspondence and reports.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written direction.
  • Learn to develop needed programs to instruct in the operation of a telemetry control system and preventative maintenance computer program.
  • Lift a weight up to 50 lbs.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

An Associate’s degree or two years of college with major coursework in water-related studies or a field related to the work which will have provided the required technical knowledge;

and

Three years of experience in the operations and maintenance of a water distribution system including one year at a supervisory level or shift lead.

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

A Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the work is highly desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

  • A valid California class A driver’s license must be obtained within 6 months of hire and a satisfactory driving record.
  • Must have passed exam for State Department of Health Services Operator Distribution Certification Grade IV and be able to obtain certificate within one year of hire

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS:

  • Pre-employment Physical
  • Randomly DOT drug tested during course of employment

Recruiter Information:

Bri Whitmore