Water Systems Supervisor

Description

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff performing public works utility maintenance, operations, construction, and repair work involving, water distribution systems; responds to citizen complaints and requests for assistance; oversees training programs on employee safety and work procedures; performs the most difficult field work; operates light and moderately heavy power driven equipment; provides complex technical staff assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over utilities maintenance and operations staff. May serve as acting water division manager in the absence of the manager.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a full supervisory-level class that exercises independent judgment on diverse public works utility maintenance, operations, construction, and repair work involving water distribution systems with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.  

 

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff performing public works utility maintenance, operations, construction, and repair work involving water distribution systems; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other divisions and outside agencies.
• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors and approves expenditures; orders and ensures delivery of materials, supplies, tools, and equipment necessary for maintenance, repair, and construction projects; prepares job cost estimates and submits reports; prepares purchase orders and requisitions.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities. 
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Receives and transmits work orders electronically; prioritizes work order requests, generates new work orders, and assigns tasks accordingly; reviews work orders upon completion; prepares, maintains, inputs, and queries detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via automated software systems.
• Performs the most difficult work in assigned maintenance program area.
• Inspects new installations and repair work during its performance and upon its completion; participates in the development of new systems and equipment.
• Develops, coordinates, and conducts a variety of employee safety training programs on topics related to assigned work; maintains both public and employee safety in the field.
• Coordinates emergency and special assignments with other City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies and contractors.
• Maintains files, databases, and records of maintenance and repair activities; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Handles Underground Service Alert (USA Dig Alert) utility line locating; locates and marks out water mains, utility services, sewers, storm drains, and appurtenances for utility companies and private contractors.
• Implements and maintains the City’s cross connection control program; surveys and inspects City buildings and facilities for compliance with cross connection control regulations.
• Oversees the City’s automated water meter reading system; trains personnel in the testing, inspection, and repair of water meters; programs meters to ensure accurate billing; collaborates with Finance staff regarding customer water billing issues and concerns.
• Oversees and inspects backflow prevention devices for residential, commercial, and industrial properties; installs backflow prevention assemblies; provides backflow testing data to other City staff to prepare State mandated reports; sends notices to property owners requiring backflow repairs or replacements needed; shuts off water if backflow devices are not tested, fail inspection, or are not repaired, per State regulations; trains personnel in the testing, inspection, and repair of backflow prevention devices.
• Performs water leak checks and recommends corrective action; discusses possible leak sources with water customers; determines responsibility for water leaks and notifies responsible parties to make necessary repairs; responds to requests from the public to have their water service turned off and on.
• Advises customers regarding problems relating to their sprinkler systems or watering habits to prevent water waste and related hazards. 
• Supervises and participates in emergency calls from the public with regard to broken water mains, water services, and house valves.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• 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 leadership. 
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• City standards and specifications including materials, methods, equipment, and tools used in water utilities maintenance and operations activities.
• Purposes and uses of a variety of heavy equipment, power tools, and other equipment.
• Methods of estimating time, costs, and equipment necessary for assigned work.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Basic mathematics.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Techniques used in the testing, inspection, and repair of backflow prevention devices, and water meters.
• Principles and practices of cross connection control.
• Tools, equipment, methods, practices, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water systems including backflow prevention devices, pumps, valves, meters, and other apparatus involved in water distribution.
• Principles and practices of water system operation and maintenance.  

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions. 
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Inspect work in progress and upon completion providing feedback; identify areas needing improvement. 
• Operate a variety of heavy equipment, power tools, and other maintenance equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment, mechanical, and operational problems.
• Assist in developing, administering, and monitoring project budgets.
• Observe safety rules and identify safety hazards. 
• Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/CalOSHA and provided by the City, to perform assigned duties.
• Perform the most complex work in assigned maintenance program area.
• Interpret work orders.
• Make basic estimates of materials and labor requirements for a job or project.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding employee/employer relations, disciplinary matters, and other personnel issues.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Read, understand, and interpret work orders, blueprints, diagrams, maps, construction drawings, plans, and specifications.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Make recommendations relating to cross connection control programs including plan check surveys, field meets, and inspections.
• Supervise and participate in a variety of water programs including cross connection control, water meter maintenance, water conservation, and water service requests.
• Test, inspect, and repair backflow prevention devices, and water meters.

Education and Experience:

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

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training in operations and maintenance of sewer collection systems, stormwater collection systems, water distribution, water treatment, or a related field.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible technical experience with an emphasis in water production, treatment and distribution maintenance, construction, installation, operations, and/or repair experience including two (2) years as a lead or supervisor

Licenses and Certifications:

When assigned to Water Systems:

• Possession of a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of employment, a valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification issued by the American Water Works Association, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of employment, a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Grade D-2 Water Distribution Operator Certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of employment, a valid Grade D-3 Water Distribution Operator Certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid certification in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED to be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. 

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also 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 upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  

Working Conditions

May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.