Utilities Division Manager

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, participates in, and reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical and administrative support related to all programs and activities of the Public Works Divisions assigned; assists with short-term and long-term project planning, overseeing the design, construction, maintenance, repair, and other programs; manages the effective use of the appropriate City's public works maintenance resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Public Works Director/City Engineer, and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Public Works Director. Exercises general direction and supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, operational, and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Utilities Division Manager incumbents are responsible for overseeing a variety of Public Works Department functions. Assignments are broad in scope and require the use of independent judgment and initiative in resolving complex fields, administrative issues and making technical decisions and policy recommendations of considerable difficulty. Incumbents supervise professional, supervisory, operational/technical, maintenance, and clerical staff, and oversee short-range and long-range planning and special projects within and across divisions.

This is a single-position classification that manages assigned divisions of the Citys public works maintenance and operations activities including water system treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment and related appurtenances, laboratory testing and analysis, and administrative/regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive background and skill in coordinating and supervising and performing work of the assigned division(s).

This class is distinguished from the Public Works Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for all capital improvement project development, operations, and maintenance function for the Citys Public Works Department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Plans, manages, oversees and participates in the daily functions, operations, projects, and activities of the Public Works Utilities Division.

· Supervises, trains and evaluates division staff; recommends the selection, promotion and discipline of division employees; confers with and advises Public Works Director and other division managers on activities, issues and problems related to the activities of their division.

· Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs; continuously monitors and evaluates service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Public Works Director.

· Develops and enforces field operations' policies, procedures, work standards and rules, ensuring compliance with citywide policies and procedures.

· Develops and reviews staff and regulatory reports related to water, wastewater, and laboratory analysis; assists with reports presented to the City Council and other commissions, committees and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.

· Participates in the development and administration of the annual budget proposal for assigned division(s); implements and monitors the adopted budget; prepares periodic reports on budget matters. Responsible for division expenditures.

· Plans for existing and future equipment, staff, and facility needs; evaluates recommendations for the purchase of equipment and services; administers contracts for materials and construction services; develop and implement preventative maintenance plans.

· Develops, implements, and maintains effective record-keeping systems.

· Receives, investigates and responds to the more complex inquiries and complaints regarding assigned divisions.

· Monitors legislation and develops policies and programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

· Advises the Public Works Director in the planning and formulation of departmental policy; plans, coordinates, and implements department-wide training and programs, as assigned.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

· Employee supervision, motivation, training, and appraisal.

· Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, project and program management, development, implementation and evaluation

· Review and make modifications and adjust the wastewater treatment processes to achieve compliance with mandated regulations.

· Principles and practices of budget preparation, administration and control.

· Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG) program implementation.

· Basic equipment troubleshooting principles and practices.

· Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.

· Safety principles and practices

· Materials, methods, tools and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of utility systems including, but not limited to, water and wastewater systems.

· Methods and techniques related to planning and administering public works field programs and projects.

· Principles of capital project planning and management.

· Grant writing support and administration; computer applications related to the work; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.

Ability to:

· Organize, direct and coordinate the activities of assigned divisions.

· Develop and implement effective work schedules and productivity measures.

· Plan, organize, schedule, supervise, review and evaluate the work of others.

· Provide leadership, motivate staff, and resolve disputes.

· Train staff in work procedures and proper safety measures.

· Research and analyze operational and technical issues and develop appropriate recommendations for action.

· Evaluate technical information and assist in making valid and appropriate recommendations based upon thorough analysis of data.

· Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

· Develop long-range plans and programs.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including contractors, advisory bodies, City staff, other public and private agencies and organizations, and the general public.

Education & Experience:

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

Two years of college or possession of an Associate of Arts degree with major course work in water, engineering, or a related field and three years in any combination of construction contracting, public works or work that will have provided the required knowledge and skills. Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the supervision and management of Public Works projects and activities. (Additional experience in the supervision and management of public works operations may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-to-year basis).

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C drivers license with a satisfactory driving record is required at the time of hire.

Water

Possession of, or ability to obtain within (3) years of employment, a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within (2) two years of employment, a valid Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.

Wastewater

Possession of a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board; Ability to obtain State of California Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate Grade IV by July 2026.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within (6) months of hire, Grade I Wastewater Collections System Maintenance Certificate issued by CWEA.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within (2) two years of hire, a Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by CA-NV AWWA.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Participates in after-hours emergency response and on-call and call back assignments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer and computer software; to operate a motor vehicle; to identify mechanical issues; to identify and locate parts and repair tools/equipment,; strength, stamina and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to read various dials, gauges and identify color-coded cables and wires; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. The job involves walking and working on slippery and/or uneven surfaces. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in field and office environments with moderate noise levels, varying temperature conditions, foul smells, and direct/indirect exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Employees also may be exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, dust, paint fumes, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, grease, oils, solvents, machinery with extremely hot surfaces and/or moving parts and moving objects or other vehicles. Employees may interact with upset staff, members of the public, and private representatives.