Utility Operations Manager

Help keep the city running smoothly by managing essential utility systemsincluding wastewater, geothermal, irrigation, drainage, and flood control. This position will oversee operations, maintenance, and emergency repairs while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Make a lasting impact in a leadership role with broad responsibility and support.

Why Work Here?

• Zero-premium healthcare for you and your family

• Lifetime pension through PERSI

• Generous time off : 3 weeks' vacation, 96 hours sick, 12 holidays

• Paid parental leave , student loan forgiveness eligibility , wellness incentives , and more

If youre looking for a stable, hands-on role where your skills make a difference, this could be it.

• Bachelors degree in construction management, civil engineering, operations management or a related field
• 8 years progressively responsible municipal utility operations, maintenance and/or construction experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Valid state-issued drivers license.
• Ability to obtain the following: A Class IV license in Treatment, Collections and/or Laboratory as soon as eligibility requirements are met; and certification in National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700 and ICS 800.

• Applicants must be able to pass:
• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• This position is required to handle hazardous materials that if mishandled, place the general public at risk of serious injury.

Manages the work of professional, technical and/ or other staff; determines the organizational structure, staffing needs and work strategies; ensures adequate resources are available for staff to perform work duties; and ensures that assigned operations and activities comply with organizational goals and objectives.

Plans, implements and evaluates operations for a range of municipal utilities of the public works department. Ensures compliance of the collection and pumping system to federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, overflow reporting obligations of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Sanitary Sewer Overflows and Peak Flows Rules, public health risk minimization and state environmental laws.

Oversees maintenance and emergency repairs, sets strategic goals, manages resources, and makes critical decisions to protect the community and city infrastructure. Defines strategic performance goals, statistical measures, policies, priorities and long-range plans and manages program results. Oversees and directs maintenance and rehabilitation programs to ensure infrastructure integrity and compliance with federal regulations. Analyzes data to guide decisions, reduce risk, and prioritize equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

Collaborates with engineers and consultants on system design, master plans, and special projects, ensuring work is completed according to established plans and procedures. Leads cross-functional teams to solve problems and improve service delivery across departments and jurisdictions.

Serves as a technical expert on municipal utility systems, providing guidance to division managers, engineers, attorneys, risk managers, and department leadership. Represents the division in legal and technical matters, including court testimony. Addresses complex issues involving supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, telemetry, electrical systems, hydraulics, and mechanical operations. Interprets and explains technical information clearly to support decision-making and risk management.

Manages and monitors a significant municipal utilities budget, including operations, maintenance, and long-term capital equipment planning. Prepares specifications, evaluates bids, and selects vendors to ensure purchases align with city financial policies. Provides budget recommendations to leadership and oversees expenditures, asset records, and procurement processes. Researches industry best practices, regulatory developments, and innovative technologies to inform program improvements. Develops and implements standard operating procedures, emergency response plans, and mitigation strategies in compliance with federal NPDES permit requirements.

Promotes a customer-focused approach within the division and serves as a liaison between the city and the public during maintenance and emergency utility work. Anticipates and defuses issues, provides clear explanations of technical activities, and responds to concerns from residents, contractors, and outside agencies. Evaluates utility system vulnerabilities and communicates priorities to engineering staff. Represents the division manager and public works director in discussions with internal and external stakeholders. Prepares official communications for public information staff and media on utility-related matters.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Knowledge of:; theories, principles, materials and methods of civil engineering as technically applied in the design, construction, maintenance, repair and operation of a large wastewater collection system; chemical and physical processes used in odor control; federal, state and local laws pertaining to wastewater discharges, public health and emergency notification requirements; emergency management practices including incident command and NIMS systems; hazards and applicable safety precautions involved in utility operations; blueprint reading and diagram interpretation; supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) monitoring and alarm systems; and security systems and strategies to protect critical infrastructure from vandalism and trespass.

Ability to:; read, interpret and comprehend legal, technical, regulatory and operational documents manuals and journals; research, analyze and interpret data and make recommendations; prioritize and perform multiple tasks, including project management; supervise others and provide leadership; work effectively in emergency situations; provide excellent internal and external customer service; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public and other organizations; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Twelve years of experience managing wastewater collections systems and water distribution systems.

National Incident Management System (e.g., Incident Command System);

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance (CMOM) program requirements.

Writing Emergency Response and Overflow Plans compliant with EPA requirements and writing disaster response, flooding or other plans.

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is rarely lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is rarely pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds. The noise level is rarely moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, work in/at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. May encounter uneven, icy or unpaved surface conditions in parking lots, construction projects, storage yards, etc. Sewage, methane, hydrogen sulfide and other possible toxic gases and substances.
This position works: Some on call, weekends, evenings or holidays whenever a utility infrastructure emergency repair arises.