Water Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Under limited supervision, administers and directs the Foothills Utilities's operations and programs consisting of Water and Wastewater (W / WW) operating plants, water distribution and wastewater collection systems, customer services; assures the department is in compliance with state and Federal environmental regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies, procedures and goals.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following :

Assists in directing the Utilities Department operations; exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes issues, and recommends and implements solutions; provides leadership, direction and guidance in department operations. Provides advice and counsel to Director; assists with planning, directing, reviewing and evaluating department operations, and work performed; assures compliance with State and Federal environmental and water quality laws and regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies and standards.

Supervises division and program managers, including water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution / field customer service, wastewater collections and environmental compliance. Directs operations and programs, evaluates trends, anticipates problems, and develops solutions within each division.

Plans and manages the activities of professional, technical, and supervisory staff; plans, prioritizes, and assigns tasks and projects; trains and coaches staff; monitors work, develops staff skills, and evaluates performance.

Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and assures effective communication of Utilities activities and projects within specified scope to assure accomplishment of goals and objectives; plans staffing assignments to assure operational effectiveness; reviews the work of assigned staff to assure the work quality and timely completion of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Provides leadership, direction, and guidance in Utilities operations and procedures; assures effective communication of trends, issues, and regulatory compliance actions.

Assists in developing and administrating budgets and controlling expenditures; evaluates departmental functions and programs to assure cost-effective operation and environmental compliance; develops detailed and summary reports.

Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes operational and technical issues and policies; evaluates progress toward achieving department goals and project objectives; evaluates staffing levels, resource availability, system efficiency, and service demands; allocates and prioritizes resources to maximize operational effectiveness.

Monitors operations, manages costs, and directs technical projects to increase efficiency and effectiveness of services; writes technical reports and statistical summaries, and assures compliance with all reporting requirements for state and Federal agencies.

Interfaces with and serves as the Utilities representative in meetings with various Federal and State regulatory agencies regarding a variety of water and wastewater programs including compliance with all new and existing related environmental requirements.

Administers new and existing environmental permits relative to all phases of water and wastewater programs; evaluates the impact of new and proposed environmental regulations on the City's water and wastewater programs; evaluates programs and develops methods, process changes, program modifications, and other relevant solutions to meet new or changed requirements.

Responds to critical incidents and emergencies, and takes command when appropriate, according to Foothills Utilities protocol; coordinates, plans, and resolves issues with other state and regional agencies; explains and interprets programs, policies, and activities.

Supports the relationship between the Foothills Utilities and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and Foothills Utilities staff; promotes the Foothills Utilities goals and priorities, vision, values, and complies with all Foothills Utilities policies and procedures.

Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology Business or Public Administration, or related field; AND five years of management experience in a large water / wastewater utilities; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge

Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including performance management, personnel rules, accounting, budgeting, procurement, and contract management.

Techniques and practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.

Federal, State, and local codes and regulations governing water and wastewater operations and emergency response.

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety rules and requirements for W / WW systems.

Principles and practices for managing water & wastewater operations and projects.

Principles and practices of managing municipal infrastructure development and maintenance.

Principles and methods of maintenance and repair for water & wastewater systems and equipment.

Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient W / WW programs depending on assignment may include biosolids or residual handling and disposal, industrial waste pretreatment, compliance laboratory testing, cross-connection control, system evaluation, sanitary defects, and disinfection.

Principles and practices of advanced information technology associated with water and wastewater programs and operations.

Skills

Managing and coordinating the Utilities W / WW operations.

Interpreting and applying technical standards and procedures, Federal and state rules and regulations, and Foothills Utilities code, Foothills Utilities Regulations, policies and procedures.

Developing and administering plans, budgets, policies, and procedures.

Managing professional and supervisory level staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.

Analyzing problems, resolving disputes and grievances, and developing effective solutions.

Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines

Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with Foothills Utilities employees, officials, and representatives from other local, state, and Federal agencies.

Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.

Preparing, reviewing, and presenting management reports.

Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements

A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Grade 4 W / WW operator certifications in multiple ADEQ categories are preferred; additional technical training and certifications may be required, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (NIMS) training.