Chief Water Operator

City of Menlo Park; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Menlo Park seeks a Chief Water Operator to lead the water distribution division, supervising staff and directing operations, maintenance, and quality control. The role collaborates with technical and engineering staff to ensure water quality in line with state requirements and oversees contractor work and safety protocols.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, analytical skills, and a customer-service mindset, with experience supervising water maintenance teams and coordinating

Qualifications

• Two-year degree with major coursework in chemistry, biology, bacteriology, natural sciences or related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water quality control, water distribution, and/or water treatment, including two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license by time of appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Backflow Device Tester Certificate (AWWA).
• Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate (SWRCB).
• Possession of a Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate (SWRCB); may be required if treating water.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and reviews the work of staff assigned to water distribution systems and facilities.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and equipment use; implements procedures and standards.
• Performs complex water maintenance and operations duties; provides technical assistance to crews.
• Administers customer service field work, maintenance, lab testing, and quality control programs.
• Monitors and coordinates maintenance and repair of water meters and distribution lines.
• Oversees safety and code compliance for field operations and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Customer service mindset

Education

Two-year degree in chemistry/biology/natural sciences

Tools

SCADA systems

Water meters

Job description

The City of Menlo Park is seeking a Chief Water Operator for the Public Works department.Under general direction, the Chief Water Operator supervises, develops, and directs the work of staff performing difficult and complex technical and administrative support related to all programs and activities of the City's water distribution division; assists with long-and short-term project planning and overseeing the design, construction, maintenance, and operations of water utility systems, facilities, and related appurtenances and other programs; works with technical and engineering staff to monitor and maintain water quality in accordance with State requirements; and coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies for services such as meter reading and repair.Incumbents are expected to independently perform the full range of water quality, maintenance and operations duties.Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Public Works Director - Maintenance in that the latter is a management classification and has management responsibility for citywide public works maintenance and operations.

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a Chief Water Operator who is deeply committed to public service and dedicated to supporting the Menlo Park community. The ideal candidate will be an experienced water operator who demonstrates strong technical abilities, excellent leadership skills, and the capacity to supervise and support the water maintenance team.

This individual will be a proactive problem-solver with strong analytical skills, exceptional organization, and clear, effective communication. A customer-service mindset, attention to detail, and commitment to producing high-quality work are essential. The ideal candidate will exercise sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism when supervising water maintenance staff and contractors related to water maintenance operations.

Key Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will be able to independently and effectively perform the following duties:

Staff Supervision and Development

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff assigned to the water distribution systems and facilities.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of equipment and supplies; implements procedures and standards.
• Performs the most complex water utilities maintenance and operations duties and provides technical assistance to crews.

Water Distribution Operations and Maintenance

• Administers customer service field work, maintenance, lab testing and quality control, cross-connection control, and hydrant and main line valve exercising programs.
• Ensures and coordinates the maintenance and repair of City water meters, water distribution main and lateral lines.
• Monitors contractors working with and around underground services to ensure the work is appropriately performed to code and does not damage, cover, or bury existing infrastructure such as meters and valves.
• Oversees and reviews City Fire Flow program.

Water Quality, System Monitoring, and Safety

• Monitors the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for operational efficiencies and effectiveness ensures SCADA is properly monitoring and serving water operations.
• Reviews water quality and operational data; analyzes and evaluates data results; implements findings and takes corrective action, as necessary.
• Inspects assigned City facilities and systems for safety violations; ensures that safety procedures are followed and that safety equipment is worn.

Capital Projects and Development Review

• Assists in the construction and field inspection processes for Capital Improvement Program projects and private developments to ensure contractors' and developers' compliance with City standards.
• Planning, Budgeting, and Performance Management
• Monitors operations and activities of the water distribution work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for assigned operations, projects and programs; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.

Minimum Qualifications

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:

• Equivalent to a completion of a two-year degree with major coursework in chemistry, biology, bacteriology, natural sciences or a related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water quality control, water distribution, and/or water treatment, including two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license by time of appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Backflow Device Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
• Possession of a valid Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Possession of a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the SWCRB may be required if treating water.