District Manager

California Water Service Group; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 258,000; Full time

Job summary

California Water Service Group invites you to lead the Visalia/Selma district operations in Visalia, CA. The District Manager will supervise staff, manage budgets, ensure SOX and regulatory compliance, and act as a district spokesperson for media relations.

The role requires deep water-utility experience, a relevant degree or certifications, and strong leadership and communication skills. This position is based in Visalia with responsibilities spanning multiple district offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent water utility experience.
• Operator certifications as listed are required within stated timelines.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee field operations, customer service activities, production, and contract operations.
• Plan and manage short- and long-term district goals with budgeting implications.
• Ensure regulatory compliance; supervise equipment and water quality operations.
• Engage with City/County agencies and regulators; act as district spokesperson when needed.
• Coordinate with other districts and internal departments for company growth.

Skills

Public speaking

Microsoft Office

Written and verbal communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree / equivalent water utility experience

Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification

Water Distribution Operator Grade V Certification

Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certification

Operations Leadership Pathway Module I & II

Valid California Driver License

Job description

California Water Service Job Description: California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a meaningful career with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, quality, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship and is reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact. The District Manager is responsible for the general oversight of all field operations and customer service activities in the district; establishing oneself as a leader in the community; acting as district spokesperson for media communication; short and long-term district planning; budgeting and rate case development; development of district personnel and coordination of district activities with Customer Support Services entrepreneurial marketing to insure Company growth. This position will be responsible for both our Visalia and Selma district offices but based in Visalia, CA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manages staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work
• Conducting performance evaluations
• Training and development
• Making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations
• Provides oversight of all field operations, customer service activities, production operations, and contract operations
• Plans and expedites short- and long-term district goals
• Develops, monitors, and administers district budget, capital improvement budget, and rate case; participates in audits
• Oversees SOX compliance and reporting
• Responsible for the administration of, adherence to, and financial disposition of all contracts
• Responsible for working with state and local government agencies as well as regulatory bodies
• Acts as the Shift Operator as needed
• When functioning as the Shift Operator will supervise the day-to-day operations in one or more of the Company’s water systems, including water distribution, production, treatment, maintenance, and construction activities and provides direction for daily water quality and quantity water system operations, maintenance, and stand-by operator after hour activities
• Ensures certified distribution operators or treatment operators are properly trained to make decisions that affect water quality and quantity using manual or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
• Provides oversight to the operations and maintenance of well sites, system booster stations, reservoirs, treatment plant, compliance water sampling, and testing
• Provides oversight to system main repairs, service repairs, meter repairs and replacement program, flushing program, valve operation program, and conducts fire flow availability tests
• Oversees and responds to all water quality and environmental inquiries and issues; may participate in inspections; and interacts with applicable local, state, federal agencies
• Forecasts and plans water supply, including securing additional supplies through negotiations and possible short- and long-term transfer agreements
• Ensures all water quality regulations are met
• Ensures the distribution system is properly maintained
• Develops training plans for district personnel in coordination with various Customer Support Services departments
• Coordinates and plans internal and outside agency meetings regarding current and future water supply and related costs
• Acts as designated media spokesperson for all types of media communication, including TV, newspaper, and radio
• Participates at a district and corporate level in entrepreneurial marketing, including out-of-state when necessary, to ensure Company’s growth and competitive high quality footprint
• Builds, develops and maintains relationship with City, County and water agencies
• Participates in community relations and community service to ensure the Company’s partnership in the community
• Commitment to the Company’s Continuous Improvement process
• Performs work on-site in the assigned office location
• Perform other duties as assigned to fulfill business operational needs and objectives
• Attend meetings and training as directed by California Water Service

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent relevant water utility experience
• Ten years of experience working in a water utility in field operations, customer service, or related department
• State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification
• Must obtain State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade V Certification in 18 months
• State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certification
• Must complete Operations Leadership Pathway Module I and II withing 24 months.
• Knowledge of construction, maintenance, and repairs to distribution system
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
• Valid California Driver License
• Must live within 30 minutes of the District office

Salary Range: $138,800 - $257,700 (DOE)

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.

California Water Service Group invites you to pursue a career in the water industry with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Our mission is to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services. We’re committed to improving the quality of life for our customers, communities, stockholders, and employees. To achieve that, we align our hiring strategies with the company’s core values of integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship so that we can provide quality, service, and value to all of these groups. Our commitment to our employees is evident, as we have been named a Top Workplace in the Bay Area and designated as a Great Place to Work®, and Cal Water was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Water Utilities in the West” by J.D. Power in its inaugural water utility satisfaction study.