Manager, Operations

EPCOR Utilities Inc.; El Mirage (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Generous Time-off Schedules

Training Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

Certification Support

Incentive Award Program

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Operations Manager to lead their Water Distribution team. In this pivotal role, you will ensure compliance with all regulatory standards while overseeing maintenance and operational activities. Your leadership will empower a diverse team, driving efficiency and safety in water distribution. Join a company recognized for its commitment to employee well-being and safety, where you can make a significant impact on community water services. If you are passionate about operational excellence and team development, this opportunity is tailored for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in water distribution and wastewater operations.
• Proficiency in Windows-based software and water quality management.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for water distribution systems.
• Oversee operations staff and manage budgets for maintenance and capital projects.

Skills

Management Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Leadership Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

WIMS (Water Information Management Solution)

Job description

Closing Date Mar 24, 2025

Position Title: Manager, Operations

Weekly Hours of Work: 40

Business Unit: Regulated US Water

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a Full Time, Permanent position as a Water Distribution Operations Manager to work in EPCOR’s Central Division.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring distribution systems remain in compliance with all local, state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Overseeing the group responsible for the water mains, service lines, valve, and hydrant operation and maintenance activities in the Central Division.
• Overseeing the group responsible for all meter reading and field service representation in the Central Division.
• Supervising and evaluating the performance of assigned staff.
• Planning and scheduling the work of assigned staff.
• Ensuring compliance with EPCOR’s safety program and implementing programs, policies and procedures that create efficient operations and fiscal responsibility.
• Developing, managing and executing an annual sustaining capital and an operations and maintenance budget, and working in close coordination with the Engineering Division on new capital projects.

This position exercises direct supervision over operations staff including an Operations Supervisor, Foremen, Utility Workers, Utility Workers-in Training, Field Service Representatives, Meter Readers, and other professional and technical staff as may be required.

The Manager must be available on a 24-hour basis to cover emergency situations. This position is given considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision-making to ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements. The employee is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment that complies with federal, state, and company guidelines. This role receives general direction from the Director of Operations – Central Division, who reviews the work through reports, conferences, and evaluation of results achieved.

What’s required to be successful

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Biology, Business Administration, Business Management, Organizational Management, or closely related field.
• Minimum experience of 8 years of direct experience in the administration, planning, operation, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collections facilities and/or systems required.
• At least 4 years of supervisory experience required.
• Proficiency in Windows-based software, including Word, Access, and Excel, as well as water quality data management software such as WIMS.
• Requires current Grade IV in Water Distribution Operator Certification from ADEQ.
• Strong management skills (planning, organizing, analysis, problem solving, teamwork, employee development).
• Excellent leadership skills, presence, and the ability to deal effectively with and maintain productive relationships with employees at all levels, management, and various external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and empower employees.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills (persuasion, listening, cooperation, and diplomacy) that create an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect among all team members.
• Minimum overnight travel, almost entirely in the Western Phoenix Valley. Office environment with frequent field exposure.

Other important facts about this job

This position requires the ability to safely and legally operate a company motor vehicle and equipment. The position involves frequent sitting and standing; frequent reaching, handling hazardous materials/chemicals, handling paperwork/files, and operating computers and other equipment; frequent speaking, listening, and seeing. Ability to lift or move up to 75 pounds; ability to continually lift, bend, climb stairs, and work with mechanical hand tools. There are periods of continuous stooping, bending, walking, shoveling, and sweeping. May be exposed to insects, animals, reptiles, dust, pollen, chemicals, water, and sewage. Must be able to tolerate extreme heat.

As an EPCOR employee, you will enjoy a variety of benefits such as a competitive wage, an incentive award program, an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance coverage, retirement plan with substantial company contribution, generous time-off schedules, training opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and certification support. We’ve been voted as a Best Places to Work employer and we value the safety of each of our team members through our robust safety training and celebration of safety milestones.

Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in the United States.
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, driving, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-employment drug testing will be required.