Operations Manager (Public Works)

City of St. Helena; St. Helena (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

City of St. Helena seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead Public Works operations, including water/wastewater systems, streets, parks, and fleet management.

You will supervise a diverse team, drive continuous improvement, and manage budgets while partnering with the Director of Public Works. This role requires strong leadership, analytical capability, and commitment to public service for residents and visitors.

Qualifications

• Formal education in public administration, engineering or related field is preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible supervisory/public works experience.
• Knowledge of water distribution/treatment, sewer collection/treatment, streets, parks, facilities, and fleet management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise, and direct Public Works operations and staff.
• Oversee water/wastewater treatment and distribution operations.
• Ensure high water quality and system reliability.
• Manage department budgeting and reporting.
• Lead continuous improvement and operational efficiencies.
• Coordinate staffing and training for public works teams.
• Advise Director on operating strategy and personnel matters.

Skills

Public works leadership

Budgeting and financial management

Staff supervision

Water/wastewater systems

Project management

SCADA familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration/Engineering or related field

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Take the lead in keeping St. Helena moving, thriving, and well-served. The City of St. Helena is seeking an experienced and collaborative Operations Manager to provide leadership and direction for the Public Works operations that our community relies on every day. As a full-service City, the Operations Manager is essential in leading the dedicated teams operating water/wastewater facilities, streets, parks, government buildings and fleet management. The City is undergoing critical organizational transitions which opens the door for this position to demonstrate leadership, operational expertise, change management and commitment to public service for the residents, businesses and visitors of St. Helena and make a lasting impact in the heart of Napa Valley.

DEFINITION:

Under the collaborative direction of the Director of Public Works /City Engineer, the Operations Manager manages operation services of the water distribution/treatment and system maintenance, sewer (collections/treatment), streets, garage, facilities, parks and public works support services. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory operations personnel, as well as professional, technical and support staff of operations. With the support of the Assistant Operations Manager performs a wide variety of professional, administrative, human resources, analytical and management support within assigned program areas; develops, implements and administers assigned program responsibilities, including budget preparation, financial management, reviews and processes invoices, conducts research; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Operations Manager is a mid-manager within City administration who reports to the Director of Public Works and is responsible for overseeing the City’s core Public Works operations, including water distribution and treatment, sewer collection and treatment, streets, garage/fleet, facilities, parks, and Public Works support services. The Operations Manager is expected to independently perform the full scope of operational, administrative, analytical, and management duties for assigned areas; lead and support continuous improvement of Public Works operations; participate in assigned administrative processes, procedures, and programs; and provide information and assistance to the public regarding assigned programs and services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Supervision received/exercised: Receives direction from Director of Public Works. Exercises direct supervision of operations staff and Assistant Operations Manager and indirect supervision over technical and office support staff.

• Plans, supervises, and directs the programs, projects, operations activities of the Public Works Department.
• Oversees and supports troubleshooting, evaluation, and continuous improvement of water and wastewater treatment processes to promote safe, reliable, efficient, and effective operations.
• Provides evaluation and strategy implementation related to water supply resiliency and sustainability.
• Provides evaluation and strategy implementation related to ensuring consistently high water quality is produced from the treatment plant and other sources.
• Provides capable water and wastewater system problem assessment, triage and directions toward sustainable resolutions.
• Provides direction related to the evaluation and implementation of repairs and maintenance of all city facilities and assets (e.g. government buildings, parks, fleet, etc.)
• Provides direction and input to the Assistant Operations Manager for the proper organization and staffing of the public works operations.
• Works with the Director of Public Works and Assistant Operations Manager in the establishment of department goals, strategies and priorities; develops and manages reengineering and continuous improvement processes.
• Receives administrative support to activities relating to the effective utilization of programs, projects, personnel, resources, facilities and equipment.
• Advises and make recommendations to the Director of Public Works on matters related to public works operation matters.
• Directly and/or through subordinates assigns work and provides direction to staff, evaluates staff performance, ensures desired staff performance levels are maintained, and participates in processing personnel actions.
• Ensures department operates in compliance with rules, regulations and policies.
• Provide leadership and uses appropriate coaching, supervisory, and evaluation techniques to facilitate continuous improvement and employee development.
• Oversees the preparation and administration of the department’s annual operation and capital improvement budget.
• Manages the preparation and maintenance of variety of technical and administrative reports, correspondence, and document related to public works operations.
• Manages selection, training and evaluation of personnel; established and monitors employee performance objectives; responsible for performance management of the public works operations.
• Advises and assists department supervisors and employees in a variety of human resource matters, including interpretation and application of personnel rules, administrative policies, memoranda of understandings, and the processing of employee grievances; assists with activities such as job classification and compensation plan, group benefits, recruitment, selection and employee records.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an Operations Manager. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of ten years of increasingly responsible experience providing supervision and management of various applicable public works operations and a high school diploma or equivalent. A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, engineering, or a related field is preferable.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license and at least two of the following within 12 months of assignment:
• Possession of a Grade 3 Collections System Maintenance certificate from the California Water Environment Association within one year of employment.
• Possession of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board within one year of employment.
• Possession of a Grade T2 certificate as a Water Treatment Plant Operator from the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• A Cross-Connection Control Specialist certificate.
• Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer, issues by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers. (highly desired)

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

(The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of:

Modern principles, practices and methods of public works operations management, program development and administration including areas including building maintenance, fleet services, and public works (streets and parks) maintenance functions and program areas. Modern principals of administrative and organizational analysis; public administration policies and procedures; principles of grant proposal writing and administration; research and reporting methods, techniques and procedures; principles of mathematics and statistical analysis; structure and organization of public sector agencies; principles and practices of public personnel administration, budget development and implementation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skill to:

Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, spreadsheet and other software applications.

Familiarity with heavy equipment (e.g. excavators, loaders, etc.); water/wastewater treatment, distribution and collections systems; and SCADA systems.