Operations Supervisor

American Water Works Association; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Works Association is seeking an Operations Supervisor to oversee day-to-day activities of Systems Operators, Maintenance Crews, and Electrical Technicians at multiple facilities. The role focuses on safe, reliable water production, storage, treatment, and distribution.

Under the Manager of Operations, you will drive SCADA-enabled performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead continuous improvement through SOPs, budgeting, and coordination with Planning, Engineering, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent course work in engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or related field is preferred.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience is desirable.
• Possession of relevant water distribution/operator certifications is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates the operation of a water distribution system on a 24-hour, 7-day basis.
• Uses SCADA software to manage plant equipment, maintain water quality, and minimize outages.
• Collaborates with EH&S to ensure safety programs and compliance.
• Develops and revises SOPs for administration, system operation, maintenance, and electrical control.
• Inspects facilities for regulatory and standards compliance and takes corrective action.
• Directs projects to improve equipment, water quality, and service continuity.
• Supervises water quality procedures including flushing, boosting, and sampling.
• Coordinates with external contractors and internal teams on capital projects.
• Prepares reports, budgets, and performs data analysis.

Skills

Supervisory principles

Safety practices

SCADA knowledge

Reading drawings

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science or related field

Water distribution/operator certification desirable

2+ years supervisory experience desirable

Tools

SCADA software

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software

MS Excel/Word

Job description

Under the supervision of the Manager of Operations, the Operations Supervisor directly supervises and has responsibility for the day-to-day activities of Systems Operators, Maintenance Crews, and Electrical Technicians performing a wide variety of water production, storage treatment, and distribution functions at a number of facilities; and performs other related work and analysis as required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates the operation of a water distribution system on a 24-hour, 7-day basis.
• Uses supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software to efficiently manage the operation of plant equipment, maintain system water quality, and minimize customer outages and impacts.
• Works closely with EH&S Team for policy implementation, training, hazard identification, risk mitigation, and incident response to ensure that the Company’s environmental health and safety programs are followed in order to maintain safe working conditions.
• Develops and reviews standard operating procedures in the areas of general administration, distribution system operation, preventative maintenance, plant equipment, chemical systems, and electrical/control systems.
• Periodically inspects equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory, maintenance, and organizational standards. Reports on observed deficiencies and takes prompt corrective action.
• Directs projects and programs to improve plant equipment, system water quality, customer service, and business continuity.
• Directly or indirectly supervises various water quality procedures including flushing, boosting, and sampling.
• Works with outside contractors and uses internal resources to accomplish tasks.
• Collaborates effectively with other workgroups throughout the organization. Provides support for Planning, Engineering, and Construction on large capital improvement projects.
• Reviews reports, records, and design drawings for accuracy and seeks opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Prepares daily and monthly reports, budgeting forms, and other written assignments. Performs data analysis and general administrative duties.
• Conducts hiring interviews, observes staff performance, and prepares written performance reviews.
• Interacts with customers and responds to inquiries regarding water service, system operation, and water quality. Takes corrective actions to resolve deficiencies and provides excellent customer service.
• Evaluates current practices related to distribution system operation and water quality and makes improvements to increase levels of service.
• Coordinates directly or indirectly with local city, state, and federal agencies to meet regulations and maintain compliance.
• Participates in an on-call rotation, providing after-hours operational support, emergency response, and decision-making to maintain safe and reliable system operations.
• Utilizes new technologies to improve workflows and/or resolve problems.
• Completes department-oriented goals and objectives annually.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Supervisory principles and practices.
• Safety practices in the operation of pumping, production, and storage facilities.
• Principles, practices, methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the operation and maintenance of potable water treatment systems and associated transmission and distribution facilities.
• Water quality samplings processes and procedures.
• Planning and scheduling construction and maintenance activities of electrical, mechanical, and water pipeline infrastructure.
• Experience using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software.
• Ability to interpret plant, piping, distribution, and engineering drawings.
• Resourcefulness, initiative, and independent judgement, particularly during emergencies.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet varied and changing operational needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and staff.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to utilize spreadsheet and word processing software to conduct detailed analysis and reporting.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent course work in electrical/civil/mechanical engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field is preferred.
• Additional experience is desirable as either (1) an operator in responsible charge of a water filtration plant of distribution system operations, or (2) an engineer or other professional with responsible charge over water treatment and distribution activities.
• Possession of a SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 certification is preferred, and candidate must make satisfactory progress toward possession of Grade D5 after appointment to this position.
• State Water Resources Control Board Grade T2 is desirable.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience is desirable.

Other Requirements

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Willingness to be on-call for emergencies after normal business hours.