PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR (SANITATION)

City of Torrance; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Torrance in California is seeking a Public Works Supervisor for the Sanitation Services Division. The supervisor will oversee Wastewater and Street Sweeping operations, plan daily activities, and coordinate crews, equipment, and safety protocols.

Ideal candidate has a high school diploma with several years of related experience, supervisory background, and a valid California CDL with endorsements. This is a full-time, on-site role with opportunities to improve municipal services.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent; and three years of progressively responsible experience with at least two of the three years directly related to the assigned area of operation (Sanitation, Sewer and Wastewater)
• Formal technical training in a relevant field is preferred.
• One year of supervisory or lead work experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Wastewater Technicians and assigned crews; schedule daily operations and maintenance activities.
• Supervise street sweeping operations, including route assignments and public customer service.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repair; ensure safety practices and maintain records.

Skills

Wastewater systems

Street sweeping operations

Staff supervision

Public customer service

Safety practices

Map reading

Route planning

Education

High school diploma

Technical training

Job description

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Public Works Supervisor to be part of the Sanitation Services Team!

The Department

Public Works Department is responsible for providing the essential infrastructure needs of the City. The department is made up of over 200 employees who provide service to our residents, businesses, and other City departments to improve and maintain the City's streets, sidewalks, landscaping, traffic, sewers, and water system. The Department is comprised of five divisions: Engineering, Sanitation, Street Operations, Streetscape, and Water.

The Division

The Sanitation Services Division handles residential and City facility trash and recycling collection, street sweeping, sewer lines, and wastewater programs.

The Position

The current Public Works Supervisor vacancy oversees the Wastewater and Street Sweeping sections of the Sanitation Division. Reporting to the Sanitation Services Manager, the supervisor plans, prioritizes, and supervises the inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and repair of the City’s wastewater collection systems, storm drain facilities, and sewer lift and storm drain pumping stations. The position also supervises street sweeping operations, including route assignments, staff coordination, and public customer service.

The supervisor oversees Wastewater Technicians and assigned work crews; schedules daily operations and maintenance activities; assigns work and allocates personnel, equipment, materials, and supplies; and reviews work in progress and upon completion to ensure quality and adherence to safety practices.

The supervisor also coordinates crew responses to sewer and storm drain problems, including catch basin maintenance and storm-related flooding concerns. Additional responsibilities include training and evaluating staff, coordinating equipment maintenance and repair, addressing public inquiries and service requests, and preparing and maintaining operational and administrative records.

For more information about the duties of the position.

Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent; and three years of progressively responsible experience with at least two of the three years directly related to the assigned area of operation (Sanitation, Sewer and Wastewater)

Formal technical training in a relevant field is preferred.

One year of supervisory or lead work experience is preferred.

Licenses and/or Certificates

Requires a valid California Commercial Driver's License with appropriate endorsements.

Ideal Candidate

• Knowledge of methods, equipment, tools, and materials used to inspect, clean, maintain, and repair wastewater collection systems, storm drain facilities, and pumping stations;
• Ability to plan and prioritize preventive maintenance, repairs, and service requests and allocate staff and equipment effectively;
• Knowledge of supervision principles and practices, including staff training, performance evaluation, and employee development;
• Knowledge of safety hazards and safe work practices associated with wastewater operations, including confined spaces, exposure to sewage, equipment operation, and work in public streets;
• Ability to read and interpret sewer and storm drain system maps, work orders, and operating procedures;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate work activity, equipment, and maintenance records;
• Clear oral and written communication skills, sound judgment, and a strong customer service focus; and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, the public, contractors, and other public agencies.

Examination

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process. The examination will consist of:

Interview Panel weighted 100% (tentatively scheduled on 11/25/2026)

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

Positions under this classification perform "Safety Sensitive" functions as defined by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and are subject to Federal drug and alcohol testing. Pursuant to the US DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations – 49 CFR Part 40, Federal Regulations do not authorize the use of Schedule 1 drugs, including marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) products, for any reason.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s).

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.