Utilities Operations & Maintenance Manager

Colonial Group; Lafayette (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lafayette, CO is seeking a leader to manage the operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, directing the Utilities Operations & Maintenance Division.

You will drive strategy, implement continuous improvement, oversee budgets, vendor performance, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Candidates should have an Associate Degree and relevant certifications, strong communication, and experience leading teams.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in engineering tech, construction management or related field.
• Colorado Class III Water Distribution and Class III Wastewater Collection certifications, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead, manage and organize work teams.
• Proficiency with asset management, work orders, GIS software.

Responsibilities

• Leads and manages the Utilities Operations & Maintenance Division.
• Develops the division strategy and policies.
• Oversees budgeting, vendor management, and contracts.
• Ensures safety compliance and emergency response readiness.
• Collaborates with other departments to meet objectives.
• Provides training and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Team management

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology/Construction Management

Colorado Class III Water Distribution Certification

Colorado Class III Wastewater Collection Certification

Tools

Asset management software

Work order systems

GIS

Job description

SUMMARY OR GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, to provide leadership and to manage the operation and maintenance of the City’s water distribution, wastewater collection, and underground stormwater conveyance systems. This position functions as a member of the Public Works Department leadership team and is responsible for developing the strategy for the Utilities Operations & Maintenance Division and managing a professional and accountable workgroup focused on continuous improvement and effective and efficient service to the public and internal customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

Leads and manages the Utilities Operations & Maintenance Division and work programs. This includes the following:

• Develops the overall strategy and direction for the division
• Creates and supports a culture of continuous improvement. Monitors the implementation and impact of continuous improvement efforts.
• Develops and implements division policies and procedures. Makes recommendations on department and organizational policies and procedures and ensures implementation within division.
• Collaborates with staff across the Public Works Department and City to develop and meet department and organizational objectives.
• Keeps director informed of progress, emerging issues, and resource needs.

Manages and supervises workgroup employees and supervisors in accordance with City policies and procedures. This includes the following:

• Executes the work of the division through workgroup supervisors.
• Communicates work plans and goals, monitors and reviews work to ensure quality, determines resource needs, provides feedback.
• Supports and mentors supervisors in guiding performance of staff.
• Provides periodic oversight of field work to ensure work quality, appropriate skill levels, effective resource utilization, and continuous improvement.
• Involves employees in decision making processes, seeks employee ideas.
• Leverages data and input from field staff and collaborates with supervisors to optimize work scheduling and resource utilization, achieve preventative maintenance and compliance goals, and effectively deliver programs and projects.
• Oversees recruiting, selection, onboarding and retention of division staff.
• Ensures employee policy compliance and performance, including overseeing performance reviews, corrective actions, and discipline.

Performs and manages administrative functions of the division including:

• Develops budget recommendations supported by data and analysis.
• Monitors division expenditures and budget.
• Verifies accuracy of financial documents including invoices, contracts, purchase orders, and payroll documents.
• Ensures division compliance with City financial policies.
• Directly manages vendor performance and relationships and works with supervisors to ensure effective vendor management. This includes ongoing analysis of vendor price-performance and ensuring that the City receives the best value from vendors.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals, competitive bid processes, and contracts.
• Develops recommendations for vehicle and equipment purchases.

Develops, monitors, and assesses division data, objectives, metrics, and measures including:

• Develops division objectives and success metrics.
• Determines division priorities in coordination with Public Works leadership team.
• Administers software systems, spreadsheets, and databases to track and analyze data.
• Leverages data and analytics to identify trends in maintenance and system performance and establish priorities that minimize system disruptions and emphasize proactive infrastructure optimization.
• Prepares reports, plans, strategies, and business cases based on data.
• Coordinates with Finance Department to ensure accuracy of water metering infrastructure.
• Makes recommendations to Engineering Division on capital projects.

Provides technical guidance, direction and training for division including:

• Develops and reviews on an ongoing basis the skill and training requirements for division staff. Analyzes work practices and procedures. Implements training programs and quality control practices.
• Maintains knowledge of regulations, standards, and industry best practices. Ensures compliance with applicable regulations.
• Collaborates with other divisions, departments, and agencies to share and leverage technical expertise.
• Provides recommendations to Engineering Division on specifications, regulations, and procedures.

Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers, including:

• Ensures safe and reliable Public Works infrastructure and services.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with the public. Represents the City during difficult situations such as water outages, sewer backups, floods, and winter storms.
• Keeps department and communications department staff apprised of potential customer service and communications concerns.
• Serves as an escalation point for division staff on difficult customer service issues.
• Ensures a high level of service to internal customers, including but not limited to emergency response, communication, and event support.

Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe conditions, acts accordingly to prevent accidents. This includes the following:

• Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, equipment, and the public.
• Uses all required safety equipment.
• Fosters a positive safety culture for the division and department.
• Identifies training needs and implements division training program.
• Investigates accidents and injuries. Collaborates with Risk Manager to analyze incidents and implement measures to avoid future accidents and injuries.

May serve as Acting Public Works Director in the director’s absence.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the Public Works Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Exercises supervision of the staff in the Utilities Division.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field and at least five years of relevant work experience involving operation, maintenance, and/or construction of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, stormwater systems; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Colorado Class III Water Distribution and Class III Wastewater Collection certification, or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public.

Proven ability to lead, manage and organize work teams.

Demonstrated ability and initiative to work independently with minimal supervision.

Demonstrated knowledge and proficient use of computers and associated software applications including asset management, work order systems, and GIS.

Demonstrated ability to develop budget proposals and manage budgets. Knowledge of safety issues related to Public Works operations and maintenance activities.

Ability to respond to emergency situations and outside of normal work hours.

Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Valid driver’s license.

Have and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record and criminal history record.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Certification as a Traffic Control Supervisor.

Experience with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitting. Certified and experienced as a heavy equipment operator.

Confined space certification.

Trenching and shoring certification.

Erosion and Sediment Control certification.

Backflow Prevention Certification.

Experience with winter operations including snow and ice management.

Bi-lingual in Spanish.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials.Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to work in an office setting and make routine visits to work sites requiring walking over rough surfaces, climbing or accessing confined spaces. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. Must be able to complete demanding emergency response tasks and direct the response of other employees and agencies while operating from a mobile setting. Must be able to provide clear and precise direction on required emergency response while remaining calm and professional.

Work Environment: Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment and makes routine visits to work sites, including outdoor sites in a variety of weather conditions and where there is exposure to open trenches, confined spaces, moving equipment, traffic, mechanical and electrical equipment, pressurized liquids and gasses, chemicals and open water. Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.

EQUIPMENT USED

City vehicles; standard office equipment and technology. May use or work around vehicles, tools, and heavy equipment associated with utilities operations and maintenance.