WATER SUPERINTENDENT

City-of-Coachell; Coachella (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Coachella seeks an experienced Water Utilities Manager to plan, organize, and supervise maintenance and operations of water production, distribution, and related facilities. The role supports capital projects, budget administration, and interdepartmental coordination to ensure reliable water service.

The position requires extensive maintenance/repair background, strong supervisory skills, and ability to liaise with public agencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; college coursework in civil engineering, biology, chemistry, environmental compliance, public or business administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible water utility or public works maintenance experience; two (2) years of supervisory/administrative experience.
• Licenses and Certifications: valid CA driver license; valid Grade IV Water Distribution Operator Certificate; Cross Connection Control Specialist License (AWWA) within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, supervise, review, and evaluate maintenance and operations of water utilities and facilities.
• Participate in capital improvement planning and department budget administration.
• Direct staff; supervise contractors; ensure safety, compliance, and quality of work; coordinate with other divisions and outside agencies.

Skills

Supervision

Planning scheduling

Budgeting

Contract administration

Safety compliance

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree desirable

Job description

***DISCLAIMER: The City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the “Closing Date” of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

The finalist must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.

This position also participates in the DOT Random Drug/Alcohol Testing.

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned maintenance staff performing a wide variety of installation, maintenance, and repair activities on City water meters, hydrants, mains, valves, water pumping plant, and cross connection control devices, including long- and short-term project planning, design, and other programs; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Utilities Director and others in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Utilities Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over technical and maintenance staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of water utilities maintenance and operations staff either directly or through lead workers. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and operations of the assigned functional area, including participating in short- and long-term capital improvement planning and development and participates in the administration of departmental budgets, and various other projects and studies. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive maintenance and repair background as well as skill in coordinating work with that of other City departments and public agencies. This class is distinguished from the Utilities Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for all functions of the department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff in the maintenance and operations of water production and distribution systems and facilities; administers water metering and customer service field work, cross connection control, and hydrant and main line valve exercising programs.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned services and programs; identifies resource needs; recommends and implements policies and procedures, including standard operating procedures for assigned facilities.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of equipment and supplies; implements procedures and standards.
• Monitors operations and activities of the water utilities maintenance and operations work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for assigned operations, projects, and programs; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.
• Plans and lays out maintenance work projects; monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders supplies and tools as necessary; prepares documents for equipment procurement; participates in the bid process for maintenance and repair projects.
• Supervises the use of and operation of tools, equipment, and vehicles; ensures that tools, equipment and vehicles are safely operated, maintained, and secured when not in use; schedules the service, repair, and replacement of tools and equipment.
• Directs, coordinates, and oversees the maintenance and repair of water distribution main and lateral lines; monitors the preventive and corrective maintenance of all related equipment and facilities, including scheduled and emergency water service shut-downs.
• Inspects work in progress and completed work of assigned employees and contractors for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Inspects assigned City facilities and systems for safety violations; ensures that safety procedures are followed and that safety equipment is worn; makes periodic safety presentations to assigned staff.
• Assists with the maintenance and renewal of City permits required by regulatory agencies that allow the City's water utility to operate; investigates any non-compliance issues and recommends appropriate action for resolution.
• Assists in the design, engineering, construction, and field inspection processes for Capital Improvement Projects and private developments to ensure contractors' and developers' compliance with City standards; attends pre-construction meetings; performs detailed plan checks of construction and design.
• Performs the most complex water utilities maintenance and operations duties and provides technical assistance to crews.
• Troubleshoots complex operational and maintenance problems; corrects or directs the correction and repair of operational and/or equipment problems.
• Oversees the billing process; ensures that data submitted is correct; manages the reading and maintenance of water meters; and coordinates multiple phases of revenue collection.
• Directs, coordinates, and oversees water meter accuracy through meter purchasing, testing, and calibration.
• Coordinates assigned services and activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies.
• Provides staff assistance to the Utilities Director; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the preparation and maintenance of related reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Reviews all water quality and operational data; analyzes and evaluates data results; implements findings and takes corrective action, as necessary.
• Stays current on the status of new and pending regulatory legislation; recommends changes to current policies and procedures in order to comply with changes in legislation.
• Oversees safety programs and training for the assigned functional areas and work groups; assists in action planning for safety programs; implements and monitors risk management plans regarding hazardous materials; responds to workers' compensation issues.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates inquiries; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Responds to emergency situations as necessary.
• Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of water utilities maintenance and operations program development and administration.
• Principles, practices, equipment, tools, and materials of water utilities maintenance and process control.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines.
• Basic principles and practices of budget and capital improvement program development, administration and accountability.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.
• Safety principles, practices, and procedures of water utilities systems and facilities, including related equipment and hazardous materials.
• The operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Supervise, train, plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Organize, implement, and direct water utilities and related maintenance and operations activities.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and successfully communicate both orally and in writing, pertinent department policies and procedures.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, develop and present recommendations and justification for solution.
• Perform the most complex maintenance and operations duties and operate related equipment safely and effectively.
• Develop cost estimates for supplies and equipment.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized files, record keeping, and project management systems.
• Read, interpret, blueprints, maps, and specifications.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines as it pertains to water distribution.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High school diploma or GED supplemented by college-level coursework in civil engineering, biology, chemistry, environmental compliance, public or business administration, or a related field, and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water utility or public works maintenance, including two (2) years of supervisory and/or administrative experience. An Associate's degree in construction management, public works, business or public administration, or a related field is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
• Possess and maintain a valid Grade IV Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain,a valid Cross Connection Control Specialist License issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) within twelve (12) months of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work in and around water utilities systems and related facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work in and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees partly work in an office environment and partly work in and around public works utilities and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.