THE POSITION:
The Opportunity:
Are you a proactive leader dedicated to protecting the environment and sustainability? Do you have a proven track record in managing, directing, and integrating the planning, budget, maintenance, operation, and personnel of a composting operation? If you're passionate about making a difference and leading a team towards a greener future, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency has an exciting opportunity to join as the Manager of Regional Composting Authority. You will collaborate closely with the partnering agencies and communities to plan, organize, control, integrate, and evaluate the work of the Organics Management Unit.
Here at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, we are a leader in water management and environmental stewardship. We strive to produce high-quality renewable products such as recycled water and top-quality compost to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout our region. Our values go beyond just protecting the resources and the communities we serve. We are committed to applying ethical, transparent, and environmentally sustainable principles to all aspects of business and organizational conduct. We recognize that our commitment to the community starts with our employees. To ensure that our staff are able to continue to perform at a high level and provide unparalleled services throughout our service area, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance.
Here are a few ways the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is committed to helping you feel your best, work your best, and live your best while working with us:
- A 4-day work week with remote hybrid work schedules for some positions
- Competitive vacation and sick time in addition to 9 agency paid holidays
- 10 Floating Holidays per fiscal year (prorated upon hire)
- $300 Monthly Vehicle Allowance
- Education Reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year
- Professional Development Stipend of $1,000 per fiscal year
- Wellness Stipend of $500 per fiscal year
- Basic life Insurance Coverage provided
- 457b Deferred Compensation Contribution
- Interest free loan for a computer purchase up to $3,000
- A pension through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Generous employer monthly health benefit allowances to go towards the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance
There is (1) vacancy in the Operations and Maintenance Department
This recruitment is being conducted to fill (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.
Salary Range: UN 192
FLSA: Exempt
Probationary Period: At-Will
Under general direction, plans, organizes, integrates and directs the work of the Inland Empire Regional Composting Authority (IERCA); manages the day-to-day operations of the Authority’s composting facilities and related equipment; directs and supervises employees responsible for the production and sale of compost and the maintenance of associated facilities and equipment; acts as Project Manager and as an officer of the IERCA Board; provides expert professional assistance and guidance to leadership on regional, state and national biosolids and composting issues to the IEUA Board, the Deputy General Manager, and unit leadership; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Manager of Regional Composting Authority is responsible for managing, directing and integrating the planning, budgeting, maintenance, operation and personnel of the Agency’s composting operation. This single-incumbent class also acts as Project Manager for IERCA, which is a Joint Powers Authority, and provides reports and recommendations to the IERCA Board as well as to Agency leadership. Work is broad in scope and requires seasoned judgment and a high degree of initiative and independence.
Employees in this class typically report to the Director of Operations and Maintenance and direct the work of subordinate supervisors and employees responsible for plant operations, plant maintenance and compost sales.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the Organics Management Unit; with supervisors and staff, develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives; contributes to the development of and monitors performance against the annual unit budget; supervises and participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.
Manages the performance of unit staff; interviews and selects new staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; hears grievances and makes recommendations; subject to leadership concurrence, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Agency human resources policies and labor contract agreements.
Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the unit’s and the Agency’s mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.
Participates in the formulation and implementation of unit policy, planning and strategic development; leads and directs staff and outside consulting resources in the development and application of new methods and processes to achieve higher efficiency, quality and innovation in unit work processes.
Through subordinate supervisors, plans, organizes, assigns and coordinates the composting plant operations, including compost production, facility, equipment and instrumentation maintenance and the sale of compost product.
Plans, organizes, assigns and coordinates the composting facility operations, including transportation of biosolids produced by Agency operations, acquisition of amendment and raw materials needed for commercial compost, compost production and maintenance of composting facilities, equipment and instrumentation.
Consults with other managers and supervisors regarding equipment overhaul, maintenance, repair and upgrades; develops and implements plans to accomplish the highest level of employee safety and reliability of the facility and related systems in a cost-effective manner; monitors and evaluates the quality of operation, maintenance and repair projects/activities.
Integrates new work practices, technology and systems to enhance productivity; periodically reviews and evaluates required inspection and maintenance programs to ensure compliance with regulatory operation permits, rules and regulations.
Directs sales and marketing planning and activities; evaluates markets and market conditions; sets pricing for compost products; assists or leads negotiations and contracting of large sales and partnerships.
Directs the delivery and tracking of mandated certification programs, specialized skills training and mandated safety policy and procedures training.
Directs the inspection and approval of the work of contractors and crews for completeness, accuracy and regulatory compliance; inspects jobs and facilities to ensure policies and procedures are adhered to and conditions are safe for staff and the public.
Directs response to and recovery of service during emergencies, as well as planned and unplanned production stoppages; oversees and approves overtime work; acts as liaison with other IEUA units, Agency leadership, elected officials and other utilities.
Plans, organizes and conducts management and program analyses relating to compost production; identifies problems, determines analytical techniques and statistical and information-gathering processes and obtains necessary information and data for analysis; analyzes alternatives and makes recommendations; discusses findings with leadership and subordinates; prepares reports of study conclusions; develops implementation plans and directs implementation; writes reports, recommended policy change documents and presentation materials for leadership.
Attends and participates in industry conferences and meetings; stays current on composting technology, best practices and regulatory environments; reviews changes in regulations to evaluate the impact of proposed changes on current operations and the unit’s bottom line.
As Project Manager for the IERCA, prepares summaries of operations, recommendations and requests for approval for enhancements and changes to operations, budgets and major expenditures; interprets IERCA Board and IEUA Board instructions and requests; implements Authority plans, policies and procedures; interprets applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance; ensures the custody, protection and classification of all official records; directs the preparation of meeting agendas and the recording of meeting minutes; on behalf of the Agency, coordinates Joint Powers Agreement with the County Sanitation Districts of LA County (CSDLAC).
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in engineering, environmental sciences or related field, and at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in operations or maintenance at a composting facility, large wastewater and/or biosolids processing facility, at least two of which were at a supervisory level; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.
LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency’s vehicle insurance program.
Within three (3) months of hire, promotion, or advancement and during the course of employment, obtain and maintain the following certification:
Weigh Master Certificate
Within twelve (12) months of hire, promotion, or advancement and during the course of employment, obtain and maintain one of the following certifications:
Certified Compost Operations Manager (CCOM)
Certified Composting Professional (CCP)
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles, theories, operational requirements, standards and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of a compost production facility.
Practices, uses, classifications and requirements of compost, soils and fertilizers.
Principles, practices, methods and techniques of public and private sales and marketing procedures and strategies including evaluating markets and setting prices.
US Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance Program (STA) tests, requirements and standards.
Facility permit conditions and discharge limits including those associated with emissions and with sewage discharge and disposal.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and procedures including those established by the Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Federal and state regulations regarding the production, sale and uses of composted organic and biosolid materials.
Applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations [including OSHA rules and regulations if applicable].
Research methods and statistical analysis techniques.
Principles and practices of effective management with an organization-wide perspective.
Principles and practices of organization and culture change.
Principles and practices of sound business communications.
Agency human resources policies and labor contract provisions.
Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.
ABILITY TO:
Lead people in a manner that promotes accountability, employee engagement, staff development, respect, and collaboration.
Manage the performance of staff by coaching for performance.
Effectively and professionally work with a diverse group of staff and community members.
Plan and direct the activities of the sales and production of compost and the maintenance of facilities, equipment and machinery used in the process.
Direct the operation, maintenance and repair of composting facilities, machinery and equipment.
Be present onsite at Agency locations during the normal business hours.
Be physically present at non-Agency locations including, but not limited to, member agencies, conferences, and other work-related events that occur offsite.
Evaluate emergency conditions and take immediate corrective action.
Maintain and enforce current safety regulations and safe work practices.
Organize work schedules to ensure sufficient coverage to operate the composting facility.
Work in an environment with odors from the compost process.
Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.
Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex sales, operations and maintenance issues.
Work collaboratively with other directors and managers and provide expert advice and counsel to develop solutions to complex issues.
Organize, set priorities and exercise expert independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls.
Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances.
Represent the Agency effectively with customers, elected and appointed officials, vendors, contractors and other agencies.
Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.
Operate a computer and use standard business software.
Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
SELECTION PROCESS:
All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical and/or agility examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1645 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".
