Description
is hiring an
UTILITY MANAGER
The City of La Verne is seeking a dedicated water/utility management professional to join our dynamic Public Works. This position enjoys a 4 day, 36 hour work week, Monday - Thursday (every Friday off)
WORKING FOR THE CITY OF LA VERNE:The Public Works Department performs a variety of services that are of vital importance to the city. The department provides services ranging from street services to maintenance of the City’s fleet of vehicles to water and sewer services.
ABOUT THE POSITION: The Utilities Manager directs, manages, supervises and coordinates the activities and operations of the water and sewer utility divisions within the Public Works Department including the production, treatment, and distribution of water, meter reading, sewer system operations and maintenance. This position coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative and technical support to the Director of Public Works. Administrative direction is provided by the Public Works Director.
Responsibilities of the Utilities Manager include direct and indirect supervision of water and sewer division personnel as well as oversight of operational and CIP contractors and consultants. This position may also assume the duties of the Director of Public Works during an absence of the Director.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:The ideal candidate for the Utilities Manager position should be detail-oriented, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively. Beyond foundational knowledge of water distribution and treatment and sewer conveyance, the ideal Utilities Manager will have extensive experience leading teams, administering budgets, and managing the administrative functions of a complex Division. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Teams is essential, as well as good communication skills to facilitate smooth interactions with management, city officials, various agencies and departments. Dependability and adaptability are also key traits, as the role may require frequent shifts in direction and priorities. A commitment to professionalism and a focus on the details of work will contribute to success in this position.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please complete a thoughtful, thorough Supplemental Questionnaire submission. As part of the selection process, your responses to these questions will be scored using criteria specific to this position. Incomplete responses, or responses such as "See Resume" can result in disqualification from the selection process. Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process that may consist of an application and supplemental questionnaire review, followed by department selection interviews.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process will include a qualifications assessment and may also include an application and supplemental questionnaire review, followed by department selection interviews.
All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.
For more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact Katovia Reeves at kreeves@cityoflaverne.org.
Examples of Duties
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the water and sewer divisions including operation and maintenance of the water production and distribution systems, meter reading; ensure adequate water supply for the City.
- Manage and participate in the development and implementation of objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
- Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
- Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for operations and maintenance staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Oversee the daily operations of meter reading services.
- Review plans for development and capital improvement projects; evaluate the location of water tanks, fire hydrants and water meters.
- Attend preconstruction meetings to discuss technical issues and ensure city standards are enforced; coordinate with public works and associated inspectors to review construction projects daily.
- Develop bid specifications for projects and the purchase of equipment.
- Select, train, motivate and evaluate operations and maintenance personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
- Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the divisions' annual budgets; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
- Develops and negotiates contracts and agreements with outside agencies relative to water and/or wastewater resources and compliance.
- Serve as the liaison for the water and sewer divisions with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
- Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
- Provide responsible staff assistance to the Director of Public Works.
- Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations and operational studies; recommend modifications to water and sewer division programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of water distribution system operations; maintenance and development.
- Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Perform related duties as required.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles of water and wastewater utility organization and management.
- Principles and practices of water and sewer system development, operation and maintenance and construction.
- Operation and maintenance methods/techniques as applied to municipal water supply and distribution and wastewater collections.
- Laboratory procedures used in conducting water quality tests.
- Principles and practices of program development and administration.
- Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
- Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
- Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
- Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
- Methods and techniques of bid specification writing for projects and equipment.
Ability to:
- Oversee and participate in the management of comprehensive water and sewer systems.
- Plan, organize and direct the work of water and sewer systems operations.
- Oversee, direct and coordinate the work of subordinate staff.
- Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
- Participate in the development and administration of divisions' objectives and procedures and develop related policies.
- Ensure adequate water supply for the City.
- Maintain complex infrastructure mapping systems.
- Prepare compliance reports for local, state and federal agencies.
- Develop bid specifications for projects and the purchase of equipment.
- Read and review engineering plans and specifications.
- Prepare and administer large program budgets.
- Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
- Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
- Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience and Education
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Five years of increasingly responsible water system operation, maintenance and development experience including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Education
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, public administration or a related field.
License or Certification
Possession of, and ability to maintain:
A valid California State Class C driver's license.
Certification as a California Department of Health Services Grade 4 Water Distribution Operator.
Certification as a California Department of Health Services Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Ability to operate a computer, calculator, telephone, and portable radio.
- Ability to move from one point to another in the course of doing business.
- Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
- Ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.
- Ability to understand and verbally respond to public and staff requests for assistance, both on the telephone and in person.
- Ability to sit for up to two hours at a time.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Have the stamina to work in severe weather during regular work schedules and beyond in the event of emergencies.
Supplemental Information
LA VERNE - THE CITY, A WONDERFUL CITY TO CALL HOME
The City of La Verne strives to maintain a full range of efficient municipal services to preserve our hometown charm and quality of life while being responsive to the community's current and emerging needs. La Verne is a city of more than 30,000 residents and a well-balanced community with a good mix of residential, commercial, and industrial features. La Verne maintains a council-manager form of government. Residents in five districts elect their district council member to represent them and oversee a total annual budget of over $71 million. The five council members select a mayor amongst themselves. La Verne is a close-knit community that is home to many fine institutions and facilities which include the University of La Verne (founded in 1891), Brackett Field Airport, and public and private schools. As one of the more desirable communities in metropolitan Southern California, La Verne is a progressive city that has retained much of its small town charm. The City is interested in hiring an individual who exemplifies the values that make La Verne a safe, desirable, and engaged place to live.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The City is interested in hiring an individual who exemplifies the values that make La Verne a safe, desirable, and engaged place to live.
The City reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration who demonstrate the best qualifications match for the position. Meeting the required minimum qualifications does not guarantee an applicant an invitation to the next step(s) in the selection process. Those candidates whose experience and training most closely match the City's needs may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a combination of written exercise, panel interview, or other testing deemed appropriate.
Prior to hire, successful candidates will also be required to undergo a medical examination (including drug screen), and credit and criminal reviews. Appointments are subject to a 12-month probationary period.
Primary communication regarding applicant status relative to this recruitment will be by e-mail; applicants are solely responsible for monitoring their e-mail communication messages and systems. Applicants are solely responsible for informing the City of changes in contact information, including but not limited to e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, post office boxes, and telephone numbers.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As required by state law, the City provides consideration for veterans who served during military actions. Eligible veterans should notify Personnel in writing at the time of application.
Under Federal law, employees must contribute 1.45% of their gross monthly earnings for Medicare coverage. The City will match the employee's contribution.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special assistance to participate in this recruitment is needed, contact the Personnel Office.
The City recruits and hires without regard to race, color, religion, physical ability or condition, sexual orientation, gender, age, or national origin, except in those specific instances whereby a bona fide occupational qualification demands otherwise.
The City of La Verne hires only United States citizens or lawfully authorized aliens.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without further notice.
The City of La Verne is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.