Job Abstract

Walnut Valley Water District is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the position of Operations Manager.

The District
At Walnut Valley Water District, we believe in putting people first. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while striving for excellence in everything we do. Our vision statement, “Shared Values, Shared Results,” reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and success. As a member of our team, you’ll not only be part of a dedicated workforce but also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth.

Under the administrative direction of the Director of Operations; to assist and support in all aspects and functions associated with the coordination and direction of Field Operations including water distribution, domestic and recycled water functions, Field Service divisions, Production, and Storage, to participate in the operation and maintenance of the District's pumping, SCADA, production, storage, water quality, cross-connection and recycled water distribution systems, and to do related work as required.

• Assists and supports the Director of Operations in the direction and coordination of all field operations, including the maintenance and operation of distribution, production, and storage systems, meter reading, and consumer service field.
• May assume responsibility for all field and production operations when designated by, or in the absence of, the Director of Operations.
• Participates in departmental, management, or other related meetings providing pertinent department information.
• Provides direct support and assistance to the Director of Operations with the coordination and direction of the District's domestic and recycled water functions.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the operation and maintenance of the District’s domestic and recycled production and storage facilities.
• Oversees water quality, inspection, and cross connection control programs.
• Assists the Director of Operations with long-range planning of District maintenance, construction, and operations functions.
• Makes spot inspections of work in progress, pump plants, and storage facilities to ensure proper utilization of staff and equipment.
• Assists with the general coordination of operations activities with other departments.
• Periodically reviews and evaluates power consumption of District pumping facilities to reduce costs and raise efficiency.
• Consults with the Director of Operations in preparation of data for approval of plans for work affecting District facilities.
• Oversees and participates in developing project plans for system improvements on existing facilities or temporary systems; works with District inspectors to minimize system disruptions to any of the distribution systems.
• Monitors and controls the operation of water production systems, including chemical feeding equipment and utilization of the SCADA system, filtration equipment, reservoirs, and/or storage tanks; compiles and maintains statistical data; prepares various reports on operations and activities.
• Directs, coordinates, and oversees the maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment such as pumps, chlorinators, and metering devices; monitors the preventative and corrective maintenance of all plant equipment; directs the installation, operation, and maintenance of the computer telemetry system.
• Oversees the operation, treatment, maintenance, and repair of reservoirs, treatment plants, and import stations to ensure facilities provide safe, reliable water supplies at the proper pressures and capacities; directs water system treatment operations based on lab test results, demands, and other factors.
• Oversees and directs the activities and functions of the Water Quality division, including complex chemical, bacteriological, and physical analysis of water and periodic reporting.
• Manages the development and implementation of projects and programs to promote compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and statutes affecting the water quality and environmental regulations of the District.
• Ensures appropriate permits and Underground Service Alerts (USA) notifications have been obtained before the start of projects; assists with planning and coordinating projects with the general public, other department personnel, contractors, and other agencies.
• Investigates and resolves reported incidents of problems with the distribution system, including water quality issues and system maintenance.
• Monitors, inspects, and evaluates the performance of contractors engaged in road repairs and paving, pipeline repair, large meter testing and repair, and automatic control valve repaid; ensures contractor performance complies with contract provisions, specifications, and standards.
• Supervises the preparation of cost estimates for the repair, replacement, maintenance, and operations of all District water facilities including, but not limited to, reservoirs, booster stations, and equipment.
• Participates in the development of emergency response planning and protocol for water systems.
• Maximizes the use of the SCADA system to check reservoir levels, station operations, and distribution flow to ensure the proper functioning of water facilities.
• Operates the SCADA system; supervises, develops, and implements modifications to computer generated reports and displays.
• Orders water based on demand and usage patterns; moves water between systems to meet actual and predicted demand; maintains a daily diary of operations; responds to emergencies as needed; prepares a variety of reports as requested by the Director of Operations.
• Works closely with the Engineering Department to ensure that new equipment is compatible with existing systems and that instrumentation at new sites is adequate to system needs; helps plan and execute special flow and diversion tactics to implement unusual requirements; interacts closely with contractors on major repairs.
• Reviews project plans and drawings as submitted from the District's Engineering Department and makes recommendations based on field observations and operational experience.
• Reviews District Water Master Plan, Rules and Regulations, and other documents and recommends changes and corrections to the Director of Operations as needed.
• Assists with data acquisition and preparation of exhibits that detail the District's monthly operations and water production activities.
• Coordinates and schedules repairs and routine preventive maintenance for District buildings,
• Assists with the operation and monitoring of the District's computerized SCADA system.
• Coordinates the purchase of tools, equipment, and stock inventory as needed.
• Contacts vendors regarding prices, discounts, product availability, deliveries, and product problems, and approves and authorizes payment to vendors as needed.
• Solicits bids for vehicles and equipment when appropriate and schedules the sale of surplus equipment and vehicles as authorized.
• Assists with the preparation and administration of departmental budget.
• Prepares employee performance and development plans on a regular basis. Plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives; supervises and participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.
• Confers with and advises the Director of Operations on purchasing needs.
• Establishes and maintains a variety of records and files.
• Performs special projects as delegated by the Director of Operations.
• Assists the Director of Operations in the resolution of departmental concerns.
• Maintains good employee relations.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the performance of assigned 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; recommends disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the District’s Terms and Conditions of Employment.
• Standard knowledge of grant application processes and ability to develop written project summaries, descriptions, budget proposals, and timelines.

• Operates District vehicles in conducting District business.
• Communicates orally with District management, co-workers, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one, and group settings.
• Regularly uses a telephone for communication.
• Uses a two-way radio for communication.
• Uses office equipment such as computers and copiers.
• Must be able to carry, push, pull, reach, and lift objects and materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequently walks on uneven terrain, in an outdoor environment, inspecting District facilities and field operations.
• Sits for extended time periods.
• Hearing and vision within normal ranges.

• Distribution, production, storage, and recycled water system construction, maintenance, and repair methods and techniques.
• Principles, methods, and practices used in communications-control equipment installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Principles, methods, and practices used in cross-connection control.
• Practices and procedures of traffic control.
• Principles, methods, and practices of automotive and construction equipment operation, use, maintenance, and repair.
• Principles, methods, and practices used in water service installation, maintenance, and repair work.
• Geography of meter reading routes and location of meters and operational characteristics of meter reading devices.
• Principles, methods, and practices used in pump plant operations, maintenance, and construction work.
• Knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) laws and mandates.
• Principles, methods, and practices used in water and irrigation system maintenance, operations, and construction work.
• Principles and practices of utilities maintenance and operations including water production, water distribution, water quality, and field operations.
• Water distribution and treatment operations systems, including pumps, chlorinators, telemetry, pressure reducing stations and other components related to the flow and chlorination of water.
• Principles of mechanics, electronics, hydraulics and telemetry as well as modern water treatment and distribution principles, methods and practices.
• Principles and practices of water quality assurance and control testing and analysis.
• Principles, practices, equipment, tools, and materials of water system production maintenance and process control.
• Principles and practices of SCADA systems and operations.
• Principles and practices used in the maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic equipment and systems including control systems, SCADA system, instrumentation and electric motors.
• Advanced operating and maintenance characteristics of various flow control and pressure valves.
• Advanced materials, methods, techniques, and terminology used in operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems related to the District’s water production facilities.
• Principles and practices used in the maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic equipment and systems including control systems, SCADA system, instrumentation, and electric motors.
• Water treatment systems and techniques and associated materials and equipment.
• Methods and techniques of performing preventative maintenance including preventative maintenance inspection methods.
• Rules, regulations, and codes applicable to District maintenance, operations, and construction functions.
• Inventory control and warehousing methods.
• Principles of budget development and expenditure control.
• Proper use of the tools, materials, and equipment used to accomplish assigned duties or projects.
• Principles of supervision, training, employee development and management.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• District policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Rules and regulations required to work safely and efficiently.
• Computer hardware and software programs and operations.

• Plan, organize, manage, and administer the maintenance, construction, and operations functions of the District.
• Ensure the proper maintenance, construction, operation, and repair of District equipment and facilities.
• Oversee and participate in the management of water production activities.
• Operate and monitor a computerized SCADA system.
• Determine and forecast water demands and ordering supplies sufficient to meet District needs.
• Move water within the system to meet District needs.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures, including safety around work areas in high traffic.
• Identify meter discrepancies or malfunctions.
• Effectively utilize a variety of computerized equipment and software including standard office applications and specialized technical applications such as GIS.
• Develop and control budgets.
• Coordinates assigned activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Provides staff assistance to the Director of Operations; conducts a variety of studies and investigations; develops and recommends modifications to water production programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of water production and quality; directs and participates in the incorporation of new developments into program areas, as appropriate.
• Reads, understands, and ensures compliance with the District Safety Manual; attends safety meetings; reports all accidents, violations or infractions to the Director of Operations and the Director of Administrative Services.
• Appraise operating performance and take corrective actions.
• Participate actively in addressing issues of concern to the District.
• Analyze and resolve problems.
• Issue, receive, and comprehend oral and written communications.
• Communicate diplomatically and knowledgeably with other departments, District officials, the general public and outside agencies.
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, District staff or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and reports.
• Drive a vehicle safely.

Desirable Education & Experience
Any combination of education and experience, which would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities, is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Water Works Management or a related field. Formal coursework or related work experience in water works, SCADA, or engineering experience.

Experience:
5 - 8 years experience in all aspects of water distribution, production, storage, and consumer service. At least 3 years in a Supervisor role.

Certification

• SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certificate required at time of hire.
• SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D4 Certificate must be obtained within 18 months following appointment.
• SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 Certificate required.
• SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D5 Certificate desired.

• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical, including a pulmonary function test.
• Must pass periodic medical re-evaluations determining fitness for respirator use and be clean shaven when wearing a respirator.
• Valid California Driver's License - Class "C". Must maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Reliable telephone in service at all times.
• Reliable personal transportation.
• Must reside within a 30-minute response time to the District (under normal driving conditions).

Overtime Assignments
The purveyance of water is a vital service to the community and as such requires the availability of District personnel at all times. Consequently, Operations employees, including the Operations Manager, will be required to respond to emergency calls, accept periodic overtime assignments, and perform any and all other duties deemed necessary by the District. Lacking a bona fide excuse satisfactory to the District, a failure to report when called could result in termination.

Fair Labor Standards Act
For the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Operations Manager shall be considered a Mid-Management "exempt" position.

“AT WILL” EMPLOYMENT
This is an “at will” position without expectation of indefinite employment and may be terminated at any time without cause within the total discretion of the appointing authority.