Water Distribution Supervising Operator bei City of Livermore, CA

About the Department

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution Supervising Operator.  This recruitment will be open until filled.  Therefore, apply early as recruitment may close at any time.  For additional information about the position, please refer to the job announcement.

DEFINITION

Under direction, plans, organizes and supervises the Water Section in the Water Resources Division of the Public Works Department; coordinates work activities with other sections/divisions/departments; provides leadership, coaching and mentoring to assigned staff; and performs other duties as assigned. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Distribution Supervising Operator has primary responsibility for supervising the day-to-day functions of the section staff and workload. It is distinguished from the Water Distribution Operations Manager in that the Manager is the designated “Chief Operator” and has responsibility for managing the entire section providing for the development and implementation of section goals and objectives, establishing performance standards, developing and administering policies, procedures and program, and administering the section’s budget. It is further distinguished from the Senior Water Distribution Operator which is a lead and advanced journey level classification in the water distribution operator series and does not have full supervisory responsibility. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direction is provided by the Water Distribution Operations Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides supervision to all water distribution personnel assigned to the section including Water Distribution Operators Trainees, I, II, III, and Senior Operators, and temporary employees assigned to the section.

Position Duties

Supervisory Functions

Provides daily supervision to assigned employees; participates in the hiring, training and evaluation of employees assigned to the section; plans, prioritizes, monitors, and reviews the work of staff assigned to a variety of water distribution system operations duties; develops schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner;  works with employees to correct deficiencies; and provides and coordinates staff training; calls in staff as needed; adjusts work assignments of staff as needed; monitors timecards and all employee leave; prepares performance evaluations; evaluates operations and maintenance activities of section; develops benchmark standards for performance measures and promotes continuous improvement; and enforces safety codes and work practices, including safety training of all staff. 

Operations and Maintenance Functions

Troubleshoots difficult and complex operational issues and resolves problems; performs comprehensive oversight of water distribution systems, and provides solutions; receives service requests and complaints from service users and the public, investigates and recommends or takes appropriate actions needed to respond; performs difficult and/or complex repair and maintenance work; operates mechanical and electrical equipment and related computerized and telemetry systems used in the control and monitoring of the flow amounts and reservoir levels; monitors gauges and meters and record meter readings; observes variations in operating conditions and adjust operations as appropriate; reviews manuals, diagrams, blueprints, and other equipment and system documentation; starts and stops electric driven pumps and motors to control and adjust flow, pressure and reservoir levels; inspects pump stations, power generators and all related facilities and equipment to assure effective operations are maintained; performs cross-connection control surveys, tests and inspection on potable and recycled water systems; identifies and diagnoses existing and potential repair requirements; prepares maintenance and repair service requests and recommends changes to preventive maintenance schedules and actions; assists external contractors and internal repair crews locate, evaluate, adjust, maintain, and replace equipment, systems, and facilities; follows Federal and State laws that govern the purveyance of potable and recycled water; ensures proper laboratory tests and reporting protocol are completed for water and recycled water distribution; works closely with field inspectors and contractors to ensure proper installation of distribution systems; and respond and make corrective action to water distribution system during off duty hours.

Administrative Functions

Participates in recommending and implementing section goals, objectives, performance standards, guidelines, and methods for assigned section; assists in the development, implementation, and administration of policies, procedures, and programs for the section; participates in department and City-wide committees; coordinates section activities with other sections, divisions or departments as well as external customers; monitors contracts and reviews work for City compliance; answers questions and provides information to the public and other City personnel; investigates operational complaints and recommends corrective action as necessary; implements, administers and maintains automated software systems related to operations; recommends annual equipment and material procurement to Water Distribution Operations Manager, Division Manager and Department head; implementation of improvements and modifications; prepares various reports on operations and maintenance activities; assists in the preparation and administration of the section’s budget; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations and purchases of equipment and vehicles; and submits justifications for expenditures, and monitors and administers expenditures.  

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training; current and advanced principles, practices, and equipment applied to potable and recycled water distribution; Federal, State and local legal and regulatory requirements and related technical terminology used in potable and recycled water distribution processes and regulatory activities; general intent and specific application of administrative operating policies and procedures common to municipal water agencies; general design, basic construction, assembly and operational norms of water distribution lines, pressure reducing valves, meters, power generators, pumps, and controls; specific safety practices applicable to all aspects of water distribution systems and repairs. 

Demonstrated Skills to:

Organize, implement and direct operations and maintenance activities; schedule, coordinate, supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; exercise diplomacy and tact in controversial situations; assist in the development and monitoring of the section’s budget; effectively work with regulatory agencies; assist in development of policies and procedures related to assigned operations and maintenance; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; perform mathematical calculations to estimate materials for jobs; observe, problem solve, and research operational and technical policy and procedures and make sound recommendations; establish and maintain effective working relationships; utilize basic computer skills; maintain required work logs, records and related operational and maintenance data; prepare clear and concise written reports; manage databases and programs for the assigned section; exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful and effective customer service attitude with all who are contracted in the course of the work; perform the most difficult and complex duties related to operation, maintenance and repair of a municipal water distribution system; evaluate problem equipment and operational systems, on a continuous basis; implement and comply with safety rules; identify safety hazards; interpret work orders; take water samples and perform standard laboratory tests; observe, interpret, and record measurements indicated on gauges, meters, and similar measuring devices; perform general maintenance on water distribution equipment and facilities; evaluate emergency situations and initiate timely corrective action; interpret and understand the contents of technical manuals, drawings, specifications, blueprints, layouts, and schematics; prepare summary or detailed reports involving narrative comment and statistical and financial data; instruct and train others in specific policies and procedures used in water distribution and equipment operations; perform basic mathematical calculations common to the work; and operate pump station control equipment, and safety devices. 

Ability to:

Learn, interpret and apply City, department and division rules, regulations, policies and practices; establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers at all levels of the organization; and exhibit and instill in co-workers a high customer service priority. 

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience: Four years of experience in water distribution and operations performing California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Distribution Operator Grade III duties, with at least two years of lead level experience similar to a Water Distribution Senior Operator.  

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by specialized training or college coursework related to water distribution operation and maintenance.

Training:   Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs, which are relevant to this job classification.

Certification: Requires possession and maintenance of a California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Distribution Operator Grade IV Certificate, a SWRCB Water Treatment Grade I Certification and an American Water Works Association (AWWA) Cross-Connection Control Specialist Certification at time of appointment. A SWRCB Water Treatment Grade II Certificate is required prior to the completion of the probationary period. 

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City of Livermore.  

Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; work outdoors in all weather conditions; work at night, in confined and awkward spaces, in heavy traffic, and in the presence of noxious odors, toxic chemicals, biological agents, and sewage; work in potentially hazardous areas; wear and use appropriate safety clothing and equipment, including self-contained breathing devices; and attend meetings, workshops, and seminars during work and non-work hours.

Special Requirements: Essential duties require the mental and physical ability to drive and operate equipment; detect odors and running water; identify mechanical noises; converse on the telephone, two-way radio, and in person, often over the noise of machinery; bend, stoop, climb, and stand for long periods of time; read fine print with no color deficiencies to detect color-coded wires and read results of water color tests; manipulate small parts and components; safely lift and maneuver equipment and supplies such as fire hydrants, water meters, grates, large PVC pipe, wire spools, meter boxes, jackhammers, and other equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds; and safely wear self-contained breathing apparatus while entering and working in confined spaces.

Other Qualifications

The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.