Water Utility Operations Manager

This is responsible managerial, administrative, and technical work in directing the functions and activities of the operations section for a Class A municipal water system. The work involves directing and supervising all phases of water distribution system operations, including maintenance, repair, replacement and relining of water mains, water service lines, valves, and hydrants; repair, maintenance, and security of Utility properties, facilities, standby and emergency generators, and pumping equipment; and writing specifications and directing the competitive bidding process for Utility vehicles and equipment. Work is characterized by a high degree of judgment, discretion and initiative in planning for, coordinating, and implementing assigned programmatic responsibilities. This position serves on the Utility's Management Team, planning and implementing Utility policies, emergency response procedures, capital improvements, operational improvements, service and system improvements, and safety procedures. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Water Utility General Manager.

IMPORTANT: THERE ARE TWO (2) SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY QUESTIONS ON THE JOB POSTING.

YOU MUST ATTACH YOUR ANSWERS IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION. YOU MUST ALSO ATTACH A COVER LETTER.

(To view the questions, click on the supplemental question tab OR view the bottom section of the job bulletin)

**APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT ATTACHED ESSAY RESPONSES AND COVER LETTER WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM CONSIDERATION.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Management and Supervision

• Manage supervisory, skilled, semi-skilled and administrative staff both directly and through subordinate supervisors.
• Determine staffing levels, supplies, materials, tools, and equipment for the Operations section, and prepare the necessary budget submission and justification materials.
• Participate in interviewing qualified Operations staff candidates as well as hiring and promotion decisions, provide training opportunities, and conduct work reviews and evaluations.
• Oversee the random drug testing program, investigate situations and administer disciplinary actions when needed, research and resolve grievances, participate in worker’s compensation meetings and labor contract negotiations, and conduct other supervisory responsibilities.
• Participate in program planning and problem resolution. Oversee program planning activities to provide for the intra-organizational coordination efforts.
• Act as General Manager for periodic short-term assignments. Serve as the on-call manager for approximately eight one-week periods per year. Actively participate in management meetings, and work closely with and coordinate with other Water Utility managers and staff on issues of mutual interest or benefit to the utility.

Operations Management: Equipment

• Develop and monitor standards relevant to the selection, purchase, maintenance, and operation of vehicles and service equipment, including large emergency/interruptible service generators.
• Maintain an up-to-date awareness of trends and best practices in the water industry regarding the maintenance, repair, and replacement, of all distribution system assets. Manage and maintain an onsite state licensed fueling station and waste oil collection system.
• Oversee the program for maintaining, repairing, and replacing Utility fleet vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Contribute to minimizing unaccounted water loss by overseeing distribution system surveying using electronic listening devices and leak correlators to find previously undetected leaks in the system.
• Engage appropriate technical staff to be involved in the process of evaluating new products, services, materials, equipment, tools, processes, and technology to help increase efficiency, workplace safety, and energy efficiency.
• Prepare and submit to the Water Finance Manager detailed annual Water Operational budgets and Capital requests related to the Water Operations section.
• Develop specifications and direct the competitive bidding process for the purchase or lease of Utility vehicles and equipment. Prepare and submit purchase requests and justifications for products or services to the Utility General Manager and City Finance Department.

Operations Management: Policies and Procedures

• Responsible for the creation, implementation, and adherence of Utility Operations policies and procedures related to the maintenance, repair and replacement of the water distribution system, water pumping and storage facilities, Utility buildings, service equipment, and vehicle fleet. These policies and procedures also include safety programs; Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) documentation; the Green Clean program, and security.
• Work with the Water Utility General Manager and members of the Utility management team to plan and implement Utility policies, emergency response procedures, capital improvements, service and system improvements, and safety procedures.
• Establish, communicate, and enforce employee work rules, update Employee Handbook periodically, maintain applicable occupational health and safety standards, maintain effective safety programs, coordinate training and document results, and periodically update Safety & Health procedures manual.
• Evaluate and establish efficient inventory control systems, participate on the Materials Selection Committee which reviews product specifications, purchasing requirements, and inventory levels.
• Adhere to the budgeting policies and procedures by preparing and submitting operations and capital improvements budgets for areas of responsibility.
• Chair and or participate on various policy and procedure committees in areas including Water Utility Safety Committee, Emergency Response, Materials Selection, and Wisconsin Section of the American Water Works Association (WIAWWA) Distribution Committee.

Operations Management: Distribution System

• Responsible for the overall execution of day-to-day operations activities for all aspects of distribution system and Utility maintenance work conducted by subordinate supervisors and staff.
• Develop and/or oversee plans and production schedules for the cost-effective preventative maintenance, inspection, repair and related distribution system work. This includes the methods, policies, and procedures implemented through subordinate supervisors while continually monitoring and evaluating the results.
• Evaluate the condition of wells, pumping and storage facilities, water distribution system, volatile organic compounds (VOC) air strippers, acid dosing system, Pyrolusite Iron and Manganese filtration plants, sand separators, chemical injection and monitoring equipment, PFAS treatment tanks and components, and other Utility facilities and equipment to initiate and/or recommend improvements and maintenance.
• Develop and/or assist in the creation and implementation of various plans, including short- and long-range maintenance plans, Water Master Plan, Infrastructure Management Plan, Vulnerability and Security Plan, Safety Health and Procedures Plan, and Emergency Response Plan.
• Assist engineers, contractors, and consultants in planning and supervising construction projects, including rehabilitating existing water mains using a cast in place pipe lining system. Review and provide operations knowledge and expertise to contractors and consultants on technical design and construction as required.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of requests for proposals, and the participate in the evaluation of proposals, interviews and selection for contractors and consultants in areas of responsibility.

Industry and Community Involvement

• Prepare and present periodic Operations reports to the public and Water Board.
• Represent the Madison Water Utility on the Wisconsin Waterworks Association Distribution Committee.
• Act as an information resource to the Utility Public Information Officer as needed.
• Monitor and review Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), and Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional services codes and regulations.

Perform related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of responsible supervisory experience in the maintenance and operations of a ground water supply and distribution system. Such experience would normally be gained at a Class A or comparable water utility and include operations based on groundwater wells.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil or mechanical engineering, public or business administration, economics, or a related field.

OR

• Six (6) years of responsible supervisory experience in the maintenance and operations of a utility system.

OR

• Four (4) years of experience applying the following:

  • Operations and maintenance of a water distribution system, including associated facilities and equipment, maintenance and repair processes, procedures, materials, equipment, and technologies.
  • Applicable maintenance and operations concepts and terminology.
  • Related occupational hazards and safety precautions and requirements.
  • Facility security techniques and methods.
  • Computer software applicable to the duties of the position.

• Two (2) years of experience with the following:

  • Full range of supervisory principles and practices, labor relations and personnel management.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors.  Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.

For a complete list of the knowledge, skills and abilities, please view the class specification.

Special Requirements

• Ability to meet the transportation requirements of this position.
• Employee may be expected to attend a variety of meetings outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements:

Employees in this classification must be able to physically access and inspect Water Utility wells, towers, and reservoirs located throughout the City. This position requires work outdoors in all types of weather while walking and standing and will require the employee to traverse over uneven terrain to access construction sites However, employee will also be expected to perform work at a desk using a computer, telephone, and other traditional office equipment.