Operations Supervisor Jobs

Under general direction, serves as the head of the wastewater operations section responsible for directing the processing of recycled water and wastewater resource recovery treatment services, managing the integration of special projects with schedules of continuous operations, performs administrative and supervisorial duties including training and evaluating lower level operators, scheduling work assignments, and maintaining appropriate records and logs in conformance with applicable statutes, regulations, policies, procedures and technical standards, and supporting the department's organizational policy and procedural development activity.

This is a technical wastewater treatment operations classification with first-level supervisory responsibilities.

Incumbents are expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and apply working knowledge and experience to evaluate and handle the most complex problems that may rise within the recycled water and resource recovery treatment plant operations including, but not limited to, start-up and shutdown of major unit processes as well as any system upsets. Also expected to keep management apprised of situations as appropriate.

Section Supervision

• Coordinate and direct the daily work for the operations, setting priorities and time limits for employees.
• Or termination actions and complete necessary documentaion related to the recommendation. Formally evaluate employee performance and make recommendations for salary adjustments and formal commendations.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate employee work progress; take appropriate steps to address and correct unsatisfactory job performance and/or behavior; make recommendations for disciplinary
• Establish work and safety rules for the daily operations.
• Participates in recruitment and hiring process of new employees; coordinate and schedule orientation and training sessions.
• Develop operation work schedules, approve or disapprove employee leave requests and payroll records.
• Facilitate the training of employees on new or updated work methods and requirements.
• Personally performs work of subordinates during short periods of staffing shortages or as needed to maintain work flow, including working vacant operator shifts.
• Investigates policies, procedures and practices related to grievances of employees and resolves or responds accordingly.

• Direct and monitor the maintenance of operational parts, materials and supplies.
• Prepare information and data for chemical purchases and maintenance projects involving the application of multiple technical, safety or regulatory requirements.
• Establish and implement wastewater resource recovery treatment operations schedules for processeing and servicing and operating treatment equipment, structures, machinery, and related buildings and grounds.
• Review operations and maintenance schedules and determine needed adjustments; review accuracy of operations, equipment and facility records, inspect operations and equipment.

• Coordinate installation and monitor implementation of new or upgraded computerized operations and service systems.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of wastewater resource recovery; incoporates new technologies as appropriate into programs.
• Coordinate operations with other agencies.
• Prepare periodic and annual reports; provide for retention of appropriate records.
• Responds to and performs after-hours emergency work as required.
• Maintain work scheduling and work order production systems; maintain parts, materials and supplies required for continuing operations and services;
• Develop and implement operating policies, procedures, schedules, forms and controls for use in recycled water and wastewater service and treatment operations;
• Serve as liaison between the District and external agencies on matters involving recycled water distribution services and wastewater resource recovery treatment operations programs.
• Maintain operations, service and equipment data, documents and records; and routine servicing of equipment in conformance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and industry methods and control practices.

• Prepare time and cost estimates for budget preparation.
• Provide reports, information and advice on statutory and regulatory requirements, technical standards and probable operational impacts of contemplated staffing, operational systems and equipment, or other policy changes relating to recycled water distribution services and wastewater resource recovery treatment operation programs.
• Provide technical information and advice to departments on recycled water and wastewater service and operations subjects.
• Participate in multi-discipline team evaluations of plant process control and improvement needs.

A combination of training and experience which demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed). A person with the following combined training and experience would typically qualify to compete in a selection process:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent supplemented by coursework related to supervisory and leadership principles, managing people/building teams, and communications skills. An Associates' Degree (or equivalent work experience, training, and education) in environmental science, biology, chemistry, public administration or a closely related field from an accredited college highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE: Seven (7) years of experience in water or wastewater operations and service work at least four (4) of which involved holding a Grade III or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate.

Knowledge of the following is required to perform the essential function:

• Practices of coordinating operations with outside agencies.
• Techniques of work order scheduling applied in equipment maintenance and repair.
• Techniques used in estimating time, materials and supplies cost estimates for recycled water distribution and wastewater treatment operating program budgets.
• Techniques used in inspecting large machinery and processing systems.
• Principles of supervision; techniques for training, motivating and developing employee skills and conducting formal performance evaluations.
• Procedures for sampling and conducting routine laboratory analyses.
• General intent and specific application of federal, state and local laws and regulations applicable to recycled water distribution services and wastewater resource recovery treatment operation programs.
• Industry practices and technical methods of work scheduling systems applied to twenty-four hour operations.
• Chemical hygiene safety equipment and procedures.

• Operate safety devices and equipment and apply proper safety procedures in hazardous environments.
• Establish and maintain open and honest communications with co-workers at all levels of the organization.
• Communicate ideas and assert a point of view in complex or controversial situations.
• Read, write and clearly speak the English language.
• Perform mathematical, statistical, geometric and algebraic calculations common to treatment quantification, laboratory analysis and budget work.
• Operate automobiles and electric carts, office computers and field communications equipment.
• Apply professional principles and water and wastewater treatment and service practices.
• Exhibit and instill in subordinates a high customer service priority.
• Interpret and apply the general intent and specific provisions of multiple laws and regulations to particular conditions.
• Evaluate, plan and establish a sequence of action for multiple work projects to progress simultaneously.
• Provide and present verbal and written direction and advice to a wide variety of people.

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May be exposed to risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• May be exposed to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• May be required to operate safety devices and equipment and apply proper safety procedures.
• Periodic kneeling, bending and/or stooping to retrieve or place documents, files and/or boxes on and off lower shelves, drawers or ground level.
• May be exposed to power and noise producing tools and equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• May be required to enter and exit confined spaces.
• Occasionally reach above shoulder level to access or place files, paperwork or binders and related items on and off overhead cabinets
• Work in office building environments with controlled lighting, ventilation and moderate noise levels.
• Periodic travel may be required for training, meetings, and other business purposes.
• Perform simple grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.
• Periods of prolonged sitting at desk while using computer and/or in meetings.
• May be exposed to confined spaces; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals.
• May be required to ascend and descend ladders and stairs; tolerate physical presence at heights of up to 75 feet on outdoor catwalks and exterior walkways of large structures.
• May be required to transport, lift and handle objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• May be exposed to risk of electrical shock or mechanical hazards.
• Operate automobiles and field communications equipment.

A valid California State Class C license must be maintained at all times. Continued maintenance of valid driver's license in compliance with established District vehicle operations standards, and the ability to be insured for the operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of the District's insurance program are conditions of continued employment.

A valid State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV Certification is required at time of hire or promotion. SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade V Certification highly desirable.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Based upon the requirements of certain positions, the District may provide a vehicle or car allowance to certain supervisory-level positions. The use of district issued vehicles is limited to official District business only, and shall comply with the driving standards listed in Administrative Handbook Policy # 2290 – Employee Driving Standards.

Individuals issued a district vehicle are expected to respond or report to duty in emergency situations, which may occur after hours, on weekends and/or holidays.

Fair Labor Standards Act Classification: Non-Exempt, classification qualifies for overtime compensation in accordance with federal and state wage and hour laws
Collective Bargaining Representation Unit: Professional and Technical Bargaining Unit
Job Specifications Approved by: Board of Directors on 11/08/2006
Appointment and Removal Authority: General Manager
Amended & Approved by: General Manager on 10/18/2016