Operations Field Manager - Technical Services

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Company: Western Municipal Water District

Location: Riverside, CA 92503

Description:

Salary : $143,289.00 - $213,253.00 Annually
Location : 16451 El Sobrante Rd. Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-10
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 03/13/2025
Closing Date: 4/6/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
At Western Municipal Water District ("Western Water") we're looking for an experienced Operations Field Manager for Technical Services with an interest in developing and implementing programs involving energy management and optimization in water and wastewater systems and plants, including the development and establishment of new systems integration, baseline performance metrics and tracking systems. We need someone who is experienced, organized, detail-oriented and can support a variety of team needs while balancing shifting priorities and a range of day-to-day tasks.
If you're a team player with strong technical skills in energy management and optimization, and project management experience, with demonstrated interpersonal skills who strives to raise the bar and is looking for a challenging new opportunity to elevate Western Water's technical services management program, then this is your chance to join an exceptional agency and be part of something bigger.

ABOUT WESTERN WATER

  • Western Water is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County providing water and sewer services to nearly one million people; and
  • We see ourselves as more of a business than a bureaucracy; and
  • We view our customers as an essential partner in ensuring long-term water security for our region; and
  • Together, the Western Water team is focused on being the definitive leader in water and sewer services, upholding the highest level of stakeholder trust.
  • Western Water was awarded the Top Workplace Award for 2023. The Top Workplace Award recognizes organizations that excel in creating a positive working environment for their employees. This award is based on employee feedback regarding various aspects like workplace culture, values, leadership, compensation, benefits, and work-life balance.
Western Water's values include:
  • Service Excellence
  • Efficiency
  • Water Supply Reliability
  • Fiscal Responsibility and Value
  • Public Trust, Accountability and Transparency
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Employee Empowerment
  • Innovation
Western Water is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to nearly one million customers across Riverside County. As one of the region's largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

THE TEAM
The Technical Services team is slated to become the Operations Department's primary internal resource to lead project management efforts for commissioning and start-up for new facilities, development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operations and maintenance (O&M) manuals, and will coordinate closely with other Western Water departments including Engineering and Water Resources. Goals for this team will be to provide critical support assistance in troubleshooting difficult technical issues such as water quality, process control, and new or emerging environmental compliance requirements.

THE POSITION
Under general supervision, the Operations Field Manager for Technical Services provides a variety of field and office operations related to a broad range of services and programs for the Operations Division and requires water/wastewater industry knowledge and experience, ability to troubleshoot difficult technical problems and to develop solutions for implementation. The incumbent shall be collaborative, team-oriented, and a self-starter with the ability to produce written plans, documents, and reports.
IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an experienced professional with a proven track record of managing and collaborating on projects for a high-performing team in a complex public utility environment. In addition to technical expertise, you bring exceptional emotional intelligence, communication skills, and a talent for building productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders between departments within Western Water that we work with and support.
Your collaborative mindset and commitment to transparency will be key to partnering effectively with the Operations Director and peer leaders across Western Water. You'll serve as a trusted advisor on critical agency technical issues and be an ambassador for the department's priorities. Like the Director of Systems Operations, you believe in directly interacting with staff and will be a visible presence for both your team and customers.

Personal Competencies/Characteristics
  • A relationship-builder who is proactive in establishing and leveraging partnerships with key stakeholders.
  • Open, approachable, and action-oriented; exercises good judgment; treats others with respect.
  • Collaborative approach to working with others; able to bring people together and leverage common interests to perpetuate the goals of Western Water.
  • Outstanding facilitation, presentation, and leadership skills.
  • A self-starter who exhibits high initiative and a strong work ethic; embraces the opportunity to make a difference.

This advanced-level classification is responsible for independently performing diverse and specialized work in coordinating technical activities associated with energy management and optimization with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities. The incumbent is responsible for providing technical-level support to management and staff as required in the areas of troubleshooting, project management, and program development and implementation. Positions at this level exercise mostly independent judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Incumbents within this classification report to the Director of Systems Operations and may provide direction to assigned employees.
District employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to accommodate Western Water's needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Emergency Service Worker.
Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.
Leadership exercised:
  • Leads, plans, organizes, integrates and evaluates the work of the Operations functions through assigned staff by establishing goals and performance measures.
  • Plans, leads, and coordinates new facility commissioning and start-up.
  • Develops energy management and optimization plans and programs.
  • Provides project management and support services.
  • Manages asset management planning and implementation activities.
  • Troubleshoots water quality and wastewater process problems.
  • Monitors and establishes performance requirements while providing coaching for performance enhancement.
  • Works closely with Directors, Deputy Directors, Managers, Supervisors, and staff on technical issues and challenges, including regulatory compliance.
Support provided:
  • Assists in determining safety policies and procedures, while ensuring the emergency response procedures are current and adequate.
  • Participates in the development of Western Water strategic plans and initiatives.
  • Participates in developing and monitoring department and capital improvement budgets.
  • Participates in the implementation of energy management and system optimization programs.
  • Develops and implements Operation division business plans, programs, processes, procedures and policies required to achieve strategic initiatives and overall division results in alignment with Western Water objectives and priorities related to the water, wastewater, and recycled water systems.
  • Coordinates with other local water districts and agencies on an as-needed basis.
  • Participates the implementation of Western Water and the Operations Department strategic goals and initiatives.
  • Supports activities that may include the development of scopes of work (SOW) and purchase orders/contracts for consultants; requests for proposals (RFPs); evaluation of proposals received, and other associated tasks with procurements for services.

Typical Qualifications

  • Plan and implement the principles, practices, techniques, materials and equipment utilized in the operation and maintenance of large, complex water distribution and collections systems, as well as water and wastewater treatment systems.
  • Experience in program and project management.
  • Experience in the development of SOPs and O&M Manuals.
  • Experience in the commissioning and start-up of new facilities.
  • Principles and practices of budgeting, purchasing, and maintenance of public records.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, plans, schematics, and specifications.
  • Familiarity with GIS and electronic asset management programs.
  • Experience in reviewing consultant proposals, scopes of work, and contracts.
  • Experience in developing Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
  • Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials.
  • Ability to successfully manage, lead, and supervise a group of employees who have widely varying job duties.
  • Ability to act independently, troubleshoot effectively, make sound decisions, exercise good judgement, and provide clear, calm direction to the division in emergency situations.
  • Ability to safely and skillfully use Personal Protective Equipment and enforce safety procedures.
  • Use of modern office equipment including computer software applications related to the field of work.
  • Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex problems.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of Western Water staff, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, and the public.
  • Proper English usage, punctuation, grammar and spelling.
  • Utilize exceptional customer service and communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the ability to cultivate professional business partnerships and inspire team collaboration.
  • Make effective and engaging oral presentations clearly, logically and persuasively in meetings.
  • Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential situations.
  • Perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks.
  • Highly motivated professional who is a self-starter, resourceful and able to work independently with minimum supervision.
  • Provide transparent, high quality and fiscally responsible services, while meeting the needs of Western Water and its customers.
  • Think creatively and seek alternative solutions in order to produce results that benefit Western Water, its internal and external customers, while clearly articulating options to executives and policy makers.
  • Define and explain key processes and business requirements within the department.
  • Utilize successful leadership skills with the ability to inspire and influence with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity coupled with a positive attitude.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications as outlined below:

Education Required

Experience Required

~ Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
~ A master's degree in a related field is desirable and may be substituted for one year of experience.

~ Minimum 10 years' experience in the operation and/or maintenance of water distribution, treatment, or wastewater collection and treatment systems
~ Minimum 5 years of project management experience
~ Minimum 3 years of supervisory background
~ Demonstrated ability to write reports, develop presentations, and perform comprehensive evaluations
Required License / Certification

Desired Certifications*
~ CA Class C Driver's License
~ Water Treatment - Grade V
~ Wastewater Treatment - Grade V
~ Water Distribution - Grade V
~ Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
~ Completion of the ACWA/JPIA Professional Development-Supervisor Basics Program is highly desired.
*Desired Certifications:

Water Treatment = California State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Treatment Operator certification

Wastewater Treatment = California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate

Water Distribution = California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator certification

Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical: When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to conduct asset condition assessments; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress and color vision to observe color-specific safety symbols and signs. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaginga weight of 30 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
Mental: Employees should possess the ability to speak, read, and write English, in addition to exercising math and computer aptitude as required. Employees work under pressure with frequent interruptions while communicating and interacting with a variety of District personnel, the public, and others encountered in the course of work. The ability to explain, interpret, and apply related rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and work on multiple concurrent assignments, often within tight timeframes using good business judgment is necessary.
Environmental: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, and dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents are expected to use principles of effective safety practices including the use of equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.
Western Water is a tobacco free campus prohibiting smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and unregulated nicotine products in any District vehicle and building, which includes any building owned and occupied, or leased and occupied, by the District, including, Headquarters, the Operations Center, and any remote facilities owned, leased and/or operated by the District.

Equal Opportunity Employment: It is the policy of the Western Municipal Water District to assure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Office and request such an accommodation that he/she needs to perform the job. Western Water will conduct an investigation to identify the barriers that make it difficult for the applicant or the employee.
HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS

Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status.

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
You and your eligible dependents may enroll in these benefits effective the first of the month following your date of hire. Effective January 1, 2024 the District contributes up to $2,812.19 toward the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance. Employees will pay any costs exceeding this amount through bi-weekly pre-tax payroll deduction. Employees may choose between four medical plans--Anthem Blue Cross CaliforniaCare (HMO), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Advantage (PPO 500), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Classic (PPO 200) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO). There are two dental plans to choose from--DeltaCare (DMO) and Delta Dental (PPO). The Standard provides us with two vision options, Vision Service Plan (VSP) or EyeMed.

Opting Out of Medical Coverage
Employees with medical insurance through another provider can opt out of Western's medical plan. By opting out, employees will receive a flat monthly rate of $690. Proof of other coverage is required on an annual basis during the open enrollment period. Employee must enroll in a dental plan and the vision plan. Enrollment for eligible dependents, in these plans, is optional.

Flexible Spending
Effective the first of the month following date of hire, employee may participate in the flexible spending plan. This plan provides you the opportunity to pay for certain medical, dental, vision and child care expenses with pre-tax dollars resulting in substantial tax savings.

Life Insurance
This benefit is provided by the District through Lincoln Financial Group ("Lincoln") and is effective the first of the month following your date of hire. You are provided with up to $50,000 in life insurance for you and $1,000 for your eligible dependents.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
This benefit is for you only and is provided by the District through Lincoln. AD&D is effective the first of the month following your date of hire and provides payment for specified losses sustained through dismembering or fatal accidents. The maximum amount of AD&D insurance is equal to the amount of your life insurance.

Supplemental Life Insurance
Effective the first of the month following your date of hire, you may purchase supplemental life insurance for you and your eligible dependents through Lincoln. This supplemental life insurance provides a guaranteed issue amount for you up to $150,000, up to $30,000 for your spouse and $10,000 for your children.

Short Term Disability
The District provides short term disability (STD) insurance through Lincoln. Coverage is effective on the first (1st) of the month following six (6) months of consecutive employment. STD benefits begin on the 1st day of disability for an accident or 8th day of disability for an illness and provide up to 60% of your base salary.

Long Term Disability
The District provides long term disability insurance through Lincoln. Coverage is effective on the first (1st) of the month following six (6) months of consecutive employment. LTD benefits begin on the 91st calendar day of a medically certified disability and provide up to 60% of your base salary.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Administered by Lincoln's EmployeeConnect, the EAP assists in dealing with problems affecting an employee's personal life and/or job performance. Use of this benefit, paid 100% by the District for up to five meetings with EAP staff, is strictly confidential. Other services provided through Lincoln's EmployeeConnect EAP are referrals or advice on topics such as legal consultation, parenting, senior care, child care, pet care, and healthy rewards.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Deferred Compensation 457(b)
You may participate in a Deferred Compensation Program (457(b) Plan) to save toward retirement and, at the same time, reduce your bi-weekly taxable income.

401(a) Retirement Plan
Western contributes into a 401(a) Retirement Plan for those employees covered under the Confidential unit (COU). Contributions, in the amount of 2% of your base pay, are made on a bi-weekly basis. You are 100% vested in this benefit upon date of hire.

Public Employees Retirement System
The District contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System ("PERS") of the State of California for employee retirement benefits. New employees, who are hired on or after December 16, 2012, and who formerly worked for another PERS agency, or an agency with a reciprocal retirement system, and who meet certain eligibility requirements, shall be enrolled in the 2% at 55 PERS retirement plan. These employees will be obligated to pay 85% of the employee contribution to PERS (for example, at the 7% employee contribution rate, employees are currently required to pay 5.95% of their base pay). The 2% at 55 retirement plan shall provide for benefits based on the highest three-year average salary.

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, who are defined as "New Members" by California law (essentially those individuals who have not previously been a member of a public agency retirement system) shall be enrolled in the statutorily required 2% at 62 PERS retirement plan. New Members will be obligated to pay 50% of the "normal cost" of their retirement benefits as required by State law (Currently 7.75% of base pay). The 2% at 62 retirement plan shall provide for benefits based on the highest three-year average salary.

Retiree Medical
Upon your retirement from the District, you may be entitled to lifetime retiree medical benefits. Refer to the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) for detailed information on the vesting schedule for this retirement benefit.

Social Security and Medicare
As an employee of Western, you pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Western pays the same Social Security and Medicare tax, dollar for dollar, on your behalf.

COMPENSATION

Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
Western provides all employees an annual cost of living adjustment. Details of the cost of living adjustment are provided in the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) agreements.

Longevity Pay
The District provides longevity pay to certain employees who have completed five or more years of continuous service. Refer to the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) agreements for detailed criteria and amounts of longevity pay.

PAID TIME OFF

Vacation
During the first four (4) years of employment, vacation is accrued at the rate of 3.08 hours per pay period. This is equivalent to 10 days per year. During the fifth (5th) through ninth (9th) years, you accrue 4.62 hours per pay period and during the tenth (10th) and subsequent years, you accrue 6.16 hours per pay period. These are equivalent to 15 days and 20 days per year, respectively. Vacation can be used after the completion of the probationary period. The maximum vacation accrual is 480 hours. In addition, you may cash out up to a maximum of eighty (80) hours of your accrued vacation time, once per calendar year, provided you have no less than eighty (80) hours remaining following the cash out.

Holidays
After two full work weeks of employment, you will receive pay, at your then current straight time hourly rate, for Ten (10) holidays. Those holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

After completion of the probationary period, you may take three (3) additional workdays per fiscal year as "floating holidays". These holidays are taken at your discretion, in full day increments, and are subject to approval by your supervisor/manager. Floating holidays not taken during the fiscal year are converted to vacation time for each unused floating holiday.

Sick Leave
You accrue 96 hours of sick leave per year. After completing a full calendar year of employment and using no more than eighteen (18) hours of sick leave during said calendar year, you may be compensated for up to forty (40) hours of accrued sick leave at your then current rate of pay. Sick leave can be used after 90 calendar days of employment and shall be cumulative to a maximum of 1,600 hours. Sick leave is paid on a specific scale upon termination of employment.

Administrative Leave
After completion of the probationary period, employees covered by the Confidential unit (COU) receive thirty two (32) hours for non-exempt and forty (40) hours for exempt positions of paid administrative leave. Administrative leave hours not taken during the fiscal year are converted hour-for-hour to vacation time hours.

Additional Benefits
9/80 work schedule, Educational Assistance (subject to available budgeted funds), Certification Reimbursement Program and Interest-Free Computer Loan Program.

*** To review the full agreements between the Employee Association (MOU) and Confidential unit (COU) with Western Water please use the following links:

01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Public Administration, Business Administration,or related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have a minimum 10 years of experience in the operation and/or maintenance of water distribution, treatment,or wastewater collection and treatment?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have 5 years of project management experience?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have 3 years of supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have experience providing technical services support in a water agency, utility, or private firm?
  • Yes
  • No

06

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please detail your technical services experience at said water agency, utility, or private firm.
Required Question

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