Water Resources Supervising Operator

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Resources Supervising Operator.  Please refer to the job brochure for additional information.  This recruitment is open until filled.  Apply early as the recruitment may close at any time. First review of applications will begin on April 28, 2025

DEFINITION

Under direction, plans, organizes, and supervises the Operations 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 Resources Supervising Operator has primary responsibility for supervising the day-to-day functions of the section staff and workload.  It is distinguished from the Water Resources Operations Manager in that the Manager is the designated “Chief Plant 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 Water Resources Senior Operator which is a lead and advanced journey level classification in the operator series and does not have full supervisory responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direction is provided by the Water Resources Operations Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides supervision to all operations personnel assigned to the section.

Supervisory Functions

Provides daily supervision to assigned employees; participates in the hiring, training, and evaluation of employees assigned to the section; schedules and monitors the work of staff involved in duties related to assigned section; plans and schedules daily and weekly work assignments; monitors timecards and all employee leave; prepares performance evaluations; evaluates operations and activities of section; develops benchmark standards for performance measures and promotes continuous improvement; and enforces safety codes and safe work practices, including safety training of all staff.

Performs functions in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA); applies regulatory codes, laws, and permit provisions pertaining to treatment, re-use, and disposal of wastewater; enters data and maintains accurate, up-to-date logs and records; composes accurate, concise reports and makes recommendations; anticipates and solves problems with a clear understanding of the overall operation of the treatment facility; recommends process control changes; and sets parameters for various treatment processes.

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 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 Division Manager and Department Head; implements improvements and modifications; prepares various reports on operations and activities; assists in the preparation and administration of the section’s budget; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations and purchases equipment and vehicles; submits justifications for expenditures; and monitors and administers expenditures. 

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, materials, and standards used in the area of assignment, such as wastewater treatment plant operations, including process control, physical-chemical and biological treatment, and mechanical equipment operation; modern supervisory practices and principles; equipment, tools, and materials used in the area of assignment; principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluations; principles of budget development, administration, and expenditure control systems; principles, practices, rules, and codes relating to work safety management; and pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.

Demonstrated Skills to:  

Organize, implement, and direct operations and activities of the assigned section; 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; assists in the development of policies and procedures related to assigned operations; 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; basic computer skills; maintain required work logs, records, and related operational and maintenance data; prepare clear and concise written reports; manage data bases and programs for the assigned section; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude with all who are contacted in the course of the work. 

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.

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 performing California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Grade III or higher level duties which included at least two years of lead level experience over operations personnel.

Education:   Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by specialized training or college coursework related to the assigned section.  Possession of an Associate’s Degree in a related field is desirable.

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

Certification:   Possession and maintenance of the California SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certificate at the time of appointment.  Possession and maintenance of the California SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV Certificate is required by the completion of the probationary period.

License:   Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City. 

Other Requirements:  Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; be on-call in the event of an emergency; work outdoors in all weather conditions; work at night, in heavy traffic, in confined and awkward spaces, 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; travel to and attend meetings, seminars, training schools, conferences, and workshops during work and non-work hours.

Special Requirements:  Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to work in a standard office environment; drive a variety of vehicles and operate equipment; operate a computer and other electronic equipment; manipulate small parts and components; read fine print with no color deficiencies to detect color coded wires and read specialized color tests; smell and differentiate types of odors; converse over the telephone, two-way radio, and in person, often over the noise of machinery; detect noises and running water; safely lift and maneuver equipment and supplies of up to 75 pounds; bend, stoop, reach, and climb for prolonged periods of time; and safely wear self-contained breathing apparatus while entering and working in confined spaces.

Salary : $9,134 - $11,045