Manager, Operations

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a Full Time, Permanent position as a Water Distribution Operations Manager to work in EPCOR’s Central Division.

The Water Distribution Operations Manager is responsible for assigning, managing, and reviewing the operation and maintenance work of all Central Division water distribution staff including field services and operations. The team includes approximately 26 full time staff conducting operation and maintenance of all of infrastructure in multiple service areas in excess of 125 square miles.

What you’d be responsible for

• Ensuring distribution systems remain in compliance with all local, state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the group responsible for the water mains, service lines, valve, and hydrant operation and maintenance activities in the Central Division.
• Oversee the group responsible for all meter reading and field service representation in the Central Division.
• Supervising and evaluating the performance of assigned staff.
• Planning and scheduling the work of assigned staff.
• Ensuring compliance with EPCOR’s safety program and implementing programs, policies and procedures that create efficient operations and fiscal responsibility.
• Developing, managing and executing an annual sustaining capital and an operations and maintenance budget, and working in close coordination with the Engineering Division on new capital projects.

This position exercises direct supervision over operations staff including an Operations Supervisor (2), (3) Foreman, Utility Workers, ,Utility Workers-in Training, Filed Service Representatives, Meter Readers and other professional and technical staff as may be required. 

The Manager must be available on a 24-hour basis to cover emergency situations. This position is given considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision-making to ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.  The employee is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment that complies with federal, state, and company guidelines. This role receives general direction from the Director of Operations – Central Division, who reviews the work through reports, conferences, and evaluation of results achieved.

What’s required to be successful

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Biology, Business Administration, Business Management, Organizational Management, or closely related field.
• Minimum experience of 8 years of direct experience in the administration, planning, operation, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collections facilities and/or systems required.
• At least 4 years of supervisory experience required.
• Proficiency in Windows based software, including Word, Access, and Excel, as well as water quality data management software such as WIMS.
• Requires current Grade IV in Water Distribution Operator Certification’s from ADEQ.
• Strong management skills (planning, organizing, analysis, problem solving, teamwork, employee development).
• Strong influencing skills.
• Excellent leadership skills, presence and the ability to deal effectively with and maintain productive relationships with employees at all levels, management and various external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead, motivate and empower employees.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills (persuasion, listening, cooperation and diplomacy) that create an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect among all team members.
• Minimum overnight travel, almost entirely in the Western Phoenix Valley. Office environment with frequent field exposure.

Other important facts about this job

This position requires the ability to safely and legally operate a company motor vehicle and equipment. The position involves frequent sitting and standing; frequent reaching, handling hazardous materials/chemicals, handling paperwork/files, and operating computers and other equipment; frequent speaking, listening, seeing.  Ability to lift or move up to 75 pounds; ability to continually lift, bend, climb stairs and work with mechanical hand tools. There are periods of continuous stooping, bending, walking, shoveling and sweeping. May be exposed to insects, animals, reptiles, dust, pollen, chemicals, water and sewage.  Must be able to tolerate extreme heat.

As an EPCOR employee, you will enjoy a variety of benefits such as a competitive wage, an incentive award program, an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverage, retirement plan with substantial company contribution, generous time-off schedules, training opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and certification support. We’ve been voted as a Best Places to Work employer and we value the safety of each of our team members through our robust safety training and celebration of safety milestones.

Headquartered in Phoenix, EPCOR USA owns, operates and builds water, wastewater and natural gas infrastructure and is among the largest private water utilities in the Southwest. EPCOR USA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc. We invest in and look after our communities and the environment. We’re proud of the work we do and the people we hire to do it.

Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in the United States.
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, driving, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-employment drug testing will be required.