What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water/Steam Department Supervisor position at New Ulm?
Under the general direction of the Utilities Director, the Water/Steam Department Supervisor manages the operation and maintenance of the municipal water and steam utility systems, ensuring compliance with safety, operational, and regulatory standards. The supervisor will oversee a team, coordinate daily operations, and support long-term infrastructure management and improvements.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
Supervision and Management
The aforementioned functions are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’s)
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The position may require after-hours availability for emergency response or critical issues, with the expectation that the supervisor resides within a reasonable distance of the water treatment facility within six months of hire.This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work frequently speaking or hearing and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to the risk of electrical shock and exposure to vibration; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).
Supervision and Management
- Supervise the daily operations and maintenance of both the municipal water and steam utility systems, including wells, raw water system, treatment plant, storage facilities, distribution piping, metering and related infrastructure.
- Oversee both low and high-pressure steam distribution systems, including associated metering and infrastructure.
- Lead and coordinate personnel, assigning tasks and ensuring all resources (personnel, materials, tools) are in place to meet operational needs.
- Monitor system performance and address issues to ensure the efficiency and safety of both water and steam services.
- Supervise the preparation of daily and monthly operational performance reports, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and best practices.
- Ensure that all water and steam operations comply with relevant federal, state, and local regulations, as well as safety and environmental standards.
- Maintain current knowledge of regulations and oversee reporting and compliance with agencies.
- Administer the safety protocols and guidelines for the department, conducting regular safety inspections to maintain a safe working environment.
- Prepare, monitor, and manage the department’s annual budget, ensuring proper allocation of resources for both short-term and long-term projects.
- Prepare budget estimates and track expenditures to ensure financial goals are met.
- Support and expand workorder and GIS systems for both water and steam utilities
- Identify and pursue alternative funding opportunities, including federal, state, and private grants, to support capital improvements, system upgrades, and other departmental projects.
- Prepare and submit grant proposals, ensuring compliance with application requirements and deadlines.
- Participate in the recruitment, selection, promotion and ongoing training of department staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Assist in the development of training programs to ensure staff members are skilled in both day-to-day operations and emergency protocols.
- Handle personnel issues, including performance evaluations, coaching, and, when necessary, disciplinary actions.
- Collaborate with the Utilities Director to plan and implement long-term improvements and upgrades to the water and steam systems.
- Conduct needs assessments to identify areas for improvement and recommend major upgrades or repairs as necessary.
- Support the development of the annual work plan for the department, prioritizing critical infrastructure needs.
The aforementioned functions are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’s)
- Ability to plan, assign, and supervise operations and personnel effectively.
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing water and steam utilities.
- Strong knowledge of public water supply and steam distribution systems, including the operation, maintenance, and infrastructure.
- Strong skills in budget preparation, financial management, and expenditure control.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with staff, contractors, government agencies, and the public.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) and familiarity with relevant asset management or GIS software.
- Preferred: Associate of Applied Science degree in water systems or related field.
- Required: Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in a public water system, including at least one year in a supervisory duties or leadership capacity.
- A valid driver’s license and a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Class B water operator’s certificate are required.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Desirable: Experience in steam distribution systems and management.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The position may require after-hours availability for emergency response or critical issues, with the expectation that the supervisor resides within a reasonable distance of the water treatment facility within six months of hire.This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work frequently speaking or hearing and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to the risk of electrical shock and exposure to vibration; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).
Salary : $96,221 - $123,469
