What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Field Superintendent (Wastewater) position at Santa Margarita Water District?

Salary : $150,850.28 - $207,948.77 Annually

Location : Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Job Type : Full-Time Non Represented

Job Number : 2025-3

Department : Operations

Division : General Operations

Opening Date : 01 / 17 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 28 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Job Description

Meet Santa Margarita Water District

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange 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.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD's goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.

Santa Margarita Water District's values include :

Exemplary service excellence
Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
Environmental and resource stewardship
Employee development and leadership training
Building relationships that strengthen communities

SMWD is seeking a qualified Operations Field Superintendent to join our team!

The Wastewater Superintendent will be responsible for ensuring the optimal operation and maintenance of the District's wastewater infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on preventative and corrective maintenance. This role involves overseeing the daily operations and maintenance activities of wastewater facilities, ensuring that work plans and processes are effectively implemented to meet operational goals while maintaining system reliability and compliance with regulatory standards.

You will lead the team in identifying, planning, and executing preventative maintenance tasks, ensuring equipment and facilities are operating at peak efficiency and minimizing the need for reactive repairs. When issues do arise, you will provide expert guidance in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and implementing corrective actions to restore service quickly and efficiently, all while ensuring the highest levels of safety and regulatory compliance.

Additionally, you will manage the performance of division staff, coach for continuous improvement, and ensure that operational procedures support long-term maintenance goals. You will also be responsible for reviewing capital improvement projects, ensuring that new installations and upgrades are integrated seamlessly into the system. Through effective use of technology, including SCADA systems, you will monitor and manage system performance, maintaining the integrity of the wastewater infrastructure while ensuring minimal disruptions to service. Your leadership will contribute to a high-performance work environment, ensuring the community receives reliable, environmentally compliant wastewater services.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by individual positions.

JOB SUMMARY Under general direction, plans, organizes and manages the work of a division of the Operations Department; manages a comprehensive construction, maintenance and repair program for the District's infrastructure; ensures all operations and maintenance functions are safe and efficient, while complying with applicable permits, laws and regulations; may provide expert professional assistance and guidance to District's Board, managers and supervisors on operational and maintenance issues.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS An Operations Superintendent is responsible for providing the day-to-day management and supervision of divisions in the Operations Department. Incumbents are responsible for ensuring the District's infrastructure is reliable and efficient. The Operations Superintendent is a subject matter expert with an established work history of management in the assigned functional area(s).

This position is distinguished from the Operations Foreman position in that the Superintendent position is broader in scope and requires seasoned judgement and a high degree of initiative and independence. Additionally, the Superintendent position has a higher level of leadership, handles larger-scale logistics, and is involved in high-level decision making such as compliance, budgeting, and the development of internal policies and procedures. Assignments in the Water Operations Division include Distribution, Valve and Hydrants and Streets. Assignments in the Wastewater Division include Wastewater Collections and Mechanics. The Operations Superintendent may be assigned responsibility for additional divisions, depending on the needs of the District.

Supervision Received / Exercised :

General supervision is provided by the General Manager or Deputy General Manager.

Direct supervision is provided by the Utilities Manager or the Director of Operations

Responsibilities include direct supervision of Operations Foreman in the assigned function areas.

In the absence of the Utilities Manager, and when assigned, will provide direct supervision of the District's Operations staff.

The first review of applications will take place on Friday February 7, 2025

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS 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 class.

Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the assigned divisions; develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve goals and objectives; contributes to the development of and monitors performance against the annual department budget; supervises and participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.

Manages the performance of division staff; interviews and selects new staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; hears and makes recommendations on grievances; approves overtime; subject to management concurrence, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with District human resources policies and labor contract agreements.

Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department's and the District's mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.

Participates in the formulation and implementation of departmental policy, planning and strategic development; leads and directs staff and outside consulting resources in the development and application of new methods and processes to achieve higher efficiency, quality and innovation in department work processes.

Oversees the day-to-day maintenance and operations for District infrastructure; reviews and evaluates daily activities and work assignments with supervisors and provides expertise in resolution of operational and maintenance issues; directs response to and recovery of service during emergencies, as well as planned and unplanned operation stoppages; oversees and approves overtime work.

Reviews capital improvement plans and projects and confers with the engineering department on operational needs and effectiveness; oversees the work on large-scale jobs and performs advanced troubleshooting, maintenance and repair activities; inspects new equipment and stations to validate proper operation and adherence to specifications.

Depending on the assignment oversees the use of technology and the SCADA system to check reservoir levels, station operations, distribution flow to ensure the proper functioning of water and wastewater facilities; ensures infrastructure, system security and data integrity controls are in place and operational.

Ensures customer complaints / concerns, District operations and maintenance activities are investigated and addressed; performs escalated investigations and advanced troubleshooting.

Researches, evaluates and integrates new work practices, technology and systems to enhance productivity; performs project management duties; periodically reviews and evaluates required inspection and maintenance programs to ensure compliance with regulatory operation permits, rules and regulations.

Ensures strict safety policies and safe work procedures; may assist be the First Responder in the event of emergencies, chemical spills, using required safety and personal protective equipment; ensures safety equipment is in sound working condition and that District employees have participated in safety training.

Prepares a variety of mandated monthly, quarterly and annual reports to regulatory agencies including, but not limited to, Air Quality Management District, CA Department of Fish and Game, Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Public Health, Regional Board, State Water Resources Control Board; develops plans and procedures to meet regulatory testing, safety and compliance requirements.

Serves as the District's representative to professional groups, industry groups, community groups, customers, regulators and other agencies; participates in negotiations with contractors, consultants, vendors and other public agencies.

Operates miscellaneous District vehicles for various purposes such as inspections of jobsites, job walkthroughs, attendance of pre-construction meetings, and general oversight of field operations work.

Responds to emergency situations during off-hours as required; participates in standby duties at the sole discretion of the District.

Acts in the absence of Director of Operations as assigned.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requisite Abilities / Qualifications & Guidelines

QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Education, Training and Experience : Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in business or public administration, life sciences, engineering or a closely related field is preferred and at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in the operations or maintenance functions in a wastewater or water treatment agency, at least six of which were at a supervisory or lead level. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements :

Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program.

Annual certification for CPR, First Aid, Confined Space-Entry and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) per OSHA requirement are required for assignment.

Possession or the ability to obtain the required certificates within 12 months of hire or promotion is required for the respective positions as outlined below :

Wastewater :

Mechanical Technologist Grade IV certification is required from the California Water Environment Association.

Collections Maintenance Grade III certification is required from the California Water Environment Association.

Water :

Water Distribution System Operator Grade V certification is required from the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Water Treatment Operator II Certificate is required from the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Knowledge of :

Theories, principles, practices and techniques involved in the construction, maintenance and operation of District infrastructure.

Principles, theories and practices of asset management, computerized maintenance management, corrosion management and SCADA system management.

Theory, principles and practices of regulatory compliance.

Federal, state and local laws, regulations and permitting requirements applicable to water quality and environmental compliance, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, Title 22 of California's Water Recycling Criteria and the Federal Stormwater Rule.

Principles and practices of public administration, including long-range planning, budgeting, purchasing and maintaining public records.

Research methods and statistical analysis techniques.

Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.

Principles and practices of sound business communications.

District policies, procedures and practices regarding area of assignment.

District human resources policies and labor contract provisions.

Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

Ability to :

Plan and direct professional, technical and administrative staff in the construction, operation and maintenance of District infrastructure.

Direct the development and / or analysis of operational and maintenance processes, procedures, plans, contracts and regulatory filings for assigned division.

Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.

Work collaboratively with other managers and provide expert advice and counsel to develop solutions to complex issues.

Analyze and make sound recommendations on construction, operation and maintenance issues.

Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, proposals, studies and other written materials.

Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances.

Represent the District effectively in dealings and negotiations with and presentations to board members, elected and appointed governmental officials, consultants, contractors, vendors, employees and the public.

Operate a computer, standard business software and a variety of computer software programs and databases related to area of assignment.

Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.

Safely operate a District motor vehicle and various District equipment.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists; climb or balance on ladders or stairs; stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, crouch or crawl; and able to detect odors. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds unaided.

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, use of both eyes, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses water math and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions and multiple concurrent tasks; responds to life-threatening, emergency situations; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet. The employee occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions. The employee is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and biological hazards. The employee is occasionally exposed to loud or prolonged noise and equipment with heavy vibrations. The employee may be at risk of electrical shock.

Work requires responding to emergency calls.

Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following : retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM : As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.

HEALTH INSURANCE : The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment with full-time status.

DENTAL INSURANCE : The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the District's rates. Coverage is effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment with full-time status.

VISION INSURANCE : The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment with full-time status.

LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT : The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through Lincoln Financial with Employee benefits equaling 2 1 / 2 times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employee's salary. Coverage is effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment with full-time status.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) : The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal / financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.

GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL : General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness / injuries.

First year through five-year anniversary date of continuous employment : 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 304 hours.

Sixth through ten-year anniversary date of continuous employment : 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.

Eleventh through fifteen-year anniversary date of continuous employment : 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.

Sixteenth year and beyond of continuous employment : 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 380 hours.

While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employee's six-month probationary period.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the District's deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates.

HOLIDAYS : The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.

FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT : Through the District's Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.

LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNT : A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional

well-being.

EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT : All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.

The aforementioned information is only a summary of the District's benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and / or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.

Do you have possession of an active Grade 4 or higher Mechanical Technologist Certificate (M4) from the California Water Environment Association?

Do you have possession of an active Grade 3 or higher Collections Maintenance Certificate (C3) from the California Water Environment Association?

Please highlight your experience in the operations or maintenance functions in a wastewater or water treatment agency as well as your supervisory experience.

Required Question

Salary : $150,850 - $207,949

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