What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations and Maintenance Manager position at West County Wastewater?

Salary : $160,290.00 - $197,470.00 Annually

Location : Richmond, CA

Job Type : Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Job Number : 534-2025

Department : Water Treatment and Resource Recovery

Opening Date : 02 / 17 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 14 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Description

West County Wastewater is looking for an effective leader and motivator of people and processes who can utilize and develop the talents of staff to carry out the operations and maintenance initiatives and goals of the Water Quality and Resource Recovery Department (WQ&RR).

The Operations and Maintenance Manager (O&M Manager) position was created to enhance and improve the coordination of work between WCW's operations and maintenance divisions. Two O&M positions are allocated to WQ&RR, one of which is vacant. We seek to fill this vacancy with someone who is experienced, innovative, collaborative, solutions-oriented, and knowledgeable in the principles and practices of wastewater operations and maintenance, and local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to the wastewater industry.

Among the most critical abilities for this position are highly developed interpersonal skills, which involve effectively managing and developing personnel while enhancing interactions with other WCW employees work groups and other stakeholders where necessary. The ideal candidate will exhibit exceptional interpersonal skills and cultural awareness, including the ability to communicate transparently, directly, and constructively and empower staff to do the same.

The O&M Manager receives general guidance and direction from the Director of Water Quality and Resource Recovery and provides direct supervision to operations and maintenance supervisory staff and indirect supervision to other operations and maintenance staff.

In 2025 / 2026, WCW will complete the large treatment plant upgrade in its more than 100 year history. Process and equipment start-up and commissioning experience is a plus.

We are looking for someone who :

Inspires others toward a common vision and fosters trust and ethics;
Accept responsibility for their own and their team's performance, aligning organizational objectives with the employees' skills, competency requirements, development plans, and the delivery of results;
Communicates effectively with others, establishes and maintains strong relationships to achieve common goals, is collaborative and a team player;
Responds effectively to multiple demands, ambiguity, shifting of priorities, emerging situations, and rapid change; while encouraging cooperation, collaboration, and partnership;
Goes the extra mile to provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers;
Possesses strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. Thinks creatively and recommends options and solutions;
Takes action to evaluate, establish, and maintain safety and training standards for employees and others.

What you will typically be responsible for :

Planning, managing, and overseeing a variety of projects and programs, and providing direction and oversight to the maintenance and operations divisions;

Identifying and implementing solutions to operational problems;

Managing the scheduling of continuing work programs and special projects of recycled water, wastewater treatment and resource recovery, sewer lift stations, and facility maintenance and repair activities.

Interpreting, explaining, and applying regulations, policies, and procedures;

Preparing clear and accurate reports, correspondence, policies, and other written materials.

Effectively communicating and managing frequently changing priorities

A few reasons you might love this job :

Your work will have a direct impact on the agency's ability to provide important public services;

You will be managing a highly skilled and knowledgeable team;

You will manage complex projects that require attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to stay focused and organized.

You will have the opportunity to work with your fellow O&M Manager to define and memorialize the somewhat differing roles and responsibilities of the two positions for example - one may have more operations oversight and the other a focus on plant maintenance more clearly. A high level work plan outlining and memorializing these responsibilities and distinctions should be considered.

WCW is in the process (in the next 3-18 months) of completing, starting up, and commissioning components of the largest treatment plant upgrade and construction project in its 103-year history. This Clean and Green Project (C&G) is mainly focused on improving the reliability of the solids treatment train and includes new rotary drum thickeners, new digesters and associated equipment, new methane flare, new electrical cogeneration system (2 engines), centrifuges, Gryphon belt dryer (will produce Class A Biosolids), energy savings components (roughly .8 mW Solar Generating Facility) in addition to other improvements.

A few challenges you might face in this job :

You will be responsible for managing a division and overseeing personnel conflicts that may arise;

You will often have competing demands and shifting priorities;

Your staff will have varying levels of experience, and some may require more support and guidance to be successful;

You will be presented with multiple communication styles and will be expected to adapt accordingly.

There will be a lot of new processes being implemented with the plant upgrades that will require equipment start-up and commissioning

Competencies Required :

Decision Making : Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner

Innovative Problem Solving : Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business

Displaying Ownership and Accountability : Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results

Handling Stress : Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity

Informing : Proactively obtaining and sharing information

Building & Maintaining Relationships : Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships

Teamwork : Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

Visionary Leadership : Taking a long-term view and building a shared vision with others; acting as a catalyst for organizational change

Project Management : Ensuring that projects are on-time, on budget, and achieve their objectives

Legal & Regulatory Navigation : Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations

Attention to Detail : Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products

Leveraging Technology : Applying technology for improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Essential Duties

The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the classification concept or is similar or closely related to another duty statement.

Develops, directs, and implements the goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for each division;

Establishes and revises each division's operational and maintenance programs and priorities;

Prepares, administers, and is responsible for each division's budget, forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies, and administers the approved budget;

Plans, organizes, administers, reviews, and evaluates the work of first-line supervisory, professional, technical, administrative, and operations and maintenance staff directly and through subordinate levels of supervision;

Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures, identifies resource needs, and reviews with appropriate management staff. Implements improvements;

Provides staff assistance to the Director of Water Quality and Resource Recovery, participates on various staff committees, and prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Supervises the preparation and maintenance of related reports, records, and files and ensures the proper documentation of activities;

Coordinates assigned maintenance activities with those of other WCW divisions, contractors, outside agencies, and organizations;

Serve as technical advisor to division personnel on difficult or unusual problems;

Review and evaluate various types of operational and treatment plant process data, including but not limited to daily logs, records, and trends. Report and address any operational anomalies or inefficiencies

Develops recommendations for long-term service plans, associated time schedules, and implementation strategies. Recommends short-term objectives and prepares budget requests describing, quantifying, and otherwise justifying funding requests for personnel, services and supplies, routine operating capital equipment, facility needs, and special division projects;

Prepares and presents regular and special reports, information, and recommendations to the Director of Water Quality and Resource Recovery, General Manager, staff, and the Board of Directors on work program status. Monitors operating and reporting status of divisional regulatory compliance activities, budget, service contract, registration and renewal of control systems, and service activity levels;

Coordinates divisional activities and resources in cooperation with other agencies during responses to emergency or disastrous events;

Makes employment recommendations and directs the training and evaluation of employees. Formally evaluates the performance of employees with a direct reporting relationship. Makes recommendations for formal commendation, discipline, and discharge actions involving division personnel;

Responds to inquiries from the public, customers, local officials, outside agencies, community organizations, and industry counterparts. Prepares analyses, reports, and recommendations;

Assumes responsibility for covering the work assignments of other managers or supervisors during short absences. Participates in the activities of professional recycled water and wastewater treatment and resource recovery system maintenance and repair organizations on behalf of WCW.;

Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed) will be considered. A person with the following combined training and experience would typically qualify to compete in a selection process :

Experience : Seven (7) years of experience operating and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant, with at least four (4) years of supervisory experience.

Education : Associate's Degree (or equivalent work experience, training, and education) in environmental science, management, maintenance, chemistry, public administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college.

Required License or Certificate :

Possession and maintenance of one or more of the following certifications are required :

For a candidate selected who does not hold the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (WWTPO) Grade V certificate, the last bullet directly below applies. A combination of CWEA (Grade III as noted below) and SWRCB WWTPO certification will be considered in lieu of the Grade IV requirement as outlined in the 4th bullet below :

California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Mechanical Technologist Grade III certificate.

California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical / Instrumentation Technologist Grade III certificate.

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade V certificate.

Electrical / Instrumentation Technologist Grade IV certification must be obtained before the completion of the probationary period.

Must possess a valid California Driver's License. The incumbent must meet all provisions of WCW's Driving Policy as a condition of continued employment.

Desirable Qualifications :

Experience Managing Wet Weather Operations : Understanding the operational and maintenance impacts to the treatment plant of high flow events

Experience with Regulatory Report Writing : Self-monitoring or other reports to Regulatory Agencies for example

Experience managing contracts

WORK ENVIRONMENT- PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

An employee in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The following describes typical environmental and physical demands :

Work is performed in a standard office environment with exposure to cold, heat, outdoor space, and heights;

Work requires sitting for long periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders while observing work in tanks, basins, and trenches, and on scaffolding, catwalks and ladders;

Work requires safe lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving objects weighing up to 35 lbs;

Hands are utilized for repetitive actions involving fine dexterity;

Work requires the safe operation of an automobile;

Work involves the regular use of safety precautions, methods, and apparatus to minimize and withstand exposure to chemicals, dust, mechanical and electrical hazards, noise, vibration, domestic waste, confined workspaces, and wastewater.

Supplemental Information

Applying for this Position :

Applicants interested in the Operations and Maintenance Manager position must apply at by March 2, 2025

This recruitment requires a cover letter and resume with the application.

Selection Process :

Application Filing and Evaluation : Applicants must complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

Oral Interview : Conducted by a Qualifications Appraisal Panel, which will evaluate candidates in job-related areas.

Tentative Test Dates :

Structured Oral Interview : March 24, 2025

Internal Interview : April 24, 2025

Hiring Interview : May 7, 2025

WCW is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting applications. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources at

Disaster Service Worker

All West County Wastewater employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the WCW requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of West County Wastewater to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

The District offers a variety of benefits for its employees represented by the Managerial Employees Unit. These benefits include : retirement pension, health, dental, vision, life insurance and a deferred compensation program.

The District participates in the CalPERS retirement system. "Classic" participants will be enrolled in the 3% @ 60 plan. New participants will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan. Employees must pay a share based on the plan in which they are enrolled.

The District pays up to 100% of the monthly premium for the Kaiser Bay Area plan for employee's selected coverage level toward health premiums, up to 90% of the monthly premiums for full family dental insurance and 100% of premiums for full family vision insurance.

The District provides retiree medical coverage based on a vesting schedule. Employees contribute 2% of pay into an OPEB trust fund.

The starting accrual for vacation is 10 days each year for the first 2 years with a cap of 400 hours. In lieu of Personal Leave, employees shall earn 28 hours of vacation per year to be accrued in the first full payroll period in January of each year.

All regular employees are eligible to accrue 3.70 hours of Sick Leave per pay period, provided that the employee is in a paid status for at least 41 hours in the applicable pay period. Employees may accrue Sick Leave up to a maximum cumulative total of 1,000 hours. If an employee reaches 1,000 hours of accrual, s / he shall cease to accrue sick leave until s / he is below the 1000 hour maximum. An employee may on an annual basis use up to 120 hours of accrued sick leave to care for a member of his / her immediate family who is ill. The District participates in the California SDI program for short-term disability.

The District observes 10 holidays (New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving day and the day after, Christmas day.

Employees exempt from FLSA overtime accrue 80 hours of Administrative Leave each calendar year.

Employees receive up to $1,800 per year to be used as reimbursement for Continuing Education, Safety Apparel or Eyewear, Activities for Professional Growth, and Wellness as described in the Public Employee's Union Management Employee Group Memorandum of Understanding.

Employer paid life insurance of $85,000.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the position listed and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see the attached application or see resume."

I understand

Please indicate your highest level of education.

High School Graduate or GED Equivalent

Some College or Community College AA / AS

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Doctorate

Do you possess major coursework in :

Environmental Science

Management

Maintenance

Chemistry

Business or Public Administration

Closely related field

N / A

How many years of full-time or equivalent experience do you possess in operating and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant?

7 years or more of experience as described

6 years or more, but less than 7 years, of experience as described

5 years or more, but less than 6 years, of experience as described

4 years or more, but less than 5 years, of experience as described

3 years or more, but less than 4 years, of experience as described

2 years or more, but less than 3 years, of experience as described

1 year or more, but less than 2 years, of experience as described

Less than 1 year of experience as described

I do not have any experience as described

How many years of full-time, or its equivalent, supervisory experience do you have?

5 years or more of experience as described

4 years or more, but less than 5 years, of experience as described

Less than 4 years of experience as described

I do not have any experience as described

Do you possess a valid CA driver's license OR possession of the ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed?

Please indicate which certification you possess (check all that apply)

California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Mechanical Technologist Grade III certificate

California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical / Instrumentation Technologist Grade III certificate

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade V certificate

California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical / Instrumentation Technologist Grade IV certification

I do not posses any of the above certifications

Do you have any additional certifications you would like us to consider for this position? If so, please list them below. If none, type N / A.

In your own words, what qualifies you for the Operations and Maintenance Manager position at West County Wastewater?

Did you attach a copy of your cover letter and resume with your application?

I certify that I meet the announced minimum requirements for this examination and understand that I will be eliminated at any stage in such study if it develops that I do not meet them. I certify that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and the application are factual. I agree and understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will cause forfeiture of my rights to employment with West County Waster Water.

Required Question

Salary : $160,290 - $197,470

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