The City of Avondale is currently seeking a Utility Operations Manager to join the Public Works Department. This is a FLSA Exempt, full-time position with benefits.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Utility Operations Manager is responsible for the direct oversight and supervision of the utility operations division within the Public Works Department. The division includes Water Production & Treatment, Water Distribution, Water Metering & Utility Locating, Wastewater Collections, Water Reclamation and SCADA/Instrumentation & Control. The position provides direction with regards to daily operations, system maintenance, planning, budgeting, capital improvements, safety, internal and external stakeholder coordination and more.
Under supervison of the Public Works Assistant Director, this position performs a variety of highly complex administrative and managerial duties required to ensure continuous operation of the City's Water and Wastewater systems with a high level of redundancy and reliability. This position assumes the responsibility of being the utility system owner for regulatory, permitting and compliance purposes.
The Utility Operations Manager requires exceptional leadership skills to effectively manage, supervise and coordinate divisional activities; monitor and manage the annual operational budgets; resolve complex utility system challenges; meet frequent and continuous deadlines and more.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provides leadership and supervison to the Utility Operations Division of the Public Works Department by overseeing the following functional areas: Water Production & Treatment, Water Distribution, Water Metering & Utility Locating, Wastewater Collections, Water Reclamation and SCADA/Instrumentation & Control. Assumes the responsibility of being the utility system owner for regulatory, permitting and compliance purposes.
Leads and collaborates with utility division supervisors in the preparation of annual operating budgets, compiles and presents data-based recommendations on budget increases or modifications. Monitors and manages the operational budgets throughout the fiscal year. Assists in the development of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and capital budgets as it relates to utility system improvements, repairs, replacements and/or rehabilitations. Coordinates with staff, consultants, engineers and others to ensure accurate CIP scope, schedule and budget creation.
Develops and coordinates the utility operation division’s asset management program utilizing the City’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software. Reviews and evaluates workorder trends completed by staff, ensures professional level workorder documentation and generates reports to support project and budget requests. Ensures complete and accurate data collection for system reporting and analysis. Utilizes system data to forecast water production volumes, wastewater volumes, cost of chemicals, cost of water and wastewater treatment and more. Evaluates data collection and storage procedures to ensure a high level of data integrity.
Develops long-range and short-range divisional planning documents. Anticipates future vehicle, equipment, personnel and facility needs and adequately conveys those needs to Department leadership. Contributes as necessary to the development and/or adjustment of rates and fees related to the utilities division. Assists with the development and implementation of the Public Works Department Strategic Plan, mission, vision and goals.
Performs critical review of project design reports, technical memos, project scope and fee documents, plans, specifications, schedules, cost estimates, equipment and material submittals and other project documents to ensure compliance with operational standards. Coordinates with the project management team to initiate new projects. Provides advanced technical analysis and troubleshooting on utility projects and coordinates solutions to project challenges.
Completes occasional on-site inspections and field work to ensure that critical work is completed to City standards. Coordinates project punch-list walks, warranty walks and ensures that all utility system construction is satisfactory to accept for long term operation and maintenance.
Ensures a ‘Safety First’ approach to all divisional activities. Continuously reviews, revises and reinforces JHA (Job Hazard Analysis) utilization for work within the utilities operations division. Oversees supervisor efforts to ensure staff is properly trained on tools, equipment, OSHA regulations and other safety measures used to complete required tasks.
Creates and contributes to a positive and supportive workplace culture. Promotes staff development, training, cross-training and mentorship within the division. Approaches implementation of divisional policies and procedures, changes and improvements with a high level of enthusiasm.
Provides high level coordination between other divisions within Public Works and other Departments within the City. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to address system needs. Submits system data, metrics and operational information to support required reporting activities.
Performs other duties as required. May be called upon to assist other divisions within the Department or other Departments within the City.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor's degree in public administration or business administration, engineering (civil, transportation, sanitary, etc.), public works management, business management or a related field is required.
Work requires advanced knowledge and/or experience with municipal or private utility system operation, policies and procedures.
Additional knowledge obtained through a vocational school certificate program, master’s degree, professional engineering license or other similar course of study is preferred.
A minimum of six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in the areas of water/wastewater planning, engineering, operations, design and/or utility construction project management is required.
A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience is required.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if sufficient to perform the essential duties of the role as listed herein.
Possession of any two Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade IV Operator Certifications are required and must be kept current throughout employment.
A valid Arizona Driver’s License is required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Work requires the ability to read technical and manuals, scientific literature, reports, construction plans, technical specifications, electrical schematics, blueprints, budget materials, memos and general correspondence.
Work requires the ability to perform college level math to include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, financial formulas, unit conversions and projections.
The ability to produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts utilizing proper grammar; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and observe, review and provide meaningful feedback on the work of others to ensure conformance to standards is required.
Work requires considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluating judgment.
Responsible for the annual budget preparation of divisional budgets. Reviews and approves expenditures of significant budgeted funds, and may research and prepare recommendations for city-wide budget expenditures.
Work requires managing and monitoring work performance by directing subordinate supervisors or administrators, including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.
Work is widely varied, involving analyzing and evaluating many complex and significant variables and issues. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment. City-wide policies, procedures, or precedents are developed and/or recommended by the Utility Operations Manager.
This position makes frequent contact with others in the organization. These contacts may involve similar work units or other Departments within the City, which may be involved in decision making or provide approval for purchases or projects.
This position makes frequent contact with outside entities, groups and the general public and must represent the City in a professional manner, including attitude and appearance.
Must have superior, positive, team-oriented, leadership skills. Must demonstrate a strong focus on safety. Must have excellent verbal and communication skills including the ability to provide presentations, host meetings and orchestrate training sessions.
Employee must maintain regular in-person attendance.
