Water Superintendent

Job Description

Water Superintendent (180)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

Education and experience equivalent to completion of an Associate of Arts Degree (60 semester or 90 quarter units) in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, or related field; and
Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in work involving construction, maintenance and operation of water distribution systems, at least two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.
Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of one year for 30 semester units.

License & Certification

The following are required at time of application and for the duration of employment:

A valid California Class C driver's license
A valid Water Distribution Operators Certificate (Grade D-2 or above), issued by the California Department of Health Services. A Grade D-3 Certificate must be obtained with in one year of appointment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a division manager position in the Unclassified service, responsible for the work of field crews engaged in the construction, maintenance, and operation of the City's water distribution system. The incumbent supervises, schedules, plans, organizes and directs the staff and program functions of the division’s maintenance and construction program in order to meet departmental goals and objectives.

As a member of the City’s Unclassified Service, this is an “at will” position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City’s Code of Ethics and Values.

Typical Duties

This description may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Under general direction:

Assign, manage and review the work of the Water Division in the construction, maintenance and operation of the City's water distribution system;
Develop work schedules, establish task priorities and adjust schedules to meet emergency conditions;
Determine the need for improvements, changes, replacement and rehabilitation of the water distribution system;
Maintain knowledge of current Federal, State, County and local rules and regulations as they pertain to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the water distribution system and implement changes as required to insure compliance;
Confer with Assistant Director of Water Utility to review and discuss day-to-day operations and to plan activities for optimum effectiveness in personnel and material utilization;
Assist in the preparation of the annual departmental budget;
Prepare, submit and administer the Water Field Division Operating and Capital Outlay budgets;
Develop and manage training programs in water distribution system construction, maintenance, and operations for Water Division personnel;
Respond to emergencies affecting City's water distribution system to coordinate and direct the activities of personnel and equipment;
Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations and administrative policies;
Counsel and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel;
Participate and make recommendations in personnel management in the areas of recruitment, selection and supervision of assigned personnel;
Oversee and report on the progress of assigned projects and ensure projects meet budget and quality goals;
Inspect work in progress and upon completion and assist crews in resolving difficult work problems;
Instruct work crews in work techniques, use of equipment and safety precautions and requirements;
Investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints;
Recommend and assist in the implementation of department goals and objectives;
Monitor, track, interpret and report on operational and performance data;
Work with staff and outside contractors on construction and maintenance activities and ensure quality of work conforms to City standards; and
Perform other related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

The methods, tools, materials and functions of equipment used in the construction, maintenance and operation of water distribution systems;
Nomenclature of pipe, pipe fittings, meters, valves, pumps, control systems, and all other materials used in water distribution systems;
Federal, State, County and City rules and regulations pertaining to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the water distribution system;
Principals of electrical and mechanical installation, function and maintenance;
Principals of instrumentation and controls;
Principals and practices of budget preparation and administration;
City's Rules and Regulations for Water Service;
Organizing and supervising the field operations of personnel engaged in water distribution system construction, maintenance and operation;
Personnel management and supervision;
Training, motivation and counseling techniques for evaluating and communicating with assigned personnel;
Office safety practices, procedures and standards;
Field and construction safety practices, procedures and standards; and
Implementation and enforcement of safety rules and practices.

Ability to:

Establish cooperative working relationships with employees, public officials, contractors and the general public;
Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures;
Lead and direct the operation of personnel and equipment under both routine and emergency conditions;
Direct, schedule, evaluate and train employees; Work as team player and be willing to deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external City clients;
Communicate logically and clearly, both orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions;
Prepare and present clear and concise reports;
Read and interpret construction plans, maps, charts, and graphs;
Deal fairly, objectively and impartially with others;
Exercise independent judgment and initiative with minimal supervision;
Develop and establish division goals;
Lead and motivate employees to accomplish established division and department goals;
Take a proactive approach to customer issues;
Make process improvement changes to streamline procedures;
Keep accurate operational records and prepare reports;
Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive employee and customer information; and
Bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties.

Supervision Received

Works under the direction of the Assistant Director of Water Utility and/or Director of Water & Sewer Utilities.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises Assistant Water Superintendents (Operations, Maintenance and Construction), Utility Crew Supervisors and assigned personnel in the Water Division. May be required to manage the work of all field personnel in the Water and Sewer Utilities in the absence of another division manager. May be required to direct the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities in the absence of the Director of Water & Sewer Utilities.

Special Conditions

Incumbents of this class may be required to work unusual hours in emergency situations and to be available on an "on call" basis.

Because of the possibility of emergency situations, it is required that the applicant be able to respond in person within 30 minutes to the City's Utility Center, located at 1705 Martin Ave.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job.

Conflict of Interest

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved May 2007