Operations Manager

Title: Operations Manager

Duration: FTE – Direct Hire

Location: Yuma, AZ

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under limited supervision, administers and directs the Foothills Utilities's operations and programs consisting of Water and Wastewater (W/WW) operating plants, water distribution and wastewater collection systems, customer services; assures the department is in compliance with state and Federal environmental regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies, procedures and goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

·         Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

·         Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

·         Assists in directing the Utilities Department operations; exercises independent judgement within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes issues, and recommends and implements solutions; provides leadership, direction and guidance in department operations. Provides advice and counsel to Director; assists with planning, directing, reviewing and evaluating department operations, and work performed; assures compliance with State and Federal environmental and water quality laws and regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies and standards.

·         Supervises division and program managers, including water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution/field customer service, wastewater collections and environmental compliance. Directs operations and programs, evaluates trends, anticipates problems, and develops solutions within each division.

·         Plans and manages the activities of professional, technical, and supervisory staff; plans, prioritizes, and assigns tasks and projects; trains and coaches staff; monitors work, develops staff skills, and evaluates performance.

·         Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and assures effective communication of Utilities activities and projects within specified scope to assure accomplishment of goals and objectives; plans staffing assignments to assure operational effectiveness; reviews the work of assigned staff to assure the work quality and timely completion of assigned duties and responsibilities.

·         Provides leadership, direction, and guidance in Utilities operations and procedures; assures effective communication of trends, issues, and regulatory compliance actions.

·         Assists in developing and administrating budgets and controlling expenditures; evaluates departmental functions and programs to assure cost-effective operation and environmental compliance; develops detailed and summary reports.

·         Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes operational and technical issues and policies; evaluates progress toward achieving department goals and project objectives; evaluates staffing levels, resource availability, system efficiency, and service demands; allocates and prioritizes resources to maximize operational effectiveness.

·         Monitors operations, manages costs, and directs technical projects to increase efficiency and effectiveness of services; writes technical reports and statistical summaries, and assures compliance with all reporting requirements for state and Federal agencies.

·         Interfaces with and serves as the Utilities representative in meetings with various Federal and State regulatory agencies regarding a variety of water and wastewater programs including compliance with all new and existing related environmental requirements.

·         Administers new and existing environmental permits relative to all phases of water and wastewater programs; evaluates the impact of new and proposed environmental regulations on the City's water and wastewater programs; evaluates programs and develops methods, process changes, program modifications, and other relevant solutions to meet new or changed requirements.

·         Responds to critical incidents and emergencies, and takes command when appropriate, according to Foothills Utilities protocol; coordinates, plans, and resolves issues with other state and regional agencies; explains and interprets programs, policies, and activities.

·         Supports the relationship between the Foothills Utilities and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and Foothills Utilities staff; promotes the Foothills Utilities goals and priorities, vision, values, and complies with all Foothills Utilities policies and procedures.

·         Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and Foothills Utilities information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

·         Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

·         Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology Business or Public Administration, or related field; AND five years of management experience in a large water/wastewater utilities; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

KNOWLEDGE

·         Foothills Utilities organization, operations, policies and procedures.

·         Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including performance management, personnel rules, accounting, budgeting, procurement, and contract management.

·         Techniques and practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.

·         Federal, State, and local codes and regulations governing water and wastewater operations and emergency response.

·         Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety rules and requirements for W/WW systems.

·         Principles and practices for managing water & wastewater operations and projects.

·         Principles and practices of managing municipal infrastructure development and maintenance.

·         Principles and methods of maintenance and repair for water & wastewater systems and equipment.

·         Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient W/WW programs depending on assignment may include biosolids or residual handling and disposal, industrial waste pretreatment, compliance laboratory testing, cross-connection control, system evaluation, sanitary defects, and disinfection.

·         Principles and practices of advanced information technology associated with water and wastewater programs and operations.

SKILLS

·         Managing and coordinating the Utilities W/WW operations.

·         Interpreting and applying technical standards and procedures, Federal and state rules and regulations, and Foothills Utilities code, Foothills Utilities Regulations, policies and procedures.

·         Developing and administering plans, budgets, policies, and procedures.

·         Managing professional and supervisory level staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.

·         Analyzing problems, resolving disputes and grievances, and developing effective solutions.

·         Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines

·         Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.

·         Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with Foothills Utilities employees, officials, and representatives from other local, state, and Federal agencies.

·         Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.

·         Preparing, reviewing, and presenting management reports.

·         Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

·         Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

·         A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required.   Grade 4 W/WW operator certifications in multiple ADEQ categories are preferred; additional technical training and certifications may be required, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (NIMS) training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

·         Work is performed in a standard office environment and Foothills Utilities facilities. May occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects; may be exposed to dangerous chemicals and equipment.