Water/Irrigation Manager

"Working Together for Excellence" - The City of Yakima needs an experienced Water/Irrigation Manager to lead a dedicated team of water treatment, water distribution and irrigation specialists in the planning, development, and maintenance of our water and irrigation systems. If you have a passion for ensuring a safe and reliable supply of domestic and irrigation water to the residents of Yakima, we encourage you to apply!

Associate’s Degree in environmental science, engineering, business administration or related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in a water treatment or distribution system, including at least two (2) years in a lead or supervisory role. Two (2) years’ additional experience in a water treatment or distribution system in a lead or supervisory role with a high school diploma may substitute for required education.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, engineering, business administration or related field and three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in a water treatment or distribution system, including at least two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory role.

LICENSE, REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
Must possess/obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s license. Must possess or obtain and maintain a Water Distribution Manager (WDM) 4 or a Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) 4 certification as issued by the Washington State Department of Health within six (6) months of employment.

Exercising considerable independence under the general supervision and direction of the Director of Public Works, this is a division management position responsible for the management and administrative work of the Water Division/Irrigation Division by planning, organizing, directing and supporting the work of the division’s staff. This position holds the responsibility and oversight of the operational functions within the division including but not limited to; oversight of procedures, policies, schedules and guidance required for maintenance and operations; development and presentation of documents, reports and studies for City officials, government agencies and consultants; review acceptance of new construction work; guidance to Water/Irrigation staff on all aspects of system operation; direct contact with various media as division spokesperson; the requisition of consultants, contractors, new supplies and equipment. Assures the Water/Irrigation Division remains in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local environmental and public health regulations funded. The employee occupying this position directs and supervises the work of division personnel, facilitating and coordinating the division’s programs and projects, assuring the safe and efficient operation in compliance with State and Federal requirements as to provide a safe and reliable supply of domestic and irrigation water to the residents of Yakima. Supervision is exercised over a staff of professional, operational, technical and/or clerical personnel.

Directs, coordinates and participates in the work, activities and daily operations of the Water Treatment, Supply, Storage and Distribution; Irrigation Supply, Storage and Distribution; develops annual budget and work program objectives; assigns planning projects and evaluates performance of division personnel.

Serves as administrator of the Water/Irrigation Division with responsibility for maintenance of public records; the preparation and management of the division budget; preparation of long-range planning; and employee performance evaluations.

Position ensures the Water/Irrigation Division remains in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and Local environmental and public health regulations; develops strategies to allow Division to meet demands placed on it by unfunded government mandates.

Plans, assigns and reviews work of division supervisors as they supervise the installation, repair, maintenance and operation of the Water Treatment, Supply, Storage and Distribution; Irrigation Supply, Storage and Distribution work of the division. Directs and guides the Water/Irrigation Engineer in project planning, development review, design and management; grant application.

Analyzes and solves complex problems including thoroughly researching, proposing, developing, coordinating, writing and/or implementing guidelines, policies and procedures. Provides oversight of procedures, policies, schedules and guidance required for maintenance and operations of the Division; review and acceptance of new construction work; approval for requisition of new materials, supplies and equipment; guidance to Water/Irrigation staff on all aspects of system operations.

Supervises and participates in the work of the division, providing guidance and direction to subordinate staff. Oversees and reviews the work of division; hires, trains, and develops staff providing professional leadership and ongoing development opportunities to staff; evaluates individual performance including taking or recommending disciplinary action as necessary. Provides assistance to staff in resolving difficult or unusual situations and problems. Responsible for performance of subordinates; ensures compliance with all applicable laws, State and Federal regulations, City ordinances, policies, procedures and sound financial practices, including but not limited to budget preparation and tracking, rate analysis and reporting.

Serves as staff representative and liaison with government agencies, citizen and professional organizations, and the public to provide continuing community involvement and input. May serve as Division spokesperson or as expert witness in legal actions related to division responsibilities..

Researches and prepares presentation reports of project and program progress for the City Manager, City Council, advisory committees, government agencies and/or consultants.

Coaches Division staff to increase their level of service to customers, both internal and external. Facilitates interdisciplinary work teams engaged in problem solving within the Division, between Divisions and in a public forum.

Acts in a safe, efficient and responsible manner, legally adhering to traffic laws, rules and regulations when driving/operating City vehicles to perform required off-site duties. Worksites include but are not limited to the Public Works building, water treatment plant, ground water well sites, river intake sites and numerous project sites, and other locations in and around Yakima.

Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Performs related work as required.

Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Knowledge of Federal and State laws, rules and regulations governing river diversions, water treatment, supply, transmission and distribution systems, including water rights associated with surface water and ground water; water and irrigation system design, operations and maintenance, including the proper methods, materials and tools; and State Health regulations pertaining to domestic water treatment and distribution.

Knowledge of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing and training requirements.

Knowledge of federal, state and city laws and ordinances, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of best principles and techniques of management, supervision and leadership; practices and principles of work-flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; best principles and practices for project and financial management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.

Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; professional office procedures and practices; and computerize municipal budgetary and fiscal management practices. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, copy machine, telephone, etc.

Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to managers, staff, City Council; government officials, and members of the public.

Must possess ability to communicate clearly and effectively with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to negotiate and present information clearly and concisely complex information in both written and verbal formats. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.

Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze complex and technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports. Ability to read, research, interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; train, supervise, plan, organize, and direct the work of a staff of technical, professional, operational and clerical personnel; evaluate personnel performance; provide constructive feedback to subordinates; develop and implement modern auditing and accountability methods, procedures, forms and records; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

Must be able to drive legally with precision, speed and safety. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards; to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns; and to make sound decisions and actions while performing duties and/or operating vehicles.

Ability to develop, present and gain acceptance for long-range programs and budgets. Must be able to locate grant resources and prepare grant proposals for projects.

Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the department's values including, but not limited to customer focused, teamwork, professionalism, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.

Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements.

Ability to work extended hours and/or to respond to emergencies as needed to carry out the management and supervisory responsibilities and functions for the division.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed regularly in an office environment while sitting or standing at a desk or computer terminal for long periods of time. Frequently needs to drive to other locations to perform duties or attend meetings. Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/keyboarding and other fine motor skills manipulation while driving and/or performing duties and operating computers, various vehicles, equipment and machinery. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders and other inclines while maintaining stability and balance. Occasional bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck. Occasional stooping/bending/ kneeling/crawling while performing duties. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory to process incoming stimuli, recall information and locations, to process incoming stimuli to complete complex matters. May work outside in all weather extremes and be exposed to animals, rodents, insects, water, dirt, dust, mud, construction debris, asbestos cement pipes, needles, drug paraphernalia, smoke, electrical hazards, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, solvents, oil/grease, vibrations and rough, slippery and/or uneven terrain. May work at heights, in confined spaces or awkward positions, remote locations or in noisy work area. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
May come in contact with angry, upset, or emotionally distressed customers. Requires driving and travel to a variety of locations. May require some evening or weekend work to address workload and when meeting with the public. Required to carry a cell phone and respond to technological or operating issues and/or emergency situations outside the normal work schedule, including weekends and holidays.