SUMMARY
Under administrative direction, this position oversees, directs, organizes, and supervises all aspects of the District’s Operations Department, including water transmission and distribution, production, maintenance, field services, and capital improvement. The incumbant oversees the management, development, and administration of key programs such as Water Quality, Water Production, Water Storage and Recharge, Water Distribution, Safety, GIS, Engineering, and Regulatory Compliance. The incumbant provides high-level, complex support to the General Manager, works closely with internal departments, and coordinates with outside agencies. This position is designated as the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) for the District.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position requires a high level of professional, operational, technical, and administrative expertise, along with significant accountability to the General Manager, Board of Directors, and the District’s customers. The individual in this role must be capable of performing a wide range of complex and varied tasks, demonstrating strong interpersonal, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as to prioritize, lead, and manage effectively, is essential. As a member of the District’s executive management team, this employee is expected to actively engage in addressing District-wide issues, including those that may extend beyond their direct area of responsibility.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
This position operates under the general direction of the General Manager and is responsible for supervising, leading, and providing training to assigned staff. It is expected to manage difficult and complex assignments independently, with minimal oversight.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Job Descriptions are only intended to present a description summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified position.
Therefore, job descriptions may not include all duties performed by individuals within the position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.
Essential Functions
Operations Management
- Oversees and manages all functions of the Operations Department, including water transmission and distribution, water production, field services, capital improvement projects, and maintenance of District facilities, ensuring safe and efficient operations aligned with the District’s mission and strategic goals.
- Coordinates Operations activities with other District departments to ensure alignment and efficiency.
- Provides long-range planning and participates in strategic planning for Operations and Maintenance functions.
- Develops, updates, and enforces policies and procedures, standard operating procedures, maintenance programs, etc. for Operations functions.
- Observes and enforces safety standards; serves within the incident command structure during emergency events.
Staff Supervision and Leadership
- Manages daily and after-hours operations; monitors workload, output, and staff efficiency; plans and evaluates work assignments; oversees accurate timecard processing and employee attendance; provides training, coaching, and support to staff.
- Participates in staff selection, conducts performance evaluations, approves leave, and recommends disciplinary actions; oversees supervisory and staff development.
- Leads regular team meetings to set expectations, resolve issues, recognize employee contributions, and maintain open communication and resource alignment.
- Conducts regular field inspections to ensure proper use of District assets and compliance with safety protocols and best practices.
- Maintains professional conduct and fosters cooperative working relationships with staff, external partners, and the public.
Regulatory Compliance and Water Quality
- Ensures full compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements related to water extraction, recharge, distribution, treatment, and system operations.
- Monitors water quality, oversees laboratory coordination, and manages required regulatory reporting.
- Stays informed of evolving regulations and communicates required information to oversight agencies.
Financial and Budget Oversight
- Prepares, monitors, and manages capital, consulting, engineering, and project budgets.
- Provides budget projections and approves departmental expenditures.
- Reviews purchase and service requirements; makes procurement recommendations and approves expenditures as authorized.
- Develops, reviews, and administers contracts and agreements for assigned departments and projects.
Project and Grant Management
- Manages and oversees complex projects, including construction oversight, contract administration, and public outreach.
- Acts as a project manager, overseeing capital improvement projects from planning through completion, including RFP development, contractor selection, budget tracking, construction oversight, and compliance with regulations. Coordinates with internal teams, consultants, and agencies to ensure timely and successful project delivery.
- Oversees and manages the development process providing guidance to property owners, developers, architects, and the public on compliance with District standards, plans, specifications, and codes; explains requirements, procedures, and evaluates development activities.
- Manages the development review process, including oversight of contractor- and developer-prepared designs, plans, estimates, and reports for new construction or modifications to District facilities, ensuring adherence to operational and engineering standards.
- Oversees inspections to ensure project compliance prior to final acceptance.
- Develops and submits grant proposals, including supporting documents and budgets; monitors progress and compliance for awarded grants.
Board and Public Engagement, and Additional Responsibilities
- Prepares and reviews materials for the Board of Directors; attends and may present at Board and Committee meetings.
- Represents the District in meetings with government agencies, developers, contractors, community groups, and the general public.
- Responds to customer inquiries and complaints regarding water system operations.
- Ensures regular onsite attendance and adherence to assigned schedules to fulfill job responsibilities.
- Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The following are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. Any combination of education and experience which would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities may be qualifying.
Experience:
- Minimum of (10) ten years progressive experience in the operation and maintenance of water distribution and supply systems.
- Minimum of (7) seven years supervision or management experience overseeing the operations, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of water treatment and distribution facilities.
- Minimum (3) three years of project management experience on infrastructure and/or engineering projects.
- Experience working with a special district, public works, and Board of Directors.
Education and/or Training:
- A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in this job description is possession of a completed a four-year degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, business, civil engineering, water science, or closely related field.
Certificates, Licenses, Registration: Must possess and maintain:
- Grade IV or higher SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Certificate. Grade V highly desired.
- Grade III or higher SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Certificate.
- AWWA Cross Connection Control Certificate highly desired.
- Project Management certification and/or experience highly desired.
Other Requirements: Must possess and maintain valid California Class C Driver’s License.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The following are representative examples of KSA’s necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge: The ideal candidate possesses thorough knowledge of the methods, materials, equipment, and procedures used in the maintenance and repair of water distribution systems. They are well-versed in relevant laws, codes, and safety regulations governing water systems, as well as the District’s specific rules, policies, and procedures. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications—including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook—is essential, along with strong command of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The candidate should have working knowledge of modern office equipment and computer software relevant to the role. Additionally, a general understanding of District operations, safety protocols, and issues related to chemical and hazardous materials is important. Familiarity with standard safety equipment used in public works and a foundational knowledge of effective practices for designing employee training programs and materials are also required.
Skills: The candidate must possess strong organizational skills and demonstrate both verbal and written communication proficiency. They must be capable of effectively prioritizing work assignments while maintaining flexibility in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. In addition, strong leadership and supervisory skills are essential for guiding teams and ensuring efficient workflow and performance.
Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate the ability to function effectively as a manager, ensuring the proper maintenance, operation, and repair of District equipment and facilities. They should be capable of planning, organizing, and prioritizing work, while maintaining accurate records and completing tasks efficiently and productively. A strong ability to read, interpret, and act on complex written and verbal instructions, technical documents, engineering drawings, and financial data is essential. Proficiency in operating standard office equipment as well as tools and equipment commonly used in the water industry is required. The candidate should be competent in the use of computer hardware and software, including systems related to telemetry. They must possess the ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations and prepare detailed reports involving complex subject matter, such as staff and agenda reports for Board of Directors meetings. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are necessary, along with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established policy guidelines. Finally, the candidate must be able to evaluate workplace safety and security programs and make informed recommendations, while maintaining cooperative and respectful working relationships with colleagues and the public.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands: Subject to reasonable accommodation in accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), possess the ability to lift and/or carry objects (no greater than 50 lbs.) on a periodic basis. Ability to bend, twist, turn, push, pull, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and climb routinely, as well as perform repetitive motion tasks on a regular basis. Ability to stand and walk for extended time periods, often on uneven terrain. Ability to sit for extended time periods and use office equipment such as computer terminals, copy and fax machines on a regular basis. Requires normal range hearing and vision.
Work Environment:
- Outside: Ability to work in an outdoor environment that may experience extremes in weather and temperature conditions.
- Driving: Duties require the operation of District vehicles and heavy to light equipment on a regular basis.
- Inside: The administrative duties of this position are primarily conducted indoors, in an office or shop setting.
- Fumes/Gases: Duties of this position require work in an environment with exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, and vapors.
- Noise/Vibration: Noise levels expected in an outdoors or shop setting from machinery or heavy equipment are expected. Noise levels expected of an office or indoor setting are also expected.
Equipment Use: Standard office equipment such as computer hardware and peripherals, binding machines, copy machines, scanning machines, fax machines, and telephone.
Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills and information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; communicate orally with District staff in face-to-face, one-to-one, and group settings; and interact with District managers, staff, officials of other governmental agencies, community and professional groups, staff and other organizations.
Safety: Follows and enforces proper safety practices at all times. Ensures compliance with the District's Injury and Illness Prevention Program and Workplace Violence Prevention Program.
Travel: Regular travel to District sites, attend hearings, workshops, meetings, seminars, and air travel as required.
Other: Position subject to alternative 4/10 workweek schedule. Position subject to extended work hours and attend evening meetings.
SALARY: $147,287.09 - $193,253.43 Annually
APPLY: https://www.jbwd.com/employment-information
