Utilities Operations and Maintenance Superintendent (Water Quality Lab and R&D)

Job Description:

Utilities Operations and Maintenance Superintendent (Water Quality Lab and R&D)

Description

THE POSITION

THIS POSITION IS IN THE WATER DIVISION

The Utilities Operations and Maintenance Superintendent manages the activities of the Water Quality Laboratory and Research & Development (WQLRD) section within the Water Division, overseeing a team of sixteen scientists and administrative professionals and maintaining an operating budget of approximately $3 million. The position’s responsibilities include the planning, coordination, and administration of WQLRD programs with department and citywide impact, such as protection of public health, regulatory compliance monitoring and reporting, laboratory certification, research and development in support of the department’s water system, engineering functions, and application of City and Department of Utilities (DOU) policies, procedures, and labor agreements within a public-sector environment. This position supports the Water Division’s mission to ensure a safe and reliable drinking water supply, directly benefiting more than 527,000 customers.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have previous experience managing water quality operations within a municipal or public utility environment, including interpreting and applying drinking water quality regulations. The candidate will have previous supervisory experience, including knowledge of the principals of supervision, management, leadership, along with the technical expertise necessary to protect public health and the environment.

They will have demonstrated proficiency in the following areas:

• Water Quality Laboratory and Research & Development (WQLRD) operations in support of a water agency or utilities department

• Preparation and management of operating and capital budgets, project prioritization, and asset management activities to support regulatory compliance and water system reliability

• Knowledge of applicable regulatory agencies, permits, safety regulations, and emergency response requirements, including water quality incident response

• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal divisions, other public agencies, regulators, and elected officials

• Implementing strategic plans, overseeing procurement and contracting processes, and supervising a represented workforce

• Commitment to employee development and training

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical, operational, and policy-related information to diverse audiences

Under limited direction the Utilities Operations and Maintenance Superintendent plans, coordinates, supervises, and reviews activities relating to the operations and maintenance of one or more of following the City systems:

• Drinking water production and treatment
• Drinking water distribution
• Drinking water quality, regulatory compliance, and research & development
• Stormwater drainage and flood control
• Wastewater collection including the combined sewer system
• System electrical, instrumentation and SCADA
• System maintenance and CIPs

This position also monitors projects, maintains records, provides technical expertise, and responds to problems and emergencies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This management-level classification is populated with multiple incumbents. Each Utilities Operations and Maintenance Superintendent manages an operational section within a Division in the Department of Utilities. This classification is distinguished from the higher-level classification, Utilities Operations and Maintenance Manager, in that the Utilities Operations & Maintenance Manager has overall administrative oversight for all sections within a Division and assumes responsibility for the department in the absence of the Director. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of the line supervisors in each section in that the latter classification is responsible for planning and supervising the work of crews or skilled and semi-skilled personnel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Limited direction is provided by the Utilities Operations and Maintenance Manager. Responsibilities include direct and indirect supervision of subordinate supervisors and administrative, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, schedules, assigns, and supervises daily activities directly and through subordinate supervisors.
• Coordinates work with contractors, other utilities, and other City departments, divisions, and sections the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of water and wastewater facilities, sewer and drainage stations, water distribution systems, sewage collection systems, and flood control and storm drainage systems.
• Reviews project plans and drawings, consults with engineers, contractors, other utilities, and City staff regarding projects and project problems; provides technical advice and assistance; and evaluates work and makes change recommendations based on observation and operational problems.
• Consults with developers and contractors to ensure that City standards are met; ensures compliance with all Federal, State, and local rules and regulations to provide critical safeguards against system contamination.
• Responds to emergencies such as hazard spills, floods, the failure of one or more treatment processes, loss of electrical power, or telemetry failure; and maintains a variety of records and information on the occurrences.
• Participates in and provides technical expertise and support to the development and implementation of capital improvement and a variety of other projects; and maintains records of work accomplished and prepares reports.
• Develops, implements, and monitors safe operating procedures and safety programs in the construction, maintenance and operation of the water and wastewater production and treatment facilities and distribution, drainage and sewer systems; inspects work and directs use of the most efficient methods.
• Prepares and administers budget for assigned section; prepares, reviews, and modifies specifications for specialized equipment and contractual repair services; reviews and approves all orders for necessary maintenance supplies and equipment; and recommends the purchase of major items and items routinely used.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in this classification.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :

• Principles and techniques, methods, tools, supplies, materials, and equipment including machine work applicable to heavy industry used in the of maintenance, construction, repair, and replacement of the City's water systems and treatment facilities.
• Practices, procedures, and operating principles of water and/or wastewater treatment and assurance for water quality.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, performance evaluation, and work scheduling.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, and budgeting.
• Occupational hazards, standard safety precautions, applicable labor laws, OSHA and EPA regulations, applicable California Code of Regulations (i.e., 8, 17, 22, 23) Water Resources rules and other laws and regulations pertaining to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
• Basic principles and practices of engineering and construction including plumbing, electrical, carpentry and painting.
• Quality control measures used for construction projects and environmental issues.
• Chemical, physical, and bacteriological properties of water.
• Standard methods for sampling and analyzing water.
• Linear algebra, chemistry, and microbiology.
• Underground construction practices and confined space entry guidelines.

Ability to :

• Develop, implement, plan, schedule, and direct construction, repair, maintenance, and research.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.
• Understand and implement appropriate codes, laws, and regulations governing drinking water treatment, distribution, water quality, sewer, and storm drainage collection systems.
• Monitor and manage the progress of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Interpret and work from sketches, plans, diagrams, and blueprints.
• Train, supervise, evaluate, and discipline subordinate personnel.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Develop and write technical and non-technical reports.
• Use computers and various computer applications.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Develop and maintain a budget.
• Plan and monitor testing of water samples.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience :

Five years of increasingly responsible supervisory experience in the operation of a drinking water treatment plant or wastewater facility.

-OR-

Five years of increasingly responsible supervisory experience in the repair, construction, and maintenance of: water, sewer, or flood control and storm drainage systems.

Education :

A Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or business administration, public administration, or a related field.

Substitution :

Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Driver License :

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Certification :

For assignments in Water Distribution: Possession of a Grade IV Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required at the time of appointment.

For Assignments in Water Treatment: Possession of a T5 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required at the time of appointment

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION

Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline ;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
  • If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
  • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
• Proof of certification and/or license should be submitted online with your application. Proof of certification and/or license will be required at time of appointment.

2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office by the final filing deadline ;

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
• Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
• Possession of the minimum qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee for further advancement in the selection process.

3. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) - All applications received by the final filing deadline will be forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

4. Interview Process: Human Resources will forward applications to the hiring department. Those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.

5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.

QUESTIONS:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment ;
• Send an email to [email protected] ; or
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information

Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

Closing Date/Time: 6/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$114,176.67 - $160,658.04 Annually