Job Details

UTILITIES OPERATIONS MANAGER

Utilities Department
$11,233.67 - $14,980.92 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits

Opportunity to work a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is recruiting for a full-time Utilities Operations Manager for our newly formed Utilities Department. As our Utility Operations Manager, you will take charge in driving excellence in water and wastewater operations management. In this vital role, you'll oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring that our community receives safe, reliable, and sustainable services. This is your chance to contribute to the health and well-being of thousands, while shaping the future of public utilities for the City of Gilroy!

In this exciting opportunity the Utility Operations Manager (UOM) will be working under the direct supervision of the Utilities Director and will administer, plan, and direct the varied operations of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including the operation, maintenance, and repair to ensure public health, safety, and welfare. The UOM will also be responsible for establishing and maintaining safe work practices and ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and OSHA related laws and regulations. Additionally, the UOM will provide leadership, training, and mentoring to ensure that each operational selection is meeting established goals, objectives, work plans, and deadlines.

If you're passionate about public service and have a strong background in utility operations management, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to provide clean, safe, and efficient water and wastewater services to every resident of the City of Gilroy.


THE TEAM AND DEPARTMENT
At the City of Gilroy, we are committed to providing exceptional water and wastewater services to our community. We strive for excellence in design and operational efficiency, integrity and accountability in our decision making, respect and teamwork to leverage collective expertise in solving complex challenges to achieve common goals.


THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL

• Have utilities maintenance & operations management experience.
• Oversee and optimize daily operations for water distribution, wastewater collection, and recycled water.
• Collaborate with the Utilities Director to develop and implement operational strategies that enhance efficiency, service quality, and sustainability.
• Be effective in budget development and preparation with the ability to forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Have strong analytical skills to solve problems, identify solutions and implement recommendations in support of goals and objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a skilled team of utility professionals and foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and positivity.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare a variety of reports, policies, ordinances, and correspondence.
• Be knowledgeable in project management and contract administration techniques.
• Collaborate across departments and work closely with various teams to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Prepare and present reports, presentations, and recommendations to senior management, elected officials, and the public on utility matters.
• Be a solutions-oriented leader and a collaborative problem solver with competent decision-making skills.
• Stay abreast of federal, state, and local laws and water and wastewater regulations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with funding agencies, community-based organizations, other public agencies, and the public.
• Provide exemplary customer service skills to include timely and accurate responses to residents and customers conjoined with empathy and a sincere desire to provide service to the community.
• Have strong time management skills to effectively manage workload.

CANDIDATE PERSPECTIVE/ LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
As a Utilities Operations Manager, you'll gain hands-on experience in leading high impact projects that are essential to the health, safety, and sustainability of our community. You'll be at the forefront of water and wastewater management, driving innovations that align with evolving environmental standards and community needs. This role provides an incredible opportunity to deepen your expertise in municipal operations, regulatory compliance, and team leadership while shaping the future of our utilities team. You'll work closely with a dedicated team of professionals and collaborate with various departments, offering valuable cross-functional insights and opportunities for professional growth. For those passionate about public service, this is a chance to make a difference while advancing your career in a dynamic and rewarding environment.


EXAMPLES OF FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

• Prepare a comprehensive budget for utility operations, incorporating staffing, maintenance, and capital improvement needs while identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Participate in organizational planning and moving water and wastewater operations staff (currently 20 FTE) from Public Works into the new Utilities department.
• Implement a new Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for tracking and reporting performance metrics ensuring compliance with reporting deadlines.
• Create operational guidelines for utility management, customer service, and emergency response.
• Initiate a safety campaign and team-building activities to enhance workplace morale and reduce incidents.

Note: To foster teamwork and collaboration in the department, organization-wide, and in the community, this full-time position works on-site/in-person.

1. Provide management and supervision of the various operational sections within the Utilities Department, including Wastewater Collection, Water, and Recycled Water.
2. Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, work plans, reports, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOP).
3. Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the Operations Division work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
4. With support from section supervisors, prepare the Operations Division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved Operations Division budget.
5. Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Operations Division.
6. Conduct staff meetings and field inspections to include periodic field safety inspections.
7. Develop and implement a safety and emergency response program for field operations; ensure that any required operational changes are communicated to technical staff, EOC staff, and higher-level management.
8. Prepare a variety of reports, forms, correspondence, and related documentation on division operations; ensure all mandated forms and reports are properly completed and filed in a timely manner.
9. Prepare specifications and make recommendations for new equipment and supplies; recommend the purchase of new equipment and supplies as necessary; prepare and manage contracts.
10. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other city employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. Hold the operations team accountable for positive working relationships and good customer service.
11. Represent the division and department with outside agencies and organizations, participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
12. Attend and participate in Board, Commission, and City Council meetings as assigned.
13. Based on approved spending authority, determine need for supplies, contractual services and equipment, and follow the appropriate purchasing procedures.
14. Provide for and administer the necessary equipment management program and inventory control for the Operations Division.
15. Provide for the proper maintenance of Division records, and insure the preparation and submittal of reports and information necessary for the management of the Operations Division.
16. Provide for the necessary preparation, administration, management and supervision of contract work for the Operations Division.
17. Regularly work with various City Departments, agencies, community groups, and the general public.
18. Provide and obtain support in the delivery of services necessary to the mission of the Department and the Operations Division.
19. Coordinate and manage the bidding process for maintenance, repair, and emergency repair purchases.
20. Provide technical assistance to the Director, contractors, and others applicable to the Department and Operations Division.
21. Provide for and participate in training programs for Operations Division personnel.
22. Formulate policies and procedures, including the code of safe practices related to Utilities Operations functions, and oversee development of programs.
23. Respond to citizen complaints and requests for service.
24. Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, county, and federal codes, laws and regulations.
25. Perform productivity analyses of operations and make appropriate recommendations for obtaining most effective delivery.
26. Prepare clear, accurate, concise and competent reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
27. Oversee maintenance of utility infrastructure; inventory assets and include in GIS and computer maintenance management system (CMMS) to be used for preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance activities.
28. Develop service levels for maintaining assets to include description of work, frequency work should be performed, performance expectations, and standard operating procedures (SOP).
29. Develop work calendars and schedules in CMMS
30. Perform related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, construction management, environmental sciences, public administration, or a related field of study, and three (3) years of water systems experience, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory capacity for operations and maintenance, and must possess and maintain a CA Drinking Water Distribution Grade D2 certification or obtain and maintain within 12 months of employment,

OR,
Seven (7) years of operations and maintenance of water systems experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity, and possess at least 60 semester college units from an accredited college or university (related coursework preferred), and possesses and maintain a CA Drinking Water Distribution Grade D5 certification issues by the State of CA Water Resources Control Board.

• Possess and maintain a California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) Collection System Maintenance certification Grade I or obtain and maintain within 12 months of employment.
• Possess and maintain a CA Water Treatment certification T1 or obtain and maintain within 12 months of employment.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering (PE) license desired, but not required.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
• Pass an employment background check to include a Department of Justice criminal record check and a credit check.
• May be required to pass a post-offer medical examination, which includes a drug test.
• Prefer non-tobacco user.

APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity please attach and submit the following required items with your NEOGOV application:

• A completed City of Gilroy online application including supplemental responses.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position with the City of Gilroy is preferred.
• A detailed resume that highlights your related skills and experience is preferred.
• Copy of certificates (if in possession)

City Application Form - Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit online. Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Apply Online: Go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofgilroy. You can apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link. After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.

Recruitment Schedule - Key Dates*

• Application Closing Date: January 6, 2025
• First Round Oral Board: January 22, 2025
• Finalist Interviews: TBD

(*Note: The examination process/schedule may be changed as needed by the City.)

Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process. In addition, final candidates for the position are required to pass an employment background check, State of California Department of Justice criminal records check, medical evaluation, and drug screen, given at the City's expense, prior to appointment. If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department right away 408-846-0228.