Utility Operations Program Manager

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and oversee the operation, maintenance, and performance of water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and related utility infrastructure systems.
• Monitor system performance, maintenance activities, and operational data to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant utility services.
• Assist with the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency response plans.
• Conduct field inspections and review operational reports, work orders, and maintenance records.
• Support compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, permits, and water quality requirements.
• Assist with regulatory inspections, audits, reporting, permit administration, and corrective actions.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to Operations Managers and staff.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Support employee training, certification programs, workforce development initiatives, and emergency preparedness activities.
• Assist with staffing coordination, on-call schedules, and employee development planning

Contractor, Asset, and Maintenance Management

• Oversee the performance of contract operators, consultants, maintenance providers, and service vendors.
• Monitor contractor compliance with contractual requirements, regulatory obligations, and service standards.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs and asset management initiatives.
• Maintain asset records and operational documentation while identifying maintenance priorities, asset replacements, and system improvements.
• Plan, coordinate, manage, and support the implementation of capital improvement, infrastructure rehabilitation, maintenance, and operational projects to enhance system reliability, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term asset sustainability.
• Provide operational input during project design, construction, startup, and commissioning.
• Review engineering reports, plans, specifications, and project impacts.
• Assist in developing short- and long-term capital improvement plans and identifying infrastructure improvement opportunities.
• Assist in preparing, administering, and monitoring operating and capital budgets.
• Support budget forecasting, cost estimating, financial analysis, and expenditure monitoring.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining service quality and regulatory compliance.
• Investigate and assist in resolving customer concerns related to utility services.
• Provide technical assistance and operational support to customers, contractors, consultants, and internal departments.
• Support communications related to operational activities, service disruptions, emergency events, and infrastructure projects.
• Participate in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and continuity of operations activities.
• Support responses to outages, overflows, equipment failures, contamination events, and natural disasters.
• Assist with organizational resiliency and risk management initiatives.
• Participate in after-hours emergency response and on-call rotations as required

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The team member in this role will:

• Serve as an Individual Contributor without supervisory responsibilities.
• Support and contribute towards team goals and objectives.

LEVELING

The Utilities Operations Program Manager performs work with a high degree of autonomy and applies advanced professional knowledge to lead major portions of highly complex and specialized projects, influences methods and solutions, provides guidance to others, and contributes to functional strategic planning efforts.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of water treatment, production, storage, and distribution systems; wastewater collection and treatment systems; reclaimed water and recharge operations; utility asset management; maintenance practices; SCADA, telemetry, instrumentation, and control systems; and applicable federal, state, environmental, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of budget development, financial management, procurement processes, contract administration, OSHA requirements, confined space entry procedures, and utility safety programs.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to evaluate system performance, identify operational improvements, and support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions during both routine operations and emergency situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and customer service.

EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Water Technology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Utility Management, Construction Management, or related field
• -and-
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in water and wastewater utility operations or related field
• Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license.
• Must possess or obtain within one (1) year of hire, and maintain:
  • Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator Certification or equivalent
  • Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator Certification or equivalent

– OR –

• Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent
• -and-
• At least 14 years of progressively responsible experience in water and wastewater utility operations or related field, preferably to include experience with utility system operations, regulatory compliance, infrastructure maintenance, and operational planning.
• Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license.
• Must possess or obtain within one (1) year of hire, and maintain:
  • Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator Certification or equivalent
  • Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator Certification or equivalent

• Experience with utility system operations, regulatory compliance, infrastructure maintenance, and operational planning preferred.
• Experience overseeing water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution, collection, and maintenance programs strongly preferred.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory, management, or leadership experience strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must be able to fulfil the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Remain stationary for extended periods of time, occasionally alternating between sitting, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling as required to perform job responsibilities.
• Lift, push, and/or pull up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery as necessary.
• Communicate with others to accurately exchange information and ideas.
• Hear sufficiently to allow general and phone communications.
• Visual acuity to read standard text on screens and documents, observe surroundings, recognize hazards, and perform tasks safely.
• Observe details at close range.
• Problem solve, prioritize tasks, and interpret and understand written documents.

WORK CONTEXT

• This is a full-time exempt salaried position.