Wastewater Collection Manager

Wastewater Collection Manager

Salary

$143,652.00 - $185,172.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-010

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The current vacancy is for Wastewater Collection Manager in the Public Works Department.

The City of Santa Cruz is recruiting for a Wastewater Collection Manager to plan and direct the activities, budget, fleet, and staff in the operation and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Collection / Flood Control Division of the Public Works Department. The Wastewater Collection Manager operates sanitary sewer collection and flood control infrastructure in compliance with State Water Board and Air Board regulations to protect public and environmental health. Reporting to the Wastewater System Manager, the Wastewater Collection Manager directs two (2) Field Crew Leaders who supervise two (2) Mechanical Technicians, four (4) Senior Maintenance Technicians and six (6) Maintenance Technicians. The Manager directs the use of asset management software and SCADA systems and collaborates with other City departments, outside agencies and consulting engineers in CIP rehabilitation projects of pipelines, pump stations, and other system infrastructure.

To learn more about our Sanitary Sewer Collection System, please visit: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Public-Works/Wastewater/City-Sanitary-Sewer-System

To learn more about our multi-award-winning Wastewater Treatment Facility, please visit: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Public-Works/Wastewater

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Wastewater Collection Manager vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-010

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 08/27/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 08/31/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 09/09/26.

• Week of 09/14/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for September 17th and/or September 18th for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under general direction, directs the activities, operations and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Collection Division of the Public Works Department, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing installation, construction, maintenance, and repair activities administers current and long-range planning and budgeting activities; manages the effective use of the Citys public works maintenance resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Wastewater Systems Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a management classification that manages the installation, operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of the City's wastewater collection and stormwater systems. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and operations of the assigned functional area, including participating in short- and long-term improvement planning and budgeting. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive background as well as skill in coordinating work with that of other divisions, departments, and public agencies. This class is distinguished from Wastewater Systems Manager in that the latter is a division manager and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing, through subordinate staff, the administrative and operational activities of the wastewater division, including maintenance and repair of wastewater collection and stormwater systems and wastewater treatment operations and facilities maintenance.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned function; recommends within department and division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Plans, manages, and oversees the operation, installation, construction, maintenance, equipment and repair of the City's wastewater collection and stormwater systems.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of assigned budgets.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Superintendent.
• Manages and coordinates the work plan for the assigned programs; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities and projects; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participates in the selection, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Ensures compliance with applicable MOUs, City policies, procedures, and employment laws in the supervision of assigned staff.
• Monitors construction and maintenance projects to ensure timely and cost effective completion; maintains standards for materials and construction; regularly inspects work in progress and provides technical direction as needed; troubleshoots and develops solutions for complex technical problems.
• Manages the Public Works and Parks Departments' after hours emergency response program (Call Duty); coordinates and monitors activities of participating staff members; schedules and conducts training; communicates with Risk Manager regarding losses; performs related administrative tasks including billing of property owners.
• Develops and reviews staff and regulatory reports related to wastewater collection and stormwater systems; ensures compliance with Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations and coordinates annual reporting.
• Coordinates wastewater collection and stormwater system operation, maintenance, condition assessments, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), construction projects, and Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) with the Engineering Division, other City departments, independent contractors, local, state, and federal agencies, and customers.
• Oversees the operation of the landfill leachate system, including monitoring and maintaining pumps, motors, pipelines, ponds, and pond levels.
• Provides complex staff assistance to the Wastewater Systems Manager, including development of division performance goals and long-range planning; performs special projects as assigned.
• Oversees and assists in the negotiation of contracts; monitors and administers contracts to ensure compliance with City policies and procedures and timely completion of projects.
• Meets with various local, state, and federal agencies, public and private organizations, vendors, contractors, citizens and community groups.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of wastewater collection and stormwater maintenance and repair; monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergency situations as required.
• May be required to perform duties related to confined space entry and rescue.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected aspart of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, walking, and standing; twisting, kneeling, squatting, stooping, and reaching; lifting of items weighing up to 75 pounds, such as a pump or valve, and pushing and dragging very heavy equipment, such as when assisting with moving a man-hole frame/cover assembly. Explosive strength is required when lifting and moving equipment. Stamina is needed when working extra hours during emergency situations. The position also requires repetitive hand movements and hand and finger dexterity when using a computer keyboard, assembling pumps, performing electrical work, and installing gaskets. Additionally, the position requires near vision in reading documents and using the computer and far vision when driving. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service and when working at noisy construction sites. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet. Incumbents will be exposed to dust, pollen, odors, vibration, and moving objects, such as rotating overhead cranes, may be exposed to gasoline when fueling vehicles, and will work at heights of up to 30 feet when inspecting equipment. The nature of the work will also require the incumbent to occasionally work in confined spaces, construction zones, and heavy traffic conditions. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that provides the above knowledge, skills, and abilities combined with any required licenses is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in the inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater collection and stormwater systems, or equivalent as defined by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Successful completion of City of Santa Cruz's Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget, procurement and contract development and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned functional area.
• Principles, practices, tools, and materials for operating, installing, cleaning, and repairing wastewater and stormwater collection systems.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Practices of researching operations and maintenance issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to wastewater collection and stormwater operations and maintenance.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals and confined space entry.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, contractors, and City staff.

Abilities:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Administer complex and technical operations, maintenance, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner.
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must reside within a 45-minute response time by the end of probationary period.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Must possess a valid Grade III Wastewater Collection System Maintenance Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within four (4) qualifying test cycles.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a Mechanical Technologist Grade I Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems.
• Municipal government experience

Career Ladder

• Wastewater Systems Manager
• Wastewater Collection Manager
• Wastewater Collection Field Crew Leader
• Senior Wastewater Collection Maintenance Technologist
• Wastewater Collection Maintenance Trainee/Technologist I/Technologist II

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, add 8 hours for each additional year up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Management Vacation - 80 hours per year

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year, plus 3 floating holidays

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays at least 90% of the cost of coverage. Participating members will contribute an additional $50 per pay period toward health care benefits.

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage.

Life - City provides a $25,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All regular employees become members of Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average) plan. Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 13.5% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Credit Union

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (2.5% of salary after 10 years)

Medical Reimbursement

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Vehicle Allowance- $120 per month

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license.

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license issued by another state. I understand that I will be required to obtain a California drivers license prior to appointment, as a condition of employment, if selected for this position.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license. I understand that I do not meet the requirement for this position and that this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

04

Please select how many years of increasingly responsible experience you have in the inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater and stormwater systems, or equivalent as defined by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). The experience selected here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 6 six years.
• At least 6 years, but less than 7 years.
• At least 7 years, but less than 8 years.
• At least 8 years, but less than 9 years.
• At least 9 years, but less than 10 years.
• 10 or more years.

05

Based on your answer above, please describe your increasingly responsible experience in the inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater or stormwater systems, or equivalent as defined by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). Please be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, duties performed, and how many years in each role. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

06

This position requires three (3) years of supervisory experience obtained within the above detailed experience in inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater or stormwater systems, or equivalent as defined by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). Please select how many years of supervisory experience you possess, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, such as work planning, assignment, and review and evaluation. The experience selected here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
• At least 4 years, but less than 5 years.
• 5 or more years.

07

Based on your answer above, please describe your supervisory experience, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, such as work planning, assignment, and review and evaluation. Please be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, duties performed, and how many years in each role. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have supervisory experience, please answer "N/A."

08

Successful completion of the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of one (1) year of supervisory experience. Have you successfully and fully completed the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership program?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable.

09

This position requires the possession of a valid Grade III Wastewater Collection System Maintenance Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within four (4) qualifying test cycles. Please select your current certification status:

• I possess a valid Grade III Wastewater Collection System Maintenance Certificate, or higher, issued by CWEA and have attached proof to my application.
• I do not possess a valid Grade III Wastewater Collection System Maintenance Certificate, or higher, issued by CWEA, though I accept the requirement to obtain this certification within four (4) qualifying test cycles.
• I do not possess a valid Grade III Wastewater Collection System Maintenance Certificate, or higher, issued by CWEA and do not agree to obtain this certification within four(4) qualifying test cycles. I understand this will eliminate my application from consideration.

10

This position requires the incumbent to reside within a 45-minute response time by the end of the probationary period. I accept this requirement. (Note: a "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration.)

• Yes
• No

11

Desirable Qualification: Possession of a Mechanical Technologist Grade I certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). Please list the highest CWEA Mechanical Technologist certificate you have obtained, including the grade and certificate #, and scan and attach proof of your certification. (Note: Failing to attach proof of certification may eliminate your application from consideration.) If you do not have this certification, please answer "N/A."

12

Desirable Qualification: Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). Please describe your experience using computerized maintenance management systems or similar software to manage and track maintenance tasks. Be sure to include the software utilized, duration of experience, and employer(s) where experience was obtained. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

13

Desirable Qualification: Municipal government experience. Please describe your municipal government experience including the employer(s) where experience was obtained, duties performed, and duration of experience. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com