Utilities Operations and Maintenance Manager

Position Overview The Utilities Operations and Maintenance Manager is a Division head management classification within the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Division of the Department of Public Works & Utilities – Utilities Division, reporting to the Assistant Director of Public Works. The role oversees the City’s water, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm water systems and supports the Utilities O&M Division’s goals and objectives. The Manager serves as the Chief Operator for the City’s water system, the Sewer Collection System Legally Responsible Official, and assists the Assistant Director in overall planning, administration, and management of the Division’s functions, including selected capital improvement projects. Ideal Candidate The City seeks a proven leader with extensive experience overseeing complex municipal water distribution, underground construction, sewer collection, and stormwater systems. The candidate must be results‑oriented, combine technical expertise with strong organizational leadership, and demonstrate a commitment to regulatory compliance, public safety, and environmental stewardship. Familiarity with Cal OSHA standards, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate both technical and political environments are essential. Responsibilities Direct the operation and maintenance of the City water distribution system, including water pump stations, reservoirs, pipelines, and the City’s sewer collection system and sewer lift stations and pump stations. Oversee the recycled water distribution system and storm water pump stations. Ensure all regulatory requirements related to drinking water delivery are met and that water delivered to customers meets applicable drinking water standards. Ensure all regulatory requirements related to sewer collection system operations and maintenance are met, including reporting of all sanitary sewer overflows as required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Minimize and contain sanitary sewer overflows to protect public waters. Ensure all fire hydrants (except those marked “out of service”) are properly maintained and in service, and inform the Fire Department of any fire protection system component that may not meet flow and pressure requirements. Coordinate water distribution, recycled water distribution, and sewer collection operations with the needs of the public, outside agencies, and other City departments, and respond to public inquiries, concerns, complaints, and service requests. Assist the Assistant Director with budget preparation and perform other administrative work as assigned. Assist the Assistant Director with strategic planning activities to prepare the water and sewer systems for current and future demand. Utilize modern technology and practices, such as SharePoint, GIS, SCADA Historian software, work orders, and inventory and asset management systems, in all aspects of Utilities O&M. Collaborate with City staff, residents, businesses, property owners, other utilities, and outside agencies to address and resolve issues of concern. Ensure that the City’s water and wastewater system standards are up to date, and confer with developers and contractors as needed to meet those standards. Identify electrical and mechanical maintenance needs and initiate proper action. Identify water mains and appurtenances maintenance needs and initiate proper action. Ensure emergency staff is available 24/7 to take necessary action. Ensure the meter reading program meets its goals with timely and accurate readings; oversee efficient meter repair, replacement, activation, and shutoff. Oversee the testing and approval of backflow prevention devices. Oversee the development of schedules and establishment of assignment priorities for the water field maintenance and construction section, and for the utilities operations and maintenance section. Develop and maintain specifications for water and sewer system equipment and recommend major purchases. Interact with all regulatory agencies related to the operation and maintenance of the water distribution and sewer collection systems. Prepare and maintain records, forms, and all required reports to regulatory agencies. Prepare all correspondence needed to coordinate between Utilities operations and maintenance, the U&ES Department, other City departments, and the general public. Collaborate with Utilities Engineers to review and evaluate construction plans, drawings, and specifications related to water and sewer system infrastructure projects. Prepare comprehensive written comments to articulate issues and concerns. Operate and maintain activities for transfer of water from Hetch Hetchy aqueduct turnouts to the City’s distribution system, maintenance of emergency wells, water pump stations, reservoirs, emergency interties, and pressure regulating stations. Ensure emergency assets, wells, interties, and equipment are ready for deployment at all times. Participate in interviewing, selection, and training of new employees in work procedures, standards, and safety practices. Prepare annual performance evaluations for all directly assigned staff, and for staff under indirect supervision. Provide input into employee performance evaluations, conduct counseling on work‑related issues, and recommend discipline. Serve as the highest safety officer for U&ES, ensuring all safety standards, including Cal OSHA requirements, are met, and strive to minimize workplace injuries. Chair the U&ES Department’s Safety Committee. Perform other related duties as assigned. Essential Qualifications – Knowledge Water transmission and distribution operations and maintenance programs. Principles of hydraulic theory as it applies to water distribution and storage systems, water transmission systems, pressure zones, and pressure regulating valves and water and sewer pumping stations. Current methods, codes, and regulations governing potable water disinfection, testing, and reporting, including hazardous materials storage and reporting requirements. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, including data propagation methods and associated hardware and software. Mechanical and electrical equipment commonly used in water distribution and sewage pumping systems. Underground installation and safe work practices. Sewer collection system operations and maintenance. All regulatory requirements related to sewer collection, including sanitary sewer system overflow reporting regulations. Modern asset management processes, procedures, and equipment. Modern work order development, execution, and final billing. Essential Qualifications – Ability Direct the daily operation of a large municipal water distribution system, and sewer and stormwater systems; trace and correct mechanical or procedural errors. Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate supervisory, technical, and support staff; coordinate shift schedules to ensure timely public service. Foster implementation of state‑of‑the‑art water and sewer systems in all aspects of Utilities O&M. Perform the duties of both the Utilities O&M Supervisor and Field Services Supervisor in their absence. Communicate orally and in writing to produce clear and accurate maintenance and safety reports, lead discussions, and present information to City staff, contractors, and the public. Review and evaluate construction plans, drawings, and specifications related to water and sewer system infrastructure projects, including mechanical and electrical systems. Analyze water and sewer system historical and current performance using data, formulas, and equations. Troubleshoot common SCADA problems and implement solutions; recommend projects related to SCADA expansion, upgrade, or new installations. Make reasonable assessments regarding repair or replacement of equipment; advise Utilities staff, design consultants, engineers, and contractors in acquisition and installation of new equipment. Make informed judgments concerning operational parameters of water and sewer systems; exercise independent judgment during emergencies. Experience and Education Any combination of experience and training that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical qualification path is: Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in the installation and maintenance of a water system, including two (2) years of responsible supervisory or management experience in a distribution system classified as a D5 system by the California Department of Health Services. Education: Completion of twelfth (12th) grade or possession of GED, supplemented by college coursework related to potable water, water distribution, wastewater collection, recycled water distribution, or a science field. An Associate’s Degree in water distribution, wastewater collection, recycled water distribution, or in a science field may substitute for the required coursework. A bachelor’s degree is desirable. Licenses and Certificates Requires possession of a valid Water Distribution Operator D5 Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Alternative certification may qualify the candidate if they possess: Valid certificate of registration as a professional civil or mechanical engineer issued by the State of California, and Valid Water Distribution D4 Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board with the ability to obtain a D5 Certification within eighteen (18) months of appointment. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver’s License. Benefits and Rewards Alternative Work Schedule and/or Telecommuting Vacation – 80 hours minimum 15.5 paid holidays Generous employer contribution for health, dental and vision coverage CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (details omitted) Life and disability insurance and paid leave Flexible spending accounts Tuition reimbursement Health and wellness reimbursement Professional development reimbursement 457 deferred compensation plan (employee paid) Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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