Assistant General Manager

Job Title

Position combines executive leadership with advanced operational expertise and is expected to exercise independent judgement on complex technical, financial, and organizational issues.

Plan, direct, and review the activities of Sweetwater Authority (Authority) and to provide professional and technical staff assistance.

Analyze and recommend the policies and procedures related to assigned departments.

Provide highly complex assistance to the General Manager.

Supervision Received/Exercised: Direction and supervision is provided by the General Manager. Responsibilities include direct supervision for department heads as so directed by the General Manager. General supervision is provided for the Board Secretary and Administrative Assistant, and functional supervision for other utility programs and services as required.

Examples of Duties/Responsibilities

Serve as the General Manager in the General Manager's temporary absence.

Assist the General Manager in directing the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.

Provide leadership and strategic direction to engineering and/or operations, maintenance, construction, fleet, and facilities division as directed by the General Manager.

Serve as executive leader for the Engineering and Operations Department.

Recommend and implement overall policies, plans, and programs in conjunction with key staff personnel and specialized consultants.

Oversees development and implementation of the Authority's Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Meet regularly with subordinates and department heads to develop and implement annual departmental work plans in accordance with the strategic plan, Board and General Manager's directives; review current and proposed projects, work schedules, organizational, and personnel issues; prioritize workloads; identify necessary resources; manage performance, and provide guidance and feedback.

Promotes a culture of collaboration, respect, public service, and excellence.

Research, prepare, and direct the preparation of technical and administrative reports; present reports and recommendations to the General Manager and Board of Directors.

Coordinate with consultants and other agencies on interagency projects and programs regulatory matters and legislative issues affecting the Authority.

Review with staff and other agencies, plans for enhancing and protecting the Authority's extensive water resources and assets.

Participate in resolving field and customer problems as necessary.

Develop and maintain general procedures for control of departmental activities.

Assist in developing and coordinating the budget; review all budget proposals and make recommendations to the General Manager regarding the budget; and review and monitor expenditures/revenues for reporting work units during the fiscal year.

Assist the General Manager in the administration of the Authority's labor relations and personnel programs; serve as a management representative in meetings with employee labor representatives.

Supervise and recommend the appointment of personnel; conduct performance reviews; make determinations regarding discipline, including and up to termination; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of assigned departments; review and make recommendations in coordination with Human Resources regarding personnel actions and conflict resolution requiring approval of the General Manager.

Facilitate interdepartmental workgroups on projects and interdepartmental communication for project coordination and conflict resolution.

Review materials for and represent Management at Committee and Governing Board meetings.

Interface with Governing Board members; respond to requests and provide information.

Assume role of incident commander in the event of emergency operations.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board Members, media representatives, business, education and community leaders, and the public.

Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of: Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques. Computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office. Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, goals, and operational needs. Effective leadership methods and supervisory skills. Authority policies, procedures, and Rates and Rules. General processes of local government as it pertains to utility operations. Principles and practices of water utility infrastructure and operations, management, and organization. Methods, materials, techniques, and equipment used in the construction, operation, and maintenance of a water agency. Pertinent federal, state, regional and local statutes, laws, codes, and ordinances as they apply to water agencies. Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding water utility operations. Principles and practices of modern office management. Principles and practices of organizational, administrative, budget, training, and personnel management. Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentation. Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to: Organize, staff, and supervise activities in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale. Delegate authority and responsibility and schedule and program work on a long-term basis. Interpret the General Manager's requests or assignments and communicate and implement the requests throughout the organization. Understand and negotiate complex technical agreements with other agencies. Formulate and present policy recommendations. Inspire high-performing teams. Supervise, train, and evaluate professional, technical, and clerical subordinates. Plan, organize, coordinate, and manage the strategic planning functions of the agency. Review department budgets and controls. Conduct research and independently prepare reports. Demonstrate decisiveness. Develop, present, and implement policies and programs. Demonstrate a strong commitment to the Authority's mission and communities it serves. Problem-solve using creativity and innovation. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Keyboard proficiently. Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education/Training/Experience (positions in this class typically require): Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or civil engineering (preferred), business administration, finance,, environmental, or related field. Master's degree is highly desirable. Eight (8) years of progressively responsible administrative and management experience involving water/wastewater utility planning, coordinating, and operations, including five (5) years of working with elected officials and senior level supervisory experience. Certificates or advanced training in management, leadership, and finance are desirable. Distribution or treatment certifications issued by the State of California or Department of Health Services are desirable.

Licenses/Certifications – Required Conditions of Employment: Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (P.E.) in the State of California (highly desirable) Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License. Maintain an acceptable safe active driving record, together with proof of insurability. Project Management Professional (highly desirable).

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

Physical Demands: Hear normal conversation in person and on the telephone. The mobility of arms to reach, and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly. Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages, including good peripheral vision and depth perception. Speak in a normal voice; able to be heard and understood on the telephone, in person, and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. Mobility to stand, stoop and bend. Use office equipment such as personal computers, copiers and fax machines. Operate standard passenger vehicles. Lift, carry, push or pull up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Keyboarding for extended periods of time. Fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Occasional travel by airplane, public transportation, and/or automobile in conducting agency business or attending conferences.

Mental Demands: Demonstrate written and oral communication skills. Read and interpret complex data, information, and documents. Analyze and solve problems. Observe and interpret people and situations. Demonstrate math and mathematical reasoning. Learn and apply new information and skills. Perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with constant interruptions. Work under intense and constantly changing deadlines. Interact with those encountered in the course of work, some of whom may be demanding, dissatisfied, upset and/or abusive.

Working Hours: As required. This position may require night and weekend work and travel.

Other Conditions: It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and business like image to the public at all times: A neat, clean, and pressed appearance in clothing, hair, and personal hygiene is important every day. Good judgment is expected in determining proper dress and appearance. All facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed.