Assistant Water Operations Manager

Assistant Water Operations Manager

Mesa Water District (Mesa Water) is now accepting applications for an Assistant Water Operations Manager. The Assistant Water Operations Manager, under general direction, plans and directs a variety of operations-related activities, projects, and programs; develops and implements all phases of difficult projects; provides highly responsible and complex management support to the Water Operations Manager. This position will oversee supervisors in the Water Production, Water Distribution, Water Quality, and Field Services sections of the Water Operations Department.

Ideal Competency Profile:

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Working in at least two of the following water utility disciplines: Water Production, Water Distribution, Water Quality, or Field Customer Services.
• Leadership: Guiding and encouraging staff to accomplish a common goal.
• Performance Management: Coaching employees to superior performance and intervening in response to poor performance.
• Allocating Resources: Utilizing funds, materials, and staffing levels wisely and strategically.
• Written & Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue and in writing.
• Project Management: Ensuring projects are completed on-time and within budget.
• Decision Making: Utilizing critical thinking to decide on an optimal course of action.
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing safety hazards.
• Using Technology: Working in software programs such as Microsoft Office and other water utility applications.
• Handling Stress: Maintaining composure under pressure and adversity.
• Handling Conflict: Dealing with interpersonally challenging situations diplomatically while diffusing tension and facilitating resolution.
• Integrity: Taking responsibility for one's actions and willing to do the difficult, but right thing.
• Presentation Skill: Delivering clear, organized and persuasive speeches.
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Developing others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities.

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis until filled. The first deadline for the initial review of applications will occur at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a selection process that may consist of a skills test and interview panels. The final candidate will be required to complete a pre-employment medical exam that will consist of a drug test.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives direction from the Water Operations Manager. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory and technical staff.

Class Characteristics: This is an experienced exempt at-will mid-management level classification. The incumbent shall possess a working knowledge and experience in planning, organizing, directing and reviewing the work of staff engaged in the operations of a municipal water system, oversee and implement operations related projects, manage troubleshooting of operations related challenges, manage and schedule maintenance activities utilizing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), and perform project management activities for a variety of projects and programs. The incumbent is expected to use initiative and independent judgment in negotiating, prioritizing project activities, exercising cost and budget controls, and in ensuring the coordination, quantity and quality of work performed in accordance with project goals. This position requires specialized knowledge, abilities, and skills and the incumbent typically exercises independent judgment in the performance of assigned duties.

Minimum & Desired Qualifications:

• Directs, assigns, and monitors the work of assigned staff members; selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides clear, concise, and consistent direction; maintains a positive and productive work environment; provides or coordinates staff training; as assigned, evaluates work performance according to District standards and recommends and implements appropriate corrective actions to correct deficiencies as necessary; in collaboration with Human Resources, implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Assists and participates in the oversight of Water Operations day-to-day processes including Water Production, Water Distribution, Field Services, and Water Quality functions and units.
• Oversees the District's Water Quality Program including services and activities related to water quality, water quality monitoring, analysis and reporting, and NPDES.
• Tracks water use; participates in water system planning and supply forecasting; coordinates water use programs with other agencies.
• Manages and assists in the development of Mesa Water's CMMS program, scheduling, monitoring, and compliance tracking.
• Participates in water supply and distribution system planning, construction, and improvement projects as well as capital project management.
• Researches, analyzes, writes and presents a variety of technical reports; interprets technical reports for non-engineering personnel, Board members and others; prepares or directs preparation of contracts.
• Provides staff assistance to the Water Operations Manager; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Participates in activities related to the District's disaster preparedness programs including emergency response plan and the operations of the emergency operations center.
• Responds to work-day and after-hours system emergencies; ensures all appropriate precautions are taken and operations are restored in a timely manner.
• Directs and supervises new installations and changes to existing treatment and production facilities as well as the SCADA system.
• Supervises, oversees, and participates in complex construction project administration; and ensures compliance with design specifications, codes, and District and other regulatory standards; develops, reviews and approves project schedules and budgets.
• Prepares and administers new and existing contracts; develops, reviews and approves project budgets, submits budget justifications, and monitors and controls expenditures.
• Coordinates environmentally sensitive District projects with requirements of a variety of regulatory agencies; prepares and develops plans and permit applications; ensures projects are in compliance with regulatory requirements; prepares progress reports as necessary.
• Implements project goals and objectives through project administration, developing project cost sheets, monitoring and verifying progress milestones, performing independent cost estimates and making recommendations on project items.
• Reviews complex plans and specifications for a variety of capital improvement projects; consults with other departments, contractors and consultants.
• Develops, prepares, and monitors project budgets, submits budget justifications, and monitors and controls expenditures.
• Assists and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; participates in overall District budget development and CIP planning and preparation.
• Coordinates major operational changes with the Engineering and Customer Service Departments.
• Reviews and comments on preliminary construction project plans from Engineering and consulting engineering firms.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of water operations; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
• Represents the District in the absence of the Water Operations Manager.
• Performs related duties as required.

Supplemental Information:

Education: Equivalent to bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in physical or environmental science, civil engineering, public administration, business administration or a related field. Master's degree is desirable.

Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional water utility experience, including five (5) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.

Certifications:

• Possession of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D5 Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Possession of a Water Treatment Grade T2 Certification issued by SWRCB.

License: Valid class "C" California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.

Knowledge:

• Treatment facilities, reservoirs, groundwater wells, and distribution system hydraulics. Water quality compliance requirements, practices, and analytical methods.
• Water system construction techniques and approaches.
• Operations, services, and activities of an engineering and construction program.
• Complex principles and practices with particular emphasis on construction planning, design, and water production, treatment and distribution, and other hydraulic projects.
• Principles and practices of complex project management and administration.
• Methods and techniques of complex contract negotiations and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles and practices of project budget preparation and control.
• Methods and techniques of complex plan review and analysis.
• Principles and practices of water supply development, chemical and biological aspects of water pollution and local water challenges, including their relationship to state and regional plans.
• Methods and techniques of conducting site and field investigation.
• Rate structures and programs of the area's water districts.
• County groundwater district and groundwater basin management principles and practices.
• Methods and techniques of geographical information systems.
• Principles and practices of the economics of water resources planning.
• Principles and practices of business correspondence and technical report preparation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting word