Operations Manager

Operations ManagerCalifornia Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the third-largest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose-driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the operation, maintenance, and customer service activities of the district water system, including managing and monitoring operating expense budgets and supporting the execution of the capital budget; managing customer service and SOX compliance, complies with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements for drinking water; acts as the designated Company official for public meetings or forums; participates in the General Rate Case (GRC) process. This position can be located in Selma or Visalia, CA.Essential Functions:Manages staff, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, overseeing training and development, and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendationsOversees all customer service activities and responds to/resolves customer inquiries regarding billing or water qualityProvides oversight for water quality and quantity water system operations, maintenance, and stand-by operator after-hour activitiesOversees operations related to distribution, quantity, and quality including maintenance and construction activities, all capital construction and activities, budget development, monitoring expenditures, and resolving complex customer service issuesManages and oversees the District's Operating Budget; prepares the Annual Operating Budget for all field activitiesSchedules and modifies operations to meet corporate, Company, and local goals, initiatives, and projectsPerforms Shift operator duties on a daily basis and acts as the Chief operator as neededEnsures certified distribution operators and treatment operators are properly trained to make decisions that affect water quality and quantity using manual or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)Provides oversight to the operations and maintenance of well sites, system booster stations, reservoirs, treatment plant, compliance water sampling, and testingProvides oversight to system main repairs, service repairs, meter repairs, and replacement program, flushing program, valve operation program, and fire flow availability testsDevelops, implements, interprets, and ensures compliance with complex rules and regulations, laws, codes, policies and procedures via interaction with government agencies and regulatorsEstablishes and maintains relationships with local government officials; acts as the Company representative in a public forum or before the mediaExercises technical expertise in preparing written and oral reports for management, boards, agencies, civic organizations, councils, and commissionsResponds to all water quality and environmental inquiries and issues; participates in inspections, adheres to Cal Water Statewide NPDES Permit and interacts with applicable local, state, federal agenciesParticipates in the GRC process, including responding to requests for additional information from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), departments, and intervenersEnsures that employees comply with all safety guidelines by providing required safety training in accordance with Company policyCollaborates with District Manager to ensure districts meet its capital budget schedule and budgetCollaborates with Company's Customer Service, Engineering, Water Quality, Environmental and Safety, Rates, and other internal departmentsParticipates in a community service organization consistent with district public outreach planParticipates in and supports the Company's Continuous Improvement program and projectsAvailable for on-call duty as required on a periodic basis. Will be a part of the on-call rotation for Visalia and SelmaPerforms work on-site in the assigned office locationPerforms other duties as assignedAttends meetings and training as directed by California Water ServiceMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent relevant water industry or field operations experienceFive years of increasingly responsible experience in district management or district supervisory roleFive years of experience working in a water utility in field operations, customer service, or related departmentState Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade III Certification requiredMust obtain State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification within 12 monthsState Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certification requiredMust complete Operations Leadership Pathway Module I and II within 24 monthsMust live within 30 minutes of the districtExcellent written, verbal, and public speaking skillsProficient in the use of Microsoft Office applicationsValid California Driver LicenseSalary Range: Selma, CA & Visalia, CA: $104,800 - $194,600 (DOE)Deadline to submit resume is Friday, October 9, 2026.The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.