Job Description:
Water Systems Operations Manager
Description
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit
here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and
here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at
CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .
About the DepartmentThe
Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose.
Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! We offer an array of meaningful career paths and value flexibility. Additionally, the City offers a wide array of
benefits , as well as 15 paid holidays!
To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on
Twitter,
Facebook and
Instagram and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
About the Water Resources DivisionThe Water Resources Division is comprised of three sections: Municipal Water System, South Bay Water Recycling, and Operations and Maintenance. The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San José/ Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water service through the South Bay Water Recycling system to the cities of San José, Santa Clara, and Milpitas. South Bay Water Recycling includes 143 miles of pipeline and facilities, including four pump stations, three reservoirs, and Retail Agency Operations and Maintenance activities for over 800 individual customer connections. In addition, the Water Resources Division also leads water conservation efforts for the City of San José.
Position DutiesSalary Range: The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The current annual salary range for the position is $136,671.60 - $208,722.80.
Position Summary: Responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the daily operations, administrative services, and maintenance programs of the potable water distribution and/or treatment system. The Municipal Water System operates 24/7 and requires continual designation of a Chief Operator. The Water Systems Operations Manager serves as the backup Chief Operator when the primary designee is unavailable and is on file with the State of California in this capacity.
Key Responsibilities- Supervise subordinate management and supervisory staff:
- Prioritize and assign work
- Conduct performance evaluations
- Ensure staff training
- Make hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations
- Submit recommendations on employee status changes
- May perform similar work as those supervised
- Direct operations to provide treated water compliant with Municipal Water System standards and drinking water regulations.
- Prepare and implement plans to ensure water quality standards in distribution and treatment systems, including system flushing, hydrant testing, reservoir and groundwater sampling, and disinfectant action plans.
- Ensure systems comply with water quality, environmental, health, and safety regulations.
- Ensure compliance with policies and procedures, including OSHA, California Water Resource Control Board, storm discharge, air quality, and City policies.
- Perform administrative duties:
- Prepare technical and administrative reports
- Establish work standards and safe working practices
- Interpret engineering drawings
- Record maintenance updates
- Provide budget recommendations, manage purchase orders, and monitor spending.
- Direct preparation of plans and coordinate activities including pump station shutdowns, emergency shutdown incident reports, and major distribution system emergencies.
- Use computer systems such as SCADA, computerized maintenance management system, and radio management tools.
- Monitor pumping energy consumption; recommend procedural changes for efficient energy management; advise on water quality program improvements.
- Inspect treatment facilities and pump stations for reliable operation and maintenance; recommend non-routine maintenance; analyze chlorine residuals, bacteriological, quality, pressure, and flow issues.
- Establish and revise standard operating procedures for water quality, quantity, and pressure; develop and implement solutions to operational problems.
- Plan and review asset management, preventative maintenance programs, meter reading, fleet management, data management systems, recycled water system, mobile device pilot programs, and stormwater discharge permits.
- Analyze reports to recommend improvements on efficiency and cost-effectiveness of water treatment and distribution programs; troubleshoot water quality problems.
- Provide oversight and monitor contractor and vendor work.
- Serve as designated Chief Water Systems Operator and/or standby supervisor after hours as needed.
For more information about this role, please visit this
link.
Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience Two (2) years full supervisory experience in potable water distribution or treatment operations experience at a distribution or treatment facility.
Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.) - Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.
- Possess and maintain valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Distribution Operator Grade 5 certification.
- Ability to obtain a valid California SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 within one year of hire. In the event the Treatment system is upgraded above a T1 by the SWRCB, the incumbent will be required to obtain Treatment certification of equal grade.
Other QualificationsCompetenciesThe ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies based on past and current employment history. These desirable competencies are essential for success in the position:
1. Job Expertise- Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with professional/technical principles, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal/state regulations.
- Applies best practices and methods to operate and maintain potable water distribution and treatment systems to ensure water quality meets state, federal, and industry drinking water standards.
- Utilizes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for effective water resource management.
- Manages emergency situations and responses related to treatment and distribution systems.
2. Collaboration- Develops networks and builds alliances.
- Engages in cross-functional activities to promote teamwork and achieve organizational goals.
3. Communication Skills- Conveys information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrates strong listening skills and openness to others' ideas and perspectives.
4. Decision Making- Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities.
- Employs effective approaches to choose courses of action and develop appropriate solutions.
5. Management- Evaluates priorities to ensure critical issues are handled satisfactorily.
- Sets clear goals for employees and the work unit.
6. Planning- Aligns the unit’s goals with the overall strategic direction of the organization.
- Acts proactively to support organizational objectives.
7. Supervision- Sets effective long-term and short-term goals based on solid management practices.
- Establishes realistic priorities within available resources.
SELECTION PROCESSThe selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews. You must answer all job specific questions to be considered, your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration.
If you have questions about the duties of the positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Irina Orozco at
Irina.Orozco@sanjoseca.gov Additional Information: Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.
Please note that applications are currently
not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email
CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.
The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's
benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.
For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services
website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.
In additional to the benefits above, there is an
additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.
Closing Date/Time: 11/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary:
$136,671.60 - $208,722.80 Annually