Utilities Operations Manager job in Mercer Island

The Utilities Operations Manager coordinates and manages the operation of the Utilities Team in the Public Works Department. This position manages 13 regular full-time union employees and several seasonal workers. The Utilities Operations Team is responsible for maintaining and operating Mercer Island’s water and sewer systems. This position reports to the Public Works Director. This position is responsible for developing and managing an annual budget of $1.3 million. The Utilities Operations Manager must have a Water Distribution Manager III certification. Must be able to work cooperatively with other departments, residents, regional groups, the City Council, and the Utility Board. Must have excellent communication and managerial skills and be willing to handle tough personnel issues in a union environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead and facilitate the Utilities Team; set clear goals, direction, and annual Work Plan.
• Manage water quality programs.
• Comprehensive planning for utilities.
• Participate in rate studies for utilities.
• Provide supervision in the field; set clear safety standards.
• Create, implement, and ensure adherence to Standard Operating and safety procedures and manuals.
• Plan and schedule work; track and communicate team progress.
• Take care of administrative details; prepare reports and presentations.
• Plan and organize cross-training of team members.
• Annually evaluate performance of team members.
• Prepare Utilities Team budget with involvement of team members.
• Select seasonal employees each year through recruitment process.
• Involve team members in development of public work contracts; administer new and existing contracts.
• Coordinate construction of Capital Improvement Projects with Engineering Team.
• Communicate with Community Planning and Development Department on issues related to utilities.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Public Works Department.
• Respond to emerging priorities set by the Public Works Director, City Manager, Utility Board, and City Council.
• Must have regular and predictable work attendance to fulfill the essential functions of the job.
• Represent the City in regional forums, such as the SPU Operating Board, as a backup to the Public Works Director.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent and 5 years of experience in water and sewer utilities. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a public agency.
• Water Distribution Manager III or IV certification or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Cross Connection Control Specialist I or II certification or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Wastewater Collection certification or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the technical requirements and operational standards of water and sewer systems, and knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal utilities.
• Must be able to participate effectively in regional meetings.
• Must have strong personnel management skills; experience managing under a union contract.
• Must have strong organizational skills, including work design and work scheduling.
• Must have excellent knowledge of municipal budgeting and strong skills in managing a budget.
• Must have strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, computerized maintenance management system and GIS. Familiarity with radio communications equipment, e-mail and voicemail systems, and computerized financial systems.
• Must have effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills in the English language. Must be able to make clear and effective presentations to the City Council and the public.
• Must be able to review construction plans, inspect and diagnose problems, read, and interpret codes, regulations, and instruction manuals. Must have ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Must have knowledge of operation and repair of simple and complex equipment used by the Utilities Operations Team.
• Must be able to function effectively in a team environment, and work with the team to promote cooperative decision-making.
• Must have a record of good work attendance.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR and flagging needed within first year of employment.
• Attendance at evening meetings is required.

OTHER CITY REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to drive a City vehicle, possess a current and valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. Evidence of a good driving record is a condition of employment and a complete driving abstract will be required.
• Completion of a Nationwide and Washington State criminal history background check is required in order to determine any past conviction history of crimes against persons, sexual assault or exploitation, and sexual or physical abuse and must be able to pass a thorough background check as required by the Child/Adult Abuse Information Act.
• Completion of an I-9 Form, documenting eligibility to work in the United States.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Various types of tools and equipment are used by Utilities Team members, but not limited to the following: Heavy equipment includes dump truck, backhoe, front loader, jet/vactor equipment, TV machine, root cutter, compressor, and jackhammer. Testing equipment includes capacitors, gas detectors, gauges, multi-meter, metal detectors, Rycon frequency testers, and chorine and bacteriological test equipment. Specialized equipment includes hydrant hose, valve key, hydrant and wet well wrenches, lube gun, tube benders, flaring equipment, and peashooter. Hand tools used: shovels, electrical and hand tools, sledgehammer, pick and trowel. Future work practices may necessitate the use of different tools and equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Work is performed in an office and field environment. The employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods of time, work with computer and keyboard, push, pull, lift, and stooping, bending, and crouching on a regular basis is required. Must be able to perform essential functions of the job. Hand-eye coordination and fine-manipulation skills are necessary to operate computers and other office machinery.

There is a risk of physical hazards from working in and around traffic, heavy machinery, heights and confined spaces and other underground utilities. Exposure to noise, vibration, hazardous and toxic materials, fumes, gasses, and odors is moderate. Work requires physical strength and agility necessary to perform job under all kinds of weather conditions. Work activities include combinations of sitting, standing, and walking and the ability to lift 50-100 pounds occasionally. Work also requires the ability to see, hear and smell in order to detect problems and be responsive to customer, employee, and personal safety. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.

Work requires the ability to foresee and prevent safety problems. Work of the Utilities Team must also follow appropriate safety procedures and use protective clothing and equipment including, steel-toed shoes and boots, hard hats, eye/ear protection, rain gear, gloves, traffic control equipment, and confined spaces safety kit.

Public Works teams operate in a smoke and drug-free work environment for their health, safety, and productivity, as well as that of their customers.