Director, Field Operations

California Water Group•Bakersfield, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

California 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. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact. The Director of Field Operations manages district field operations throughout Southern California; which includes providing input to district operations to help reduce costs, review, and manage the master construction contracts, improve customer service and ensuring efficient and effective use of resources; analyzes, audits, and evaluates operational practices and procedures; recommends improvements to existing methods to increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and manage costs; and provides guidance on water distribution and production issues. The location of this position will be in Southern California within 30 minutes of a district office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field is preferred, but will consider all equivalent and relevant experience
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in a District Manager, General Manager, Local Manager or Operations Manager role or equivalent experience
Ten years of progressively challenging experience working in a utility operations role or equivalent
State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification is required
Will need to obtain State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade V in 12 months
State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certification required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
Must be available to respond and support a large variety of emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Valid California Driver License REQUIRED
Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices, and techniques
Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create presentations, spreadsheets, and Word documents
Knowledge and ability to implement all safety and security processes and programs within the District
Knowledge of company master contracts and ability to review and administer
Knowledge of the water industry including water systems production and distribution
Knowledge of capital and expense budgeting
Knowledge of Company policies, procedures, and business practices
Ability to establish and maintain accurate records
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with agencies, contractors, consultants, customers, employees, and vendors
Ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and management
Ability to interpret and apply business and governmental laws and regulations
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and motivate employees
Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service
Detail-oriented and experienced in analyzing and improving processes
Good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Flexible and able to prioritize work

Nice To Haves

State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water–Operator Certification Programs Water Treatment Operator Grade III Certification desired

Responsibilities

Analyzes, audits, and evaluates operational practices and procedures; recommends improvements to existing methods which increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and reduce cost
Evaluates industry trends and new technology; implements programs and projects within the districts which support operational objectives
Collaborates with IT and Engineering to analyze and assess workflow systems and tracking mechanisms; develops and implements new key performance indicators (KPI’s) as needed
Oversees and manages a Region of Local and District Managers, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance reviews, overseeing the development of staff, approving timecards, expense reports, and requisitions (within the limits of authority)
Manages, administers, and negotiates all master construction contracts
Ensures compliance with all safety and security programs within the districts; collaborates with the Safety Department to ensure all employees receive appropriate training and equipment
Assesses, develops, and recommends water certification programs and courses which address skill or certification gaps and promote employee development; oversees the in house water technology training and certification program
Develops and mentors all operations personnel by collaborating with Human Resources and other departments; supports various training programs including the Management Trainee and Exchange programs
Ensures Local and District Managers are building, developing and maintaining relationships with City, County, and water agencies
Participates in and supports the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and projects
Performs work on-site in assigned office location
Performs other similar duties as assigned