Operations Crew Chief, Domestic

Coachella Valley Water District•Palm Desert, CA

About The Position

Under direction, the Operations Crew Chief plans, schedules, assigns, evaluates, and serves as a first-line working supervisor for a crew responsible for producing, constructing, and maintaining the District’s Domestic Water System. The role oversees operational activities related to water treatment and disinfection facilities and coordinates backflow, meter, and valve maintenance programs, as well as facility locating, leak detection, and cross-connection programs. The Crew Chief also performs water treatment and disinfection work, collaborates with supervisory and management staff to plan and prioritize work, and performs the crew’s more complex assignments and other related duties. The position supervises technical and maintenance staff and is responsible for work quality, timely completion, employee training and performance, job-site inspections, maintenance planning, cost monitoring, and coordination with other District departments. The role may also oversee contracted services, respond to public inquiries and complaints, and ensure compliance with District and mandated safety requirements.

Requirements

Equivalent to a high school diploma.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within 24 months of appointment, a Foundational Leadership Certificate; alternatively, at least 12 credit hours or units of Supervision/Managerial/Leadership courses from a CVWD-approved program.
Three years of increasingly responsible experience in large water systems, cross-connection controls, water treatment, or related fields, and/or one year of lead or supervisory experience.
Valid California Driver’s License, maintained throughout employment.
Depending on assignment, one or more specified water distribution, water treatment, backflow, cross-connection, driver, and HAZWOPER credentials are required: Grade D3 Water Distribution Operators Certificate; California Class A Driver’s License; Backflow Tester Certificate; Cross Connection Specialist certificate; Grade 4 Water Distribution Operators Certificate; Grade T2 Water Treatment Operators Certificate; and/or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification. Some credentials may be obtained within 24 months of appointment, as specified in the posting.
Knowledge of employee supervision, leadership, team interaction, and staff training practices.
Knowledge of the design, operation, construction, and maintenance of large water systems, including distribution, treatment, disinfection, cross-connection, backflow, and laboratory processes.
Knowledge of job costing and ordering inventory and non-inventory parts.
Knowledge of site inspection methods and maintenance and repair techniques for vehicles and equipment related to water lines, distribution, and water loss control.
Knowledge of pH and pH-pump calibration using caustic soda; chlorine tablet feeder operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair; and repairs involving gate valves, fire hydrants, and pipeline projects.
Knowledge of the Domestic Water System, including wells, boosters, reservoirs, and hydro-systems; distribution system design and hydraulics; and water main and well disinfection.
Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, procedures, drinking water regulations, record keeping, safety protocols, customer service, English language usage, relevant computer software and communication tools, and safe operation of machinery, tools, equipment, and materials.
Ability to select and supervise staff, provide training and development, ensure effective work, and evaluate performance objectively and positively.
Ability to assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Ability to interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Ability to perform the most complex work in the assigned area.
Ability to prepare accurate cost estimates for operations, maintenance, and repair projects.
Ability to read, understand, and prepare plan specifications, working sketches, plat sheets, and blueprints.
Ability to recommend process and operational improvements and efficiencies.
Ability to complete job and work orders promptly and to a high standard; diagnose equipment repairs; and troubleshoot chlorine tablet feeders and caustic skids.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and correspondence, maintain accurate logs and records, organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, use relevant computer systems and business equipment, communicate effectively, and build positive working relationships.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, assign, supervise, and review crew work involving the Domestic Water System, treatment and disinfection facilities, backflow services, and cross-connection services.
Ensure work meets quality standards and is completed on time.
Ensure staff are trained in work procedures; observe skills and performance, recommend training, and monitor training effectiveness.
Participate in personnel matters, including grievances, disciplinary actions, employee selection, and promotions.
Inspect job sites and work in progress for quality, specification compliance, and adherence to procedures.
Work with supervisory and management staff to plan and implement preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance programs; monitor operations and schedule corrective maintenance.
Evaluate employee performance, prepare and deliver evaluations, counsel employees within established authority, and coordinate performance matters with supervisors and managers.
Monitor work-unit activities, identify service or procedural improvements, recommend process changes, and implement approved improvements.
Coordinate services and operations with other District departments.
Assist with determining job material and resource costs, monitor project costs, and provide information to supervisory and management staff.
When assigned, oversee contracted services, review work for quality, specification compliance, and budget, and prepare reports.
Answer public questions, provide information, investigate and respond to complaints and inquiries, or refer them to a supervisor.
Follow District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols and ensure staff do the same.
Perform other duties as assigned.