Operations Manager

NW Natural•Kingman, AZ

8d•Onsite

About The Position

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, NW Natural Water has acquired more than 30 utilities and today serves more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections. Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people. NW Natural Holdings' Texas operations are some of the fastest growing utilities in the nation, where our focus is on supporting developers by providing essential services to new communities. Our highly driven out-of-the-box thinkers are motivated to meet developer/builder timelines and requirements and pride themselves on partnerships with the developers, builders, and communities we serve.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Degree in Civil Engineering or related field; and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience related to public water system management, development, and maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Thorough knowledge of water supply and distribution systems.
Thorough knowledge of construction requirements for water distribution and pumping systems.
Thorough knowledge of State or Federal Regulations governing installation and maintenance of water systems.
Thorough knowledge of water quality laws.
Considerable knowledge of budget preparation and fiscal management.
Considerable knowledge of principles of supervision.
Working knowledge of interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to analyze water system(s), identify problems, and determine optimum solutions.
Ability to make accurate decisions in emergency situations where consequences of error could be costly.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to plan and organize work of subordinate personnel.
Ability to evaluate employee performance and make related decisions for the good of water service.
Ability to enforce related policies, procedures, regulations, and standards without partiality.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with Elected Officials, public and private managers, subordinates, and the public.
Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.
Must possess a Class III Water Operator Certification or obtain the same within one (1) year from date of employment.

Responsibilities

Oversees day-to-day operations of the water system.
Monitors work in progress and ensures quality and timely completion.
Evaluates overall water system performance; determines and recommends salary adjustments to reflect evaluations; makes recommendations on personnel management decisions related to recruitment, selection, promotion, discipline, discharge, etc.
Monitors personnel records for proper documentation of action taken; evaluates company performance, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Develops and prepares annual and long-range budgets.
Reviews company’s income and expenditures.
Plans for needs of system, projects, equipment, and personnel.
Plans costs for implementing new regulations.
Maintains ongoing fiscal soundness and accountability of department.
Prepares system work assignments and informs Foremen of project details.
Provides guidance and instruction on methods of installing new extensions and renovating existing systems.
Ensures efficiency and effectiveness as needed to maintain adequate levels of water service regarding supply, flow, volume, pressure, and quality at all times including during emergencies.
Obtains new and maximizes existing water rights; maintains orderly growth and system maintenance to meet water system demand.
Ensures compliance with all Federal, State and local requirements and deadlines regarding water sampling, construction, maintenance, etc.
Develops security measures to protect water system from natural and manmade threats.
Communicates regularly with the General Manager to discuss operational procedure and Water system concerns.
Recommends budgetary requirements and system improvements or other information relative to the water system's activities.
Generates water system operation and maintenance (O&M) manual and facility plan; updates plan and assures plan components include water system description, vulnerability analysis, emergency response plan, source protection plan, and standard operating procedures; utilizes plan to educate newly hired and promoted employees in daily operational and emergency procedures.
Establishes and maintains a system of records for all underground water distribution lines, which will provide for the immediate location of such underground facilities during routine or emergency operation.
Utilizes records in the determination of recommendations for replacement dates for preventative maintenance.
Conducts and documents water system evaluations; documents and evaluates vital system statistics against benchmarks of comparable utilities.
Generates report evaluating water rights, sources, treatment, storage, distribution, personnel, etc.
Makes recommendations for use of emerging technology and methods to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
Generates various department reports.
Conducts media interviews and directs public relations activities.
Generates, reviews and implements department codes, specifications, and standards.
Promotes public education through presentations, brochures, and update of department web page.
Reviews plat plans, site plans, and construction drawings for new developments to ensure compliance with Company and State standards and specifications.
Attends project planning, pre-construction and progress meetings.
Performs related duties as required.