Utilities Operations Manager

City of Mercer Island•Mercer Island, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Utilities Operations Manager coordinates and manages the operation of the Utilities Team in the Public Works Department. Work involves comprehensive planning for utilities and managing water quality programs for the City of Mercer Island. The position is primarily focused on managing, coaching, and developing other people. The position requires extensive depth of expertise and knowledge in specialized functions or business areas that can be used to implement policies and procedures as well as determining efficient and innovative ways to accomplish the organization’s business strategies.

Requirements

High school diploma
Six (6) years of directly related experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience
Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations
Ability to attend evening meetings
Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals
Ability to formulate, initiate, and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control
Ability to effectively present information and technical advice to City leadership and/or all relevant parties
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program-related laws and regulations, and establish necessary work processes and procedures
Ability to meet deadlines and set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives
Ability to identify potential issues, modify processes, and resolve conflict as the need arises
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
Ability to commute independently to and from work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule (virtually or in person), including to community meetings and events

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree
Water Distribution Manager III or higher
Cross Connection Control Specialist certification or ability to obtain within first year of employment
Wastewater Operator Collection certification or higher
Traffic Control Flagger certification within first year of employment
Valid WA State Driver’s License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire
Completion of NIMS ICS-100, 200, 700 within first six months of employment and completion of NIMS ICS-300, 400 and 800 within the first 18 months of employment
CPR and First Aid certification within first year of employment
Knowledge of operation and repair of simple and complex equipment used in the course of work
Knowledge of the technical requirements and operational standards of water and sewer systems
Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal utilities
Knowledge of municipal budgeting and strong skills in managing a budget
Knowledge of principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce
Skill in personnel management and experience managing under a union contract
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization-specific software, and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands, and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
Skill in developing, managing, and interpreting budgets, contracts, and fiscal and financial reports
Ability to participate effectively in regional meetings
Ability to make clear and effective presentations to the City Council and the public
Ability to review construction plans, inspect and diagnose problems, read, and interpret codes, regulations, and instruction manuals

Responsibilities

Leads and facilitates the Utilities Team; sets clear goals, direction, and annual work plan
Performs comprehensive planning for utilities, including participating in rate studies
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Department
Manages complex utility infrastructure and facilities within the water distribution and wastewater systems
Responds to emerging priorities set by the City Manager or designee, Utility Board, and City Council
Creates, implements, and ensures adherence to standard operating and safety procedures and manuals.
Identifies improvements and implements new practices and procedures as needed.
Involves team members in development of public work contracts; administers new and existing contracts
Provides supervision in the field; sets and adheres to clear safety standards
Manages administrative details; prepares reports and presentations; prepares budget with involvement of team members
Coordinates construction of Capital Improvement Projects with Engineering Team
Communicates with Community Planning and Development Department on issues related to utilities
Participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary
Represents the City in regional forums, such as the Seattle Public Utilities Operating Board, as a backup to the Public Works Director
Responds to inquiries, questions, and comments from the general public per established standards and protocols; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints
Maintains strict confidentiality of restricted information
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and best practices
Ensures adherence to all established City policies, procedures, and protocols
May be required to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements
When required, responds to Emergency Operations Center to support the City’s response during an emergency and fulfills requested Incident Command System (ICS) role
Performs other job functions as assigned
Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems
Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes
Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; makes recommendations regarding discipline and termination