Utility Operations Program Manager

Hope Utilties • Glendale, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role supports and oversees the operation, maintenance, and performance of water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and related utility infrastructure systems. The position involves monitoring system performance, maintenance activities, and operational data to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant utility services. It also includes assisting with the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency response plans. The role requires conducting field inspections and reviewing operational reports, work orders, and maintenance records. A key aspect is supporting compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, permits, and water quality requirements, including assisting with regulatory inspections, audits, reporting, permit administration, and corrective actions. The position provides technical guidance and operational support to Operations Managers and staff, and promotes a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Additionally, it supports employee training, certification programs, workforce development initiatives, and emergency preparedness activities, as well as staffing coordination, on-call schedules, and employee development planning.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of water treatment, production, storage, and distribution systems; wastewater collection and treatment systems; reclaimed water and recharge operations; utility asset management; maintenance practices; SCADA, telemetry, instrumentation, and control systems; and applicable federal, state, environmental, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of budget development, financial management, procurement processes, contract administration, OSHA requirements, confined space entry procedures, and utility safety programs.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to evaluate system performance, identify operational improvements, and support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions during both routine operations and emergency situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Water Technology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Utility Management, Construction Management, or related field -and- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in water and wastewater utility operations or related field.
• Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license.
• Must possess or obtain within one (1) year of hire, and maintain: Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator Certification or equivalent Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator Certification or equivalent.
• OR Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent -and- At least 14 years of progressively responsible experience in water and wastewater utility operations or related field, preferably to include experience with utility system operations, regulatory compliance, infrastructure maintenance, and operational planning.
• Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license.
• Must possess or obtain within one (1) year of hire, and maintain: Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator Certification or equivalent Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator Certification or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with utility system operations, regulatory compliance, infrastructure maintenance, and operational planning preferred.
• Experience overseeing water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution, collection, and maintenance programs strongly preferred.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory, management, or leadership experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and oversee the operation, maintenance, and performance of water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and related utility infrastructure systems.
• Monitor system performance, maintenance activities, and operational data to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant utility services.
• Assist with the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency response plans.
• Conduct field inspections and review operational reports, work orders, and maintenance records.
• Support compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, permits, and water quality requirements.
• Assist with regulatory inspections, audits, reporting, permit administration, and corrective actions.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to Operations Managers and staff.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Support employee training, certification programs, workforce development initiatives, and emergency preparedness activities.
• Assist with staffing coordination, on-call schedules, and employee development planning.
• Oversee the performance of contract operators, consultants, maintenance providers, and service vendors.
• Monitor contractor compliance with contractual requirements, regulatory obligations, and service standards.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs and asset management initiatives.
• Maintain asset records and operational documentation while identifying maintenance priorities, asset replacements, and system improvements.
• Plan, coordinate, manage, and support the implementation of capital improvement, infrastructure rehabilitation, maintenance, and operational projects to enhance system reliability, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term asset sustainability.
• Provide operational input during project design, construction, startup, and commissioning.
• Review engineering reports, plans, specifications, and project impacts.
• Assist in developing short- and long-term capital improvement plans and identifying infrastructure improvement opportunities.
• Assist in preparing, administering, and monitoring operating and capital budgets.
• Support budget forecasting, cost estimating, financial analysis, and expenditure monitoring.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining service quality and regulatory compliance.
• Investigate and assist in resolving customer concerns related to utility services.
• Provide technical assistance and operational support to customers, contractors, consultants, and internal departments.
• Support communications related to operational activities, service disruptions, emergency events, and infrastructure projects.
• Participate in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and continuity of operations activities.
• Support responses to outages, overflows, equipment failures, contamination events, and natural disasters.
• Assist with organizational resiliency and risk management initiatives.
• Participate in after-hours emergency response and on-call rotations as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager