Wastewater Operations Manager

City of Sunnyvale • Sunnyvale, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Sunnyvale is actively seeking a highly enthusiastic, innovative, and creative individual to join the Environmental Services Department as the Wastewater Operations Manager. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sanitary/storm collection systems operations and maintenance, and strong skills in planning, prioritizing, and directing field operations to meet service levels and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate must exhibit excellent problem-solving and supervisory skills; a strong ability to communicate effectively and proactively both orally and in writing; and the capability to establish and maintain effective work relationships. The Wastewater Operations Manager is assigned to the Sewer and Storm Section within the Water and Sewer Division of the Environmental Services Department. Under general direction of the Deputy Director of Water and Sewer, the Wastewater Operations Manager oversees personnel of the Section and is responsible for the planning, execution, and performance of operations and maintenance (O&M) programs for both sanitary sewer and storm drain systems. This is a management level classification responsible for leading and managing sanitary sewer and storm drain operations and maintenance programs within the Division. The incumbent plans, prioritizes, and directs program activities; supervises staff; manages budgets and contracts; and is accountable for program performance, regulatory compliance, and system reliability. This position is distinguished from the next higher level management position, Deputy Director of Water and Sewer, who provides strategic oversight and sets division-wide priorities. The Wastewater Operations Manager translates these priorities into actionable work programs and ensures effective execution. This classification is distinguished from the next lower class of Wastewater Collections Supervisor in that it has broader responsibility for program management, resource allocation, budget development and administration, regulatory compliance, and overall system performance.

Requirements

• An Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, environmental sciences, or a related field; AND Six years of experience in sanitary and storm collection systems including three years of supervisory level experience.
• Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and performance standards for sanitary sewer collection and storm drain operations and maintenance programs.
• Methods, materials, equipment, and technologies used in assigned programs.
• Applicable local, State, Federal regulations governing wastewater and stormwater systems, including spill reporting and stormwater permit requirements.
• Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, and data-driven approaches to managing O&M programs.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation, administration, and cost control.
• Contract administration and vendor performance management.
• Occupational safety principles and practices applicable to field operations.
• Principles and practices of supervision, including staff development, performance management, and team leadership.
• Skill in: Planning, prioritizing, and directing field operations to meet service levels, regulatory requirements, and operational goals.
• Supervising, coaching, and developing staff; setting clear expectations and holding teams accountable for performance and safety.
• Managing multiple priorities and resources in a dynamic environment, including routine operations and emergency response.
• Using CMMS, GIS, and other systems effectively to plan work, track performance, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Analyzing operational issues, identifying root causes, and implementing effective, practical solutions.
• Interpreting technical information (e.g., inspection data, system conditions) to make informed maintenance and repair decisions.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with department staff, other departments, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, management, regulators, and the public.
• Managing records, documentation, and reporting to support compliance and operational needs.
• Administering contracts and coordinating with vendors to ensure quality, timeliness, and alignment with program objectives.
• Responding to and resolving sensitive or complex public inquiries and service issues with professionalism and sound judgement.
• Ability to: Work in and around facilities, equipment, and materials associated with assigned programs.
• Travel to sites throughout the service area to inspect infrastructure and operations.
• Work extended hours as needed, including beyond the standard 8-hour workday or 5-day workweek.
• Respond to emergencies at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Follow established procedures and operational protocols.
• Ensure staff understand and consistently apply the City’s customer service standards in all interactions.
• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Possession of a Collection System Maintenance Grade III certification issued by the California Water Environment Association, to be maintained throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a Collection System Maintenance Grade IV certification issued by the California Water Environment Association.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the operation of the Sewer and Storm Section.
• Leads and is accountable for Section performance, including system reliability, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Monitors and implements local, State and Federal regulatory requirements for assigned programs/activities.
• Serves as the Legally Responsible Official (LRO) for the sanitary sewer system.
• Prepares, manages, and monitors the annual operating budget for the assigned programs.
• Coordinates with Engineering staff to identify and prioritize capital improvement projects for the sanitary and storm systems.
• Assesses the condition of program infrastructure and makes recommendations for improvements or changes.
• Supervises, trains, and develops employees engaged in day-to-day operations.
• Recommends hiring, promotion, discipline and termination actions; evaluates employee performance and provides for employee development.
• Identifies, reviews, develops, and coordinates the safety program for the Section.
• Represents the City in meetings with suppliers, regulatory agencies, regional partners, and professional organizations.
• Responds to public inquiries and service issues.
• Identifies and coordinates the procurement of necessary supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Prepares Requests for Proposals and bid specifications.
• Negotiates and administers contracts with consultants, contractors, and suppliers for a variety of studies and projects.
• Prepares a variety of memoranda, letters, technical reports, presentations, and other written documents, including reports to the City Council.
• Makes oral presentations to the public, the City Council, City staff, business and professional organizations, and other groups.
• Supports cross-functional initiatives in the City, including technology implementation, such as GIS and CMMS, and process improvements.
• Coordinates activities with other City staff within the Sewer and Storm Section, as well as with other sections, divisions, and/or departments within the City.
• Conducts field inspections to ensure quality of work, system condition, and adherence to standards.
• Attends meetings and conferences of various professional organizations.
• May be required to work extended or irregular hours during emergencies or critical operations.

Benefits

• City paid 2% contribution to a deferred compensation plan.
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute.
• Comprehensive City paid family medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Excellent Retiree Medical Benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree