Water Systems Operations Foreperson I/II

City of San JoseSan Jose, CA
Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose. Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Water Systems Operations Foreperson I/II. The Environmental Services Department is recruiting for a Water Systems Operations Foreperson I/II in the Water Resources Division. The Water Resources Division is comprised of three sections: Potable Water Supply and Engineering (Municipal Water System), Water Recycling (South Bay Water Recycling), and Systems Operations and Maintenance. The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San Jose/Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. It consists of 311 miles of pipeline, 14 pump stations, 13 wells and 17 reservoirs, serving a growing population of over 125,000, with over 26,500 potable water accounts, in a 33.3 square mile service area. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water service through the South Bay Water Recycling program and system to the Cities of San Jose, Santa Clara and Milpitas. The recycled water system consists of 105 miles of pipeline, 4 pump stations and 3 reservoirs, serving over 530 recycled water accounts. The Operations and Maintenance Section is responsible for operating and maintaining the potable and recycled water systems, preventative maintenance, and customer service. The position performs mechanical and technical work of moderate difficulty in performing field and shop work in servicing and maintaining City of San Jose water services, equipment and devices for the potable and recycled water systems. The incumbent in this position will be required to comply with Municipal Water Systems Standby Policy, which includes responding to system emergencies within 45 minutes upon being notified. Duties require a heavy level of physical exertion, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects (e.g. large hand tools, pipes, or other water equipment). Incumbents work with large industrial equipment and machinery, in confined spaces, outdoors, and around hazardous materials. Incumbents may be required to utilize self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, which requires the ability to pass an annual fit and spirometry test. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Requirements

  • Three (3) years of potable water distribution or treatment operations experience at a distribution or treatment facility. (For Water Systems Operations Foreperson I)
  • One (1) year experience as a Water Systems Operations Foreperson I with the City of San José. (For Water Systems Operations Foreperson II)
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.
  • Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 3 certification. (For Water Systems Operations Foreperson I)
  • Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 certification. (For Water Systems Operations Foreperson I)
  • Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 4 certification. (For Water Systems Operations Foreperson II)
  • Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 certification. (For Water Systems Operations Foreperson II)

Nice To Haves

  • Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, including water regulations, meter reading technology, machine equipment, inventory and safety management, water system hydraulics and sampling, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), chlorination and disinfection processes, fluoride monitoring, maintenance and repair, machinery uses, implementing effective preventative maintenance and leading/ training staff, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
  • Communication Skills - Communicates and listens effectively and responds in an timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, current; well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form responds to statements and comments of others in a way that reflects understanding of the content and the accompanying emotion; asks clarifying questions to assure understanding of what the speaker intended, ensures consistent communication takes place within area of responsibility.
  • Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
  • Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful and friendly manner.
  • Leadership - Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational support and direction.
  • Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
  • Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
  • Team Work & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and direct staff, including prioritizing and assigning work; conduct performance evaluations; ensure staff is trained; make hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations; and make recommendations related to the change in employee status. May perform work of a similar nature to those employees supervised.
  • Process, review, and record daily work orders and hydrant maintenance work orders; and maintain hydrant inventory, work order logs, and documents with recorded changes and adjustments.
  • Coordinate set-up of weekly bacteriological, general physical, and special water samples.
  • Perform and lead preventative maintenance programs at pump stations, wells, and reservoirs.
  • Handle complex or difficult customer complaints addressing water quality, high bills, or no water.
  • Verify contractor schedules and inspect service and main repair jobs.
  • Plan and coordinate daily work schedules.; and establish and meet deadlines, while remaining adaptable to shifting priorities.
  • Perform standby duties including conducting daily fluoride readings; respond and make adjustments to the fluoride chemical feed system; and respond to water system alarms via SCADA, emergency water main breaks, and site security alarms.
  • Direct and coordinate water systems outages, shutdowns, limitations, and information from field surveillance.
  • Investigate complex technical problems related to operations and distribution; evaluate work processes, techniques, and operational data to improve water quality effectiveness and efficiency; and create, update, and implement standard operating procedures.
  • Read water systems maps and as built construction plans; and interpret plans, diagrams, sketches, and blueprints.
  • Leads and directs the day-to-day field operations of potable and recycled water systems. Responsibilities include 24-hour scheduled supervisor standby duty shifts, coordination of water samples, maintaining pump stations and reservoirs, testing and replacement of water meters and valves, and responding to emergencies.
  • Ensures that regulations set by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) or successor agency, are followed as daily tasks are performed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
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