Water Treatment Plant Superintendent

City of West Sacramento•West Sacramento, CA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of West Sacramento is seeking an experienced and collaborative water utility professional to lead the operation, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of the City's water treatment and water distribution systems. Reporting to the Director of Public Works, Operations & Maintenance, the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent serves as a key member of the Department's management team and is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of high-quality drinking water to the community. This position oversees all aspects of water treatment plant operations, water quality monitoring, laboratory activities, regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance programs, capital improvement planning, and emergency response. This position is also responsible for overseeing the City’s water distribution system, including maintenance and upgrades. The Superintendent provides direct leadership to supervisory, technical, and operational staff while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and professional development. As the City's designated Chief Operator, the Superintendent is responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local drinking water regulations, including requirements established by the State Water Resources Control Board and other regulatory agencies. The position serves as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, elected officials, and the public regarding water system operations and compliance matters. The ideal candidate is a technically proficient and forward-thinking leader with extensive experience in water treatment operations, regulatory compliance, staff development, and utility management. Successful candidates will possess strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to balance operational needs, regulatory requirements, budget considerations, and long-term infrastructure planning. This position plays a critical role in protecting public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining system reliability, and supporting the City's commitment to providing exceptional water utility services.

Requirements

Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in municipal water treatment operations.
Three (3) or more years of management or supervisory experience overseeing water treatment, water quality, distribution operations, laboratory functions, or related utility programs.
Possession of a California Grade T5 Water Treatment Operator Certificate.
Possession of a California Grade D4 or higher Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
Experience overseeing treatment plant operations utilizing surface water, groundwater, advanced treatment processes, SCADA systems, automated controls, or related technologies.
Experience preparing, reviewing, and submitting regulatory reports and maintaining compliance with State Water Resources Control Board and EPA drinking water requirements.
Experience preparing and administering operating and capital budgets, managing contracts, and participating in capital improvement planning.
Experience leading workforce development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
Strong knowledge of emergency response planning, incident management, and continuity of operations for critical utility infrastructure.
Possession of a bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, biology, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water treatment, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
Possession of a valid California driver license.
Possession of a valid Grade IV Water Treatment Operator Certification.
Possession of a valid Grade D4 or higher Water Distribution Operator Certification as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Ability to wear and use SCBA units as regulated by CalOSHA.
Shall serve as the City’s Chief Operator as stated in Title 22, Department of Public Health Drinking Water Program, Article I, 63750.25 and must be able to respond accordingly on a 24-hour basis.
Mobility to work in a standard office or water treatment plant environment; use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings.
On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist, and reach while performing office duties; mobility to occasionally traverse uneven terrain, periodically standing, stooping, bending, climbing and kneeling to perform inspections; on occasion may be required to work in exposure to weather.
Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and small tools and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (manuals, binders, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds such as files, manuals, or small tools and equipment for distances up to 50 feet.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, applied sciences, public administration, business or related field is highly desirable.
Possession of a Grade V Water Treatment Operator’s Certification as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board within eighteen (18) months of date of hire.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, and supervises the programs and activities of the City’s water treatment plants, water distribution system, storage reservoirs, and related facilities.
Develops and implements department and division goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
Prepares and administers division budget.
Plans, organizes, and directs the overall water treatment and water distribution operations.
Trains personnel in the proper operations of treatment plant equipment.
Supervises the performance of plant operations and laboratory tests.
Recommends equipment purchases.
Maintains an adequate inventory of parts and supplies of equipment.
Prepares and supervises a preventative maintenance program and the related recordkeeping.
Prepares reports on plant activities to state agencies, supervisors, and the public.
Responds to questions and requests concerning treatment plant facilities and processes.
Supervises, trains, motivates and evaluates employees.
Performs other related duties as required.