WATER/WASTWATER OPERATIONS MANAGER

City of Farmington•Farmington, NM

15d•$53,347 - $108,192•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves working under the supervision of the Water/Wastewater Operations, Maintenance, & Environmental Administrator. The role requires excellent customer service skills to foster effective working relationships and serves as a liaison between the City of Farmington and its Water/Wastewater Utilities contractors. Key responsibilities include ensuring contractor compliance with contracts, reviewing invoicing and authorizations, supporting routine maintenance, and responding to emergencies. The position provides field support for project oversight, engineering input, and decision-making with construction inspectors. It also involves updating O&M requirements, monitoring main line extension policies, and communicating project progress. The role supports compliance with local, state, and federal laws for water/wastewater plant operations, including NPDES permit limits and standards, and supports the Industrial Pretreatment Program. Responsibilities include reviewing construction drawings and building permits, overseeing approvals for new water and sewer services, and managing the City Fire Hydrant Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement program. The position also handles public inquiries, supports GIS mapping, reviews contractor reporting, and creates work orders for the water/wastewater system. Communication and coordination with other departments are essential for operational efficiency. The role requires operating a motor vehicle and regular attendance.

Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering field.
Successful completion of the Engineering Intern (EI) exam is preferred; a current EI certification will qualify the successful applicant for the M pay range.
A four-year graduate with a Level IV Water or Wastewater Certification may substitute for an Associate Project Engineer I.
A four-year graduate with ten years' experience in water or wastewater utility operations may substitute for an Associate Project Engineer II.
Five (5) years' experience in the operations of a medium to large public water and wastewater utility preferred.
Extensive knowledge of irrigation, water and wastewater utility operations and the issues related to such operations preferred.
Considerable knowledge of State of New Mexico Environment Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations and permit requirements preferred.
Working knowledge of personal computers, word processing and spreadsheet software, and modeling techniques.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with customers, clients, contractors, supervisors, employees and general public on matters related to the water and wastewater utilities and solid waste system.
Skill in maintaining positive public relations while responding to realistic concerns under stressful circumstances.
Ability to operate tools and equipment listed.
Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record for the past three years.
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or closely related engineering field.
As a condition of employment, employee must be a Professional Engineer, preferably in the State of New Mexico, or able to obtain same within six (6) months of hire.
Valid New Mexico driver's license with acceptable driving record for the past three years.
Working knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices, and methods as applicable to a municipal setting. Familiarity with applicable city policies, laws, and regulations affecting Division activities.
Five (5) years' experience in the operations of a medium to large public water and wastewater utility.
Extensive knowledge of irrigation, water and wastewater utility operations and the issues related to such operations.
Considerable knowledge of State of New Mexico Environment Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations and permit requirements.
Working knowledge of solid waste operations and issues.
Working knowledge of personal computers, word processing and spreadsheet software, and modeling techniques.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with customers, clients, contractors, supervisors, employees and general public on matters related to the water and wastewater utilities and solid waste system.
Skill in maintaining positive public relations while responding to realistic concerns under stressful circumstances.
Ability to operate tools and equipment listed.

Nice To Haves

Extensive background checks required.
Extensive background checks required.

Responsibilities

Works under the supervision of Water/Wastewater Operations, Maintenance, & Environmental Administrator.
Uses excellent customer service skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the general public.
Serves as contact and liaison between the City of Farmington and its Water/Wastewater Utilities contractors.
Works to ensure that contractors are performing in compliance with the terms of the contract; reviews invoicing to ensure accuracy; reviews Additional Services Authorizations as appropriate and supports routine maintenance of system components on a regular basis, including equipment maintenance, line replacement, repair or new installation.
Responds to emergencies (including significant after-hours emergencies) involving the water, wastewater, storm, and irrigation systems to represent the City's interest in resolving such emergencies.
Provides field-support for project oversight, furnishes engineering input and direction for contractors, works with Construction Inspectors to make field decisions as needed.
Provides input and updates for O&M requirements in the City Technical Specifications & Construction Standards.
Monitors main line extension policy and collection of fees; assists with main line fee recapture agreements when required.
Communicates with the Division Administrator to keep them informed of project activities and progress and any significant contacts with the public and media.
Supports compliance with all local, state, and federal laws governing water/wastewater plant operations including NPDES permit discharge limits and standards.
Supports the Industrial Pretreatment Program including FOG/SOG program.
Reviews water/wastewater related construction drawings and building permits and works with contractors and consultants until the project is complete.
Oversees the approvals through Building Inspection Division for all new water and sewer services in the City including any mainline extension fees, special assessments or other work orders needed to complete the project.
Operates and supports the City Fire Hydrant Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement program including liaising with the Fire Department, contractors, and equipment manufacturers and hydrant vendors.
Responds to public, IPRA, or other inquiries relative to operations & maintenance on W/WW system, specific projects, and other information.
Supports GIS mapping requesting survey shots, correcting inaccurate map information, field verifications, and tracking other Division's interaction with the system.
Reviews and verifies contractor monthly reporting.
Creates work orders for the water/wastewater system and ensures their accurate completion and reporting.
Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of inter-divisional and inter-departmental operations and activities.
Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the department and the City.
Responsible for insuring that City's contractors operate the water and wastewater treatment plants in compliance with all local, state and federal laws governing such activities, including NPDES permit discharge limits and standards. Insures that City's contractor operates the solid waste collection and disposal system and recycling center in compliance with all local, state and federal laws governing such activities.
Performs the duties of the Environmental Coordinator, as defined in the Farmington City Code, which includes but is not limited to overseeing the Industrial Pretreatment Program and certain other responsibilities specified in the City Code.
Reviews and authorizes Additional Services Authorizations as appropriate and ensures that routine maintenance of system components is done on a regular basis, including equipment maintenance, line replacement, repair or new installation.
Administers main line extension policy and collection of fees; prepares main line fee recapture agreements when required.
Reviews and approves water/wastewater related construction drawings and building permits including communication with all contractors and consultants until the project is complete.
Manages the City Fire Hydrant Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement program including liaising with the Fire Department, all contractors working on the system, and with equipment manufacturers and hydrant vendors.
Researches and recommends new technologies, upgrades, and system changes to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and cost/benefit ratios. Reviews and evaluates job performance, job costing, and reporting accuracy and timelines.
Participates in preparation and issuance of RFPs for water/wastewater operations & maintenance. Initiate, design, project management, and reporting of operations & maintenance infrastructure jobs.