| Description: |
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The Wastewater Operations Manager oversees all inspection, maintenance, and repair of wastewater collection system assets. This position ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including NPDES permit requirements, and plays a critical role in protecting public health and the environment.
Reporting to the Wastewater Director, this role provides strategic direction, supervises field operations staff, manages budget and contracts, supports capital improvement projects, and serves as a subject matter expert for collection system operations and maintenance.
What you will get to do:
-Lead and manage wastewater collection operations, including inspection, cleaning, repair, and emergency response activities.
-Ensure all federally and state-mandated permit requirements are met and properly documented.
-Supervise and develop operations staff, including performance evaluations, coaching, mentoring, and accountability.
-Respond to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and emergency situations with urgency and professionalism.
-Develop and administer the operations budget; manage contracts, procurements, and equipment replacement planning.
-Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on capital improvement projects (CIP), new development reviews, and public works standards.
-Serve as a technical advisor on collection system operations, maintenance practices, and asset management strategies.
-Actively participate as a member of the Wastewater Department Asset Management Steering Committee.
-Provide exceptional customer service, addressing public concerns and ensuring timely resolution of issues. |
| Qualifications/Requirements: |
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Qualities we are looking for:
-Strategic thinker who balances immediate operational demands with long-term infrastructure sustainability.
-Decisive leader who remains calm and effective during emergencies and high-pressure situations.
-Technically credible expert in wastewater collection systems, regulatory frameworks, and asset management principles.
-Data-driven decision maker who uses analytics to optimize staffing, equipment planning, and maintenance programs.
-Collaborative partner who builds strong cross-departmental and external stakeholder relationships.
-Skilled communicator capable of navigating complex or sensitive discussions with employees, elected officials, regulators, and the public.
-People-first supervisor committed to coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
-Ethical and accountable professional who models integrity, safety, and public stewardship.Leadership & Oversight:
This position directly supervises field operations personnel, including Public Utility Workers, Senior Public Utility Workers, a Field Operations Supervisor, and an Asset Management Specialist. The Wastewater Operations Manager sets operational goals, directs daily activities, ensures safety compliance, and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.The Wastewater Operations Manager will be required to assume Rotating Operation Manager duties and functions for one quarter each year and serve as the on-call Operations Manager for one week each month.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required:
Advanced knowledge of Wastewater Collection System infrastructure
Understanding of Best Management Practices associated with inspecting and maintaining Wastewater Collection infrastructure following OSHA safety standards
Understanding of city, state and federal regulations and policies regarding National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, union contracts, city government employee manual policies, protected leaves and more
Advanced knowledge of Asset Management (AM) practices and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
Knowledge of municipal budgetary processes, strong administrative and computer skills, and an understanding of training methods and requirements for staff members at various levels
Understanding of construction standards, principles and requirements for new development, repairs and upgrades to existing infrastructure
Demonstrated experience with plan review, Public Works Standards and requirements within the industry for new development, capital improvement projects and upgrades
Understanding of CCTV hardware, software platforms, and NASSCO rating system used for sewer line inspections
Ability to provide leadership, coaching, mentoring and staff development
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Minimum Qualifications:
-Vocational education/training/certification in a related field
-Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible wastewater collection operations experience, including supervisory responsibilities
-Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) Disaster Training
-Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office including mapping software, Excel, and report writing
-Lucity Asset Management (or equivalent) software proficiency
-Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Level IV Wastewater Collections Certification
-Current National Associations of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) certification
-Valid Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications:
-Bachelor’s degree in a related field
-American Public Works Association (APWA) Leadership Training Certificate
-Any combination of qualifying education, training, and/or experience equivalent to seven to ten years will be considered. |
