Director of Water Operations (IN, South Bend) - City of South Bend : Job Details

SALARY: up to $87,128 annually

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Water Treatment in South Bend?s Public Works Department is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing the operation and maintenance of the city?s water treatment plants. This role ensures compliance with EPA and IDEM regulatory standards and involves supervising various staff, including Maintenance Manager, Operations Supervisors, and Operations and Maintenance Techs. The Director must possess extensive knowledge of water operations, process controls, and regulatory requirements, and is tasked with maintaining sound relations with regulatory bodies, the community, and employees. Additionally, the Director implements and oversees the city?s personnel procedures and policies, ensuring a high degree of professionalism and independent judgment.

Key responsibilities include managing the city?s SCADA system, participating in the budgeting process, and leading safety and information-sharing meetings. The Director is also involved in hiring, training, and evaluating water personnel, as well as recommending improvements to operational processes and systems. This position requires strong communication skills, leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement, making it crucial for maintaining safe drinking water and efficient water treatment operations in South Bend.

As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports Our Core Values: Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment as you carry out our primary employee expectations: Champion Values & Organizational Pride, Champion Operational Excellence, Make Sound Decisions, Embrace Coaching and Accountability, Communicate with Excellence, Value Diverse People and Perspectives, Embrace Personal Development, Exhibit a Positive Attitude and Own Your Health, Wellness & Safety

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, between 7AM-3:30PM. Hours may vary based on operational needs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

• Direct Reports -Maintenance Manager, Operation Supervisors, Administration Assistant, and Operations and Maintenance Techs (Bargaining Staff).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is not an all-encompassing list of responsibilities but merely a list that generally represents the types of duties and responsibilities required by this position.

• Responsible for budget accountabilities; supports the operation & maintenance activities of the Utility Department in Treatment / Storage / Pumping systems.
• Accountable to direct operations-related systems and processes of the source water and water treatment plants including the City?s SCADA system.
• Supports hiring, training, evaluating and promoting water personnel.
• Identifies areas for process improvements and provides recommendations.
• Handles administrative tasks, maintains schedules, reviews job completeness, and ensures appropriate manpower and skill composition for effective work execution.
• Attend weekly meetings to align and prioritize scheduled activities.
• Follow the City?s progressive discipline practices as necessary.
• Handles administrative tasks, maintains schedules, approve timecards, reviews job completeness, and ensures appropriate manpower and skill composition for effective work execution.
• Ensures adherence to cleanliness and safe work practices in all water works facilities.
• Leads safety and informational meetings, including monthly operations review.
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures and offers technical guidance to management on operating and maintaining treatment equipment.
• Reports progress and performance data to management regularly and participates in budgeting.

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as assigned.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or GED required, bachelor?s degree preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to perform all duties.
• Minimum 8 years within the Water Industry in an increasingly responsible position.
• Must be available to work after hours when required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong computer and software skills (Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project)
• Knowledge of EPA and State of Indiana water regulations.
• Strong operations background with specific technical knowledge of water systems, process controls, control charts and formula based operational procedures.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Team player, self-reliant and able to lead change.
• Ability to be self-motivated and work with very little direction and oversight.
• Ability to teach and be the instructor for the in-house water course.
• Operational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pumps principles, and related equipment.
• Ability to read and understand operational manuals and technical materials.
• Must be physically capable of performing the position duties and working in adverse weather conditions.
• Must perform all job functions with honesty and professionalism.
• Must have excellent communication skills to be able to communicate with vendors and other City of South Bend departments.
• Must be able to plan and direct the work of others.
• Must be able to document personnel records.
• Must be able to read, write, and interpret O & M manuals.
• Must be able to work around open and unprotected water.
• Must have knowledge of operation, repair and maintenance of plant equipment.
• Must interact with coworkers and the public with tact and diplomacy.
• Must be able to respond to 24-hour on-call emergencies.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:

• Valid Driver?s License and acceptable driving record. Required
• Indiana Water Treatment 3 Certification. Required

EQUIPMENT:

Vehicle, computer, telephone, copier, and all applicable water treatment and pumping equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands outlined here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to climb, sit, walk, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee must use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The role also involves occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a standard office setting and in the field. Some exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. The work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, with moderate inside temperatures. The entire office is smoke free.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management?s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.

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REQUIRED:

Pre-Employment Drug Screen

Employee Background check

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Equal Employment Opportunity Employer