JOB TITLE: Assistant Manager Water Quality Control Operations

AGENCY: City of Palo Alto

LOCATION: Palo Alto, CA

FILING DEADLINE: November 11, 2024

SALARY RANGE: $143,936.00 – $215,883 Annually

The Position

The Assistant Manager Water Quality Control Operations manages, plans and coordinates the activities of the plant operations team as well as serving as safety officer. Under supervision of the Water Quality Control Plant Manager, the incumbent is responsible for establishing and enforcing quality standards for operations and supervises all aspects to ensure attainment of quality performance. Further, the Assistant Manager is responsible for assisting with contractual agreements with RWQCP partner agencies. The incumbent is responsible for planning and assessing operational goals and objectives regarding all aspects of plant operations. The incumbent will serve alongside the assistant plant manager for maintenance and the capital group manager, all serving under the Plant Manager.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification is at the second general management level. The incumbent will be charged with the implementation of daily operations related to the operations function. The Assistant Manager will exercise a high level of technical expertise and prepare written and oral reports for management, boards and commissions, and the City Council. Hence, the incumbent must have a proven record of excellent written and verbal communication.

Typical Duties

Typical duties include, but are not limited to: supervising staff; managing the operations section activities, including analyzing and reviewing work processes; monitoring activities for compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards; managing the design, programming, installation, operation and maintenance of the WQCP, SCADA, SAP modules, and database systems; monitoring plan effluent quality to ensure compliance with discharge limits; serving as a liaison with employees, external organizations and the public; ensuring compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations and policies; preparing, reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing a variety of information, data, and reports and making recommendations and presentations based on findings; coordinating initiatives for the enhancement and improvement of service, program, and/or project delivery; assisting in developing and administering the division’s budget; managing the coordination and facilitation of training; participating in/on a variety of meetings, committees, and/or other applicable groups in order to receive and convey information; and other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has thorough experience in the operation and management of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. The incumbent has demonstrated excellent communication, organizational, and managerial skills. The Assistant Plant Manager is a leader and can manage large and complex projects in coordination with external and internal stakeholders. This person can relate well to staff who are at every level of experience, from blue-collar to PhD’s. Further, the incumbent has experience in collaborating with internal stakeholders at all levels, as well as with external partners and regulators, etc. While an engineering as well as operations background is ideal, as well as senior-level management experience, experience managing large capital improvement projects, as well as financial experience, etc., the most important key attributes include strong operational knowledge and experience. The ideal candidate must be ready to be involved in a dynamic environment. This is not an “autopilot” position. Further, the Assistant Manager must have a leadership style that includes a coaching perspective, while ensuring that any deficiencies are corrected. This person can take criticism, incorporate it, and improve. The ideal candidate wants to learn new things. Further, a basic understanding of budgeting and planning to budget is very helpful. Finally, being able to write contracts and compelling employee evaluations is imperative.

Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills necessary for this role, which would typically be acquired through a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of directly related experience, including two years of prior supervisory experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid California Driver’s License; Grade IV State Water Resources Control Board, Wastewater Plant Operator Certificate. Ability to obtain Grade V State Water Resources Control Board, Wastewater Plant Operator Certification within one year of hire. A complete list of knowledge and skills required for this role can be found here.
Preferred Qualifications: Grade V State Water Resources Control Board, Wastewater Plant Operator Certificate.

The Community

Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” is home to 69,700 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Unique among city organizations, the City of Palo Alto operates a full array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers. The City of Palo Alto offers robust community amenities including 36 parks, 39 playgrounds, five community and youth centers, 41 miles of walking/biking trails and five libraries. The City also manages a regional airport and provides fire, police and emergency services. Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationally as innovative and well-managed, one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. City services and performance also receive high marks from community members in the annual citizen survey conducted by Polco (previously, the National Research Center).

For more details about this opportunity, please visit the job brochure at: https://koffassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Palo-Alto-Assistant-Manager-WQCP-final-brochure-v3.pdf.

To be considered, please submit a resume, cover letter and five work-related references (who will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) to: https://koffassociates.com/asst-mgr-water-quality-control-plant/. Resumes should reflect years and months of positions held as well as size of past organization(s).

For more information, contact:

Pete Smith

Phone: (510) 342.3233

Email: peter_smith1@ajg.com

City of Palo Alto

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Assistant Manager Water Quality Control Operations