Operations Supervisor

Role Overview

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Operations Supervisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day field and control-room activities associated with water production, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities. This role provides direct leadership to operations staff, maintenance personnel, and technical specialists while ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable system performance across multiple facilities and service areas.

The supervisor balances real-time operational decision-making with planning, coordination, and analysis. This position plays a key role in maintaining water quality, system reliability, workforce safety, and regulatory compliance while supporting capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate 24/7 operational activities associated with potable water transmission and distribution systems.
• Utilize automated monitoring and control platforms to oversee equipment performance, preserve water quality, and reduce service disruptions.
• Partner with environmental health and safety staff to implement safety programs, conduct training, identify hazards, and respond to incidents.
• Develop, update, and enforce standard operating procedures related to operations, maintenance, treatment processes, chemical systems, and electrical/control equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections of facilities and equipment to verify compliance with regulatory, maintenance, and organizational standards, initiating corrective actions as required.
• Lead initiatives aimed at improving system reliability, operational efficiency, water quality, emergency preparedness, and customer service outcomes.
• Oversee and support water quality activities such as system flushing, pressure management, and sample collection.
• Coordinate work performed by external contractors alongside internal operational and maintenance resources.
• Collaborate across departments, including engineering, planning, and construction teams, to support major infrastructure and capital improvement efforts.
• Review operational reports, records, drawings, and technical documentation for accuracy and opportunities for optimization.
• Prepare operational summaries, performance reports, budget-related documentation, and perform routine data analysis and administrative tasks.
• Participate in personnel management activities including interviewing, coaching, performance assessment, and documentation.
• Serve as a point of contact for customer concerns related to water service, system operations, or water quality, ensuring timely resolution.
• Evaluate existing operational practices and recommend enhancements to improve system performance and service delivery.
• Coordinate with municipal, state, and federal regulatory agencies to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Participate in rotating on-call coverage, providing after-hours operational leadership and emergency response.
• Leverage emerging technologies and tools to improve workflows, communication, and problem resolution.
• Support department goals and annual performance objectives.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Principles and practices of employee supervision and team leadership.
• Safety procedures related to water production, pumping, storage, and distribution operations.
• Methods, tools, and materials used in the operation and maintenance of potable water treatment and conveyance systems.
• Water quality monitoring, sampling techniques, and compliance requirements.
• Planning and scheduling maintenance and construction activities across mechanical, electrical, and pipeline assets.
• Experience with automated control systems and asset management platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret system schematics, piping diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Strong decision-making skills, particularly under emergency or time-sensitive conditions.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing operational demands.
• Collaborative interpersonal skills to foster effective working relationships.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use common productivity and data analysis software for reporting and operational review.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent coursework in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Prior experience serving in a lead or responsible role within water treatment or distribution operations, or in an engineering or technical capacity overseeing similar systems.
• State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator certification at Level D3 is preferred, with the expectation of progression toward higher certification.
• State Water Resources Control Board Treatment Operator certification is desirable.
• Previous supervisory or lead experience is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Willingness and ability to participate in emergency response and after-hours on-call rotations.

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