Wastewater Collection System Supervisor

Wastewater Collection System Supervisor

Salary

$107,120.00 - $133,900.00 Annually

Location

City of San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Department

Wastewater Collection

Opening Date

04/08/2026

Closing Date

4/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of San Luis Obispo is hiring for a Wastewater Collection System Supervisor!

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, May 12, 2025, so please hold that date.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

The Successful candidate:

• Will value staff development and provide growth and learning opportunities to maintain a high-level functioning team;
• Will work to preserve the City and Utilities Branch culture of communication, teamwork, respect, and accountability;
• Will foster a growth mindset of continual improvement that leverages individual strengths and experience of subject matter experts (without micromanaging);
• Is motivated, eager to learn, has an excellent work ethic, and will work well with others on crews and teams;
• Must have strong analytical, reading, writing, and verbal presentation skills;
• Will be able to perform administrative responsibilities such as budget development and long range planning;
• Will possess strong leadership skills, can evaluate organizational effectiveness, and develop procedures to enhance both efficiency and effectiveness;
• Possesses the ability to form strong relationships, assemble effective teams, values trust, embraces safe communication, and will not shy away from difficult conversations;
• Will have a thorough understanding of regulatory, environmental, and regional challenges as well as industry trends and developments as they relate to wastewater management.
• Demonstrates the ability to accurately read and interpret plan sets, with the capacity to recommend and implement revisions or modifications as necessary

JOB SUMMARY:

Plans, coordinates, manages, reviews, evaluates and participates in all wastewater collection facility and storm water system operations, maintenance and repair activities; initiates and implements preventive maintenance programs to maintain maximum wastewater flow and minimize storm water intrusion for wastewater facilities and ensures that activities are in compliance with federal, state and local regulations; performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This mid-management level class is responsible for the Citys wastewater and storm water collection/maintenance program. The incumbent of this single-position class administers a variety of preventive maintenance and repair programs providing work oversight, review and evaluation to operational and maintenance personnel. Successful performance of the work requires a high degree of technical and regulatory knowledge to ensure that assigned functions are carried out in a cost-effective manner and in compliance with regulatory requirements. This class is distinguished from Deputy Director of Utilities/Wastewater in that the latter has responsibility for all wastewater collection, pretreatment, treatment facility operations, equipment maintenance, repair and related functions.

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

The Wastewater Collection Supervisor receives general direction from the Deputy Director of Utilities/Wastewater within a framework of legal requirements, policies and established organizational values and processes with independence of action to meet changing operational conditions. Direct supervision is provided to various levels of operations and maintenance staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Plans, oversees and evaluates the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection facilities, including the hydro-cleaning and closed-circuit television line preventive maintenance investigative programs.
• Plans, oversees and evaluates the maintenance cleaning of the storm water system, including hydro-cleaning and closed circuit television line preventative maintenance investigative programs. Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of staff to ensure that work is completed in a safe and appropriate manner and within regulatory requirements; develops and implements work and standby schedules.
• Trains staff in work procedures and methods; evaluates the work of staff; initiates and implements work selection and disciplinary procedures.
• Ensures that wastewater collection services are maintained during construction, maintenance and emergency repair activities.
• Contributes and assists in the long- and short-range planning of collection system facility construction and modification projects; develops and administers the wastewater section operating budget; identifies, prepares budget estimates, and oversees design and construction of wastewater collection capital improvement projects.
• Assists in the development of the storm water/flood control budget.
• Investigates, develops and administers various funding programs for the investigation and rehabilitation of sanitary sewer mainline, lateral facilities and appurtenances.
• Directs the maintenance and inventory of materials, supplies and equipment required for the effective operation of wastewater collection facilities.
• Assists in preparing and reviewing specifications and requests for proposals for system construction, modification and improvements; inspects work-in-progress and upon completion; contacts vendors and service contractors regarding prices, delivery and services for materials, supplies and equipment.
• Inspects work sites for safety violations; ensures that safety procedures are followed and that safety equipment is worn; makes periodic safety presentations to assigned staff.
• Troubleshoots operations and maintenance problems; corrects, repairs or directs the correction and repair of operational and/or equipment problems.
• Responds to emergency situations during off-hours, as required; maintains employee standby availability on a scheduled basis.
• Prepares and directs the preparation and timely submission of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances and other materials.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of automated and manual files.
• Represents the City and the department in meetings with a variety of public, private and regulatory agencies.
• Confers with and assists staff of other City departments to ensure that regulatory and industry standards are complied with in related projects.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect division operations; implements changes to policies and procedures, after approval.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• The operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater pumps, lift stations, mains, laterals, telemetry and related appurtenances and equipment.
• Mechanical, electrical, electronic and hydraulic principles and practices related to assigned functional areas.
• Principles and practices of contract negotiation and administration.
• Principles and practices of public agency budget preparation and administration.
• Recent developments, current technology and informational resources regarding wastewater collection and storm water systems and equipment.
• Supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation.
• Techniques for training staff in work procedures.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles and equipment related to the work.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including confined space entry procedures.
• Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, supervise, coordinate, review, evaluate and personally participate in the functions and activities of a comprehensive wastewater collection system.
• Plan, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of collection and storm water system operations and maintenance staff.
• Train staff in work and safety procedures.
• Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.
• Read a variety of gauges, charts and meters; record data accurately and make appropriate system maintenance and repair decisions.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Address and solve customer complaints and issues regarding wastewater services, sewer line blockage and related problems.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, electrical and collection system plans and specifications.
• Prepare and administer multiple budgets and contracts.
• Maintain accurate logs and written records of operations and work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Work in a team atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and City-wide committees to enhance the provision of all City services. Must be available for callback and to work emergency overtime as required. Must be willing to work out-of-doors in all-weather conditions and with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and conditions.
• Must possess strength, stamina and mobility to work in office and field settings, to lift and carry materials weighing up to fifty pounds and heavier weights with assistance, to perform moderate physical work and use hand and power tools and instrumentation; stamina to work in and inspect confined spaces around machines and to climb and descend ladders; vision to read printed materials, charts and gauges and a computer screen; hearing and speech to converse in person and over the telephone or radio.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

An Associates degree or two years of college with major coursework in water-related studies or a field related to the work which will have provided the required technical knowledge;

and

Three years of experience in the operations and maintenance of a wastewater collection system including one year at a supervisory level or shift lead;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

A Bachelors degree in a field related to the work is highly desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C drivers license and a satisfactory driving record.
• A valid California class A drivers license within six months of hire.
• Possession of a Grade IV Collection System Maintenance certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association is required within one year of hire.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Pre-employment Physical
• Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening
• Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Masters degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School/G.E.D.
• None of the above

02

How many years of college coursework have you completed in water-related studies or in a closely related field that provided you with relevant technical knowledge?

• 4 years or more
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No college coursework in a related field

03

If you have completed any college-level coursework in water-related studies or in a closely related field, please describe how that coursework applies to the technical knowledge needed in this role.

04

How many years of experience do you have in the operations and maintenance of a wastewater collection system?

• 6 years or more
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

05

Does your experience in the operations and maintenance of a wastewater collection system include experience working in a supervisory or lead capacity? Please indicate how many years of supervisory experience.

• 5 years or more
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

06

Please explain your experience in the operations and maintenance of a wastewater collection system, including any experience working in a supervisory or lead capacity.

07

Do you have a Grade IV Collection System Maintenance certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association? If you do not currently possess a Grade IV Collection System Maintenance certificate, do you have the ability to obtain one within one year of hire? Please select the answer that best applies.

• Currently possess a Grade IV Collection System Maintenance certificate
• Do not currently possess a Grade IV Collection System Maintenance certificate but HAVE the ability to obtain within one year of hire
• Do not currently possess a Grade IV Collection System Maintenance certificate, and DO NOT HAVE the ability to obtain within one year of hire

08

Do you currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license?

• Yes - I currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license
• No - I do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license
• No - I have a different, valid California drivers license

09

If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Drivers License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - Do not possess a valid CA Class C Drivers License
• Other

10

Do you have a valid Class "A" California drivers license? If you do not currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license, do you have the ability to obtain one within one year of hire? Please select the answer that best applies.

• Currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license and HAVE the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license and DO NOT HAVE the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire of hire

Required Question

Employer City of San Luis Obispo

Address 990 Palm St

San Luis Obispo, California, 93401

Phone 805-781-7250

Website http://www.slocity.org