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Inside Higher Ed · 3 weeks ago

Water Systems Operations Manager

Stanford, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$151K/yr - $171K/yr

10+ years exp

Stanford University is a leading educational institution, and they are seeking a Water Systems Operations Manager. This role is responsible for overseeing the water systems operation on campus, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of sewer, storm drain, and water distribution systems while adhering to regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives.

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Responsibilities

Lead, motivate, and mentor team members, in close collaboration with the lead technician, to ensure effective operational performance

Responsible for managing the recruiting process in alignment with the university policies and procedures

Oversee employee scheduling, work assignments, and daily communications for technicians and technical staff

Review and approve timecards, manage staff schedules, and process time-off requests

Support personnel development by providing regular feedback and guidance

Evaluate employee performance and conduct annual performance reviews

Oversee contracted crew personnel and contractors

Operate and maintain sanitary sewer, storm drain, water supply & distribution systems, and related facilities; the water systems include domestic/fire, recycled and non-potable (“Lake”) water systems

Ensure compliance with Stanford’s water rights and California State Water Resources Control Board regulations

Execute operation & maintenance activities as directed by Energy Operations on the thermal energy water systems: low temperature hot water and chilled water

Operate and maintain all major system components such as reservoirs, pump stations, dams, diversion facilities, fish ladders, metering stations, pressure regulators, and SCADA systems

Program and conduct all preventive maintenance, exercising, sampling, and flushing operations of all water systems

Routinely inspect all system components, including manholes, cleanouts, inlets, lift stations, and stormwater treatment components

Maintain an appropriate inventory of replacement equipment and parts

Respond to emergencies and system problems, prioritizing actions to mitigate issues

Coordinate shutdowns for new connections and monitor system controls

Oversee the operation of sewer cleaning equipment for training purposes

Facilitate, schedule, and oversee all new connections to the water systems

Troubleshoot and manage SCADA problems and upgrades

Update design standards and system maps

Assist with construction inspection activities and review plans for new connections and system expansions

Collaborate with the director to prepare and manage the annual budget for the water operations team and system

Approve purchases and manage the inventory of equipment and supplies

Provide operational response to customer inquiries and complaints regarding water quality, pressure, taste, odor, leaks, and blockages

Coordinate with and notify customers in advance of needed water operational service interruptions

May perform other duties as needed

Qualification

Water Systems OperationsBudget ManagementCalifornia DODW CertificationTeam ManagementSCADA SystemsUnderground Piping SystemsAWWA CertificationsCustomer ServiceCommunication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsProblem Solving

Required

Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred; or an equivalent combination of relevant technical education, training, and experience

Minimum of 10 years' experience in water systems operations, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role overseeing and leading technicians

Prior experience working within the guidelines of a Collective Bargaining Agreement

Proven track record of effectively leading water operations crews and managing service contracts

Demonstrated experience in the development and management of budgets and programs

Hands-on experience with underground piping systems construction required

California DODW Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator certification (D3) required

AWWA Cross Connection Control certification required

AWWA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification required, with demonstrated knowledge of assembly testing and maintenance

Strong technical expertise across all system components outlined above

Familiarity with CAL/OSHA environmental and safety regulations, including the ability to conduct job site inspections to ensure compliance

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, VPN, and SCADA systems

Ability to interpret planning specifications, working drawings, and related technical reports

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English

Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a calm and professional demeanor

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across departments, agencies, contractors, and with service customers

Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service, especially when addressing customers affected by system problems or service interruptions

Responsive, assertive, and cooperative, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and teamwork

Frequently sitting, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds

Occasionally stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 11-20 pounds

Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, gloves, apron, safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection)

Requires 24-hour response availability seven days per week for emergency situations through possible inclement weather to address water, sewer, or drainage system problems and emergencies

Preferred

California DODW Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator certification (T3) highly desirable

Benefits

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!