Water Systems Operations Manager jobs in United States
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Stanford University · 1 month ago

Water Systems Operations Manager

Stanford University is a leading institution committed to academic excellence and sustainability. The Water Systems Operations Manager will oversee the operation and maintenance of the university's water systems, ensuring compliance with regulations while managing a team of technicians and contractors to support the university's infrastructure needs.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities
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Growth Opportunities

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

Qualification

Water Systems OperationsCalifornia DODW CertificationTeam ManagementBudget ManagementSCADA SystemsUnderground Piping SystemsMicrosoft Office SuiteCustomer ServiceCommunication SkillsInterpersonal Skills

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
Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 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
May be exposed to noise > 80dB TWA
May work at heights 4 - 10 ft

Preferred

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

Benefits

Career development programs
Tuition reimbursement
Superb retirement plans
Generous time-off
Family care resources
Hundreds of health or fitness classes
Excellent health care benefits
Free commuter programs
Ridesharing incentives
Discounts and more

Company

Stanford University

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Stanford University is a teaching and research university that focuses on graduate programs in law, medicine, education, and business.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$26.52M
Key Investors
National Institutes of HealthCalifornia Institute for Regenerative MedicineGRAMMY Museum
2025-09-08Grant
2025-01-30Grant· $5.6M
2023-08-17Grant

Leadership Team

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Nadia Roumani
Co-founder and Senior Designer, Designing for Social Systems (DSS) Program, d.school
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Howard Wolf
Vice President for Alumni Affairs
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Company data provided by crunchbase