Water Resources Operations Manager

Description

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Resources Operations Manager. Please refer to the job brochure for more information regarding the position and recruitment timeline. This position serves as the Chief Plant Operator for the Water Reclamation Plant (wastewater treatment).

DEFINITION

Under general direction of the Water Resources Division Manager, plans, organizes, directs and manages the Operations Section in the Water Resources Division; coordinates section activities with other sections/divisions/departments, external customers and contractors; may be assigned to perform the duties of the Division Manager during his/her absence; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTIGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Resources Operations Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day functions of the section staff and workload as well as the administrative functions of the section. It is distinguished from the Water Resources Division Manager position in that the later has overall responsibility for an entire division, including the division’s leadership and administrative responsibilities. It is further distinguished from the Water Resources Supervising Operator which is the first line supervisory position over the day-to-day functions of the section.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction is provided by the Water Resources Division Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides direct supervision to the Water Resources Supervising Operators and indirect supervision of all personnel assigned to the Operations Section.

Examples of Important and Essential Functions

Administrative Functions
Recommends and implements section goals and objectives; establishes performance standards, guidelines and methods; develops, implements and administers current and new programs and policies; participates on department and City-wide committees; coordinates section activities with other sections, divisions, or departments as well as external customers; interfaces with engineering on capital improvement projects; administers and monitors contracts and reviews work for City compliance; answers questions and provides information to the public and other City personnel; develops, conducts, and monitors a variety of assessment tools, such as plant vulnerability assessments, emergency response plans, the treatment plant master plan, and other assessments and studies; investigates operational complaints and recommends corrective action; implements, administers and maintains automated software systems related to operations; administers outside contracts and work of contractors; recommends annual equipment and material purchases to Division Manager and Department Head; identifies and implements improvements and modifications; prepares various reports on operations and activities; prepares, monitors, and administers the section’s budget; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations and purchases of equipment and vehicles; submits justifications for expenditures; and monitors and administers expenditures.

Supervisory Functions
Recommends employees for initial hire and subsequent promotion; administers employee performance evaluation completion for the section and completes performance evaluations on assigned staff; investigates personnel related issues; recommends appropriate disciplinary action, implements corrective action, and monitors employee performance; develops detailed criteria to measure technical competency of assigned staff in operating all plant processes and equipment; develops and recommends technical training programs schedules and monitors the work of staff; trains staff in technical and leadership skills; plans and reviews daily and weekly work assignments and schedules; monitors timecards and all employee leave balances; evaluates operations and activities of section; develops benchmark standards for performance measures and promotes continuous improvement; and ensures safety training of all staff and that the work environment is in compliance with safety standards.

Operations Functions
Plans, directs and coordinates the efforts of the Operations functions for the Water Reclamation Plant; serves as the Chief Plant Operator for the wastewater treatment plant; sets overall process-control parameters and develops standard operating procedures to assure compliance with State and Federal regulations; plans, directs, and coordinates treatment plant security efforts; plans, directs and coordinates recycled water production to assure compliance with all State and Federal regulations; reviews and interprets operational data to effectively and quickly identify, diagnose, and correct problems with the treatment process; establishes and directs process-review or operational improvement teams as necessary to address emerging operational problems; reviews and provides comments on proposed maintenance projects and coordinates project implementation to minimize impacts on plant operations; reviews and provides detailed comments on proposed capital improvement projects regarding potential operational or regulatory impacts; and supervises the operational data collection to complete required periodic reporting.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Demonstrated Knowledge of :

Principles, practices, materials, equipment, and standard operating procedures necessary to efficiently operate wastewater treatment facilities of a similar or greater size and complexity as those of the City; current State and Federal regulations governing wastewater treatment and the operation of a wastewater treatment facility; current State and Federal regulations governing recycled water production; specific chemical and biological processes and tests applied in the wastewater treatment industry; equipment, tools, terminology, and materials commonly used in the wastewater industry; general design, basic construction, assembly, and operation of hydraulic equipment, power generators, pumps, and controls; specific safety practices and requirements applicable to all aspects of wastewater treatment; modern supervisory practices and principles; principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluations; principles of budget development, asset management, administration and expenditure control systems; principles, practices, rules and codes relating to work safety management; and pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.

Demonstrated Skills to :

Organize, implement, and direct operations and activities of wastewater treatment plant operators; interpret operational process-control data to quickly diagnose problems in primary, secondary, or tertiary treatment processes and propose effective corrective actions; effectively manage personnel in a 24-hour operational environment; develop and monitor the section’s budget; effectively work with regulatory agencies; interpret and understand the contents of technical manuals, specifications, blueprints, layouts and schematics; perform basic and advanced mathematical calculations necessary to evaluate process control data, interpret statistical compliance, and establish operational flow-rate, time intervals, or set-points; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe, problem solve and research operational and technical policy and procedures and make sound recommendations; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; maintain required work logs, records and related operational and maintenance data; prepare clear and concise written reports involving narrative comment and statistical, operational, or financial data; instruct and train others in specific policies, practices, and operating procedures used in wastewater treatment; manage databases and/or maintenance management software to track operational data or section activities; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude with all who are contacted in the course of the work.

Ability to :

Learn, interpret, and apply City, department and division rules, regulations, policies and practices; and establish and maintain open and effective communication within the Operations section and throughout the Division.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines :

Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best-qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience : Five years of progressively responsible operations experience in a California wastewater treatment plant facility performing California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Grade III or higher level duties, which included managing capital improvement projects and consultants, and at least two years of direct employee supervision.

Education : Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by specialized training or college coursework in wastewater treatment, chemistry, biology, environmental science, or other related science courses. Possession of a bachelor’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.

Training : Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs that are relevant to this job classification.

License : Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City.

Certifications: Requires the possession and maintenance of the SWRCB Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate at time of appointment.

Other Requirements : Must have a willingness and ability to work the hours that are necessary to accomplish the job; serve as the Chief Plant Operator and be on-call, as required; travel and attend conferences, meetings, seminars and courses during work and non-work hours.

Special Requirements : Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to: work in a standard office environment; drive a vehicle; operate a computer; read fine print with no color deficiencies to work with color coded wires; converse over the telephone; detect noises at job sites; strength to safely lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds; mobility to bend, stoop, reach and climb; and use required respiratory protection equipment and work in adverse physical and climatic conditions.

Additional Information

The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.

CITY OF LIVERMORE
BENEFITS SUMMARY
Livermore Management Group

Please click here for a copy of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Livermore Management Group. The information contained here is a summary of benefits. For a more detailed summary of benefits for all employee groups, click here . Any errors or omissions do not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Updated 1/2026

MOU TERM
07/01/2025 - 06/30/2029

SCHEDULED INCREASES
7/14/2025 5% + 1% (in recognition of rising medical costs) = 6%
7/13/2026 3% + 1% (in recognition of rising medical costs) = 4%
7/12/2027 3%
7/10/2028 3%

CAFETERIA PLAN (MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION)
$1,950/month towards medical, dental, vision, additional & supplemental life insurance; unused balance paid in cash.

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE (AD & D)
$150,000 EE coverage, ER paid
$1,000 dependent coverage, ER paid
EE option to purchase $25,000 additional life insurance & supplemental life to $500,000.

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
60% of base monthly earnings to $6,000/month max. (180 day waiting period)
ER paid

PERS
New City of Livermore EEs are enrolled in the 2% at 60 formula or 2% at 62 formula, depending on eligibility, as per AB 340.

Classic PERS Misc Member - 2% at 60

• Member Rate = 7% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 11.92% ER paid
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

New PERS Misc Member - 2% at 62

• Member Rate = 7.5% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 11.92% ER paid
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

MEDICARE (Hired after 3/31/86)
EE paid 1.45%
ER paid 1.45%

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS)
City contribution of 4% of base pay into RHS account.

VACATION ACCRUAL
Years of Service Total Accrual Per Year 1 80.6 hours 2-5 120.12 hours 6-10 135.98 hours 11-15 160.94 hours 16-19 180.18 hours 20+ 192.4 hours
Maximum accrual: 375 hours

HOLIDAYS
12 observed holidays

SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL
96.2 hours/year

SICK LEAVE USAGE:

• FAMILY SICK LEAVE : For immediate Family Illness - ½ Annual Sick Leave Accrual. Additional time upon approval of City Manager.
• PARENTAL LEAVE : 4 regularly scheduled workdays for non-birthing parent who becomes a parent by adoption, foster care placement, or birth of a child.
• BEREAVEMENT/ FUNERAL LEAVE (non-immediate family) : 3 regularly scheduled workdays for sister-in-law and brother-in-law.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
3 regularly scheduled workdays max for immediate family.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
80 hours per year.

PREGNANCY LEAVE & FMLA/CFRA
EE may use accrued leaves in compliance with City Rules & Regs
Benefit provided as per regulations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, and California Pregnancy Disability Act

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
ER contributes $185/per pay period, with required EE contribution of $75/per pay period

2026 Maximum :
Normal = $24,500
Age 50+ = $8,000
Catchup Limits = $49,000

SECTION 125 PLAN
No ER contribution

2026 Maximum
Dependent Care*: Up to $5,000/year -- *See IRS Pub #503
Unreimbursed Medical: Up to $3,300/year

• Pre-tax Health Care Premiums
• FSA's for Dependent Care
• Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
• Other options offered by plan administrator

SAFETY SHOE ALLOWANCE
Following are eligible for up to $200 reimbursement per fiscal year: Assistant City Engineer, Building Official, City Engineer, Construction Inspection Manager, Inspection & Neighborhood Preservation Manager; Public Works Supervisor, Senior Civil Engineer, and Water Resources Operations Manager

SUPERVISORY DIFFERENTIAL PAY
Minimum of 10% above base salary of non-mgmt subordinate, 7.5% above mgmt subordinate

ACTING PAY
If work minimum of 5 consecutive calendar days, paid @ lowest step of higher class with at least a 5% differential. If assignment > 12 months, optional increment of up to 7% or max of the range, whichever is less. An employee whose acting assignment is expected to exceed 30 calendar days, due to a vacancy or coverage for an extended leave of absence, and whose assignment includes a high degree of complexity and/or increased level of supervisory responsibilities, as determined by the department head, may be eligible to receive up to 7.5% over the employee’s base salary, subject to the approval of the Administrative Services Director

SPECIAL PROJECT PAY
If work minimum of 30 calendar days, 5%-7% differential. If full supervisory, additional % to reflect 2.5% over highest compensated subordinate. If assignment > 12 months, optional increase of up to 7%

BILINGUAL PAY
$60/pay period, certified at the conversational level
Must be identified by Department Head, approved by City Manager, and used on the job.

CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE
If approved, $40/month or $90/month.

AUTO ALLOWANCE
$250/month for Building Official, City Engineer, Housing & Human Services Manager, and Planning Manager

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
75% reimbursement for tuition & books
For undergraduate studies, $4,000 FY max; $16,000 lifetime max
For graduate studies, $5,000 FY max; $10,000 lifetime max

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
100% reimbursement for required licenses and certifications

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Three (3) sessions per incident per family member. Unlimited telephonic consultations.

PAY PERIODS
26 pay periods per year

Benefits listed are for full-time employment. Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employment.

ER = Employer
EE = Employee
FT = Full-Time
PT = Part-Time

Closing Date/Time: 6/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Livermore

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