Water Production and Treatment Plant Supervisor

Job Summary

Plans, organizes, coordinates, and provides supervision and oversight for the City’s water production, treatment and storage facilities; provides administrative support and assistance to management in areas of expertise.

Receives general supervision from assigned management personnel. Exercises general supervision over assigned staff.

Representative Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff responsible for the City’s water production, treatment, and storage facilities.

Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures, including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.

Monitors water production and treatment; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes and reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.

Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for assigned operations, projects, and programs; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.

Plans and lays out maintenance and repair projects; monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders supplies and tools; prepares documents for equipment procurement; participates in the bid process for assigned projects.

Supervises the use and operation of tools, equipment, and vehicles; ensures that tools, equipment, and vehicles are safely operated, maintained, and secured when not in use; schedules service, repair, and replacement of tools and equipment.

Inspects work in progress and completed work of assigned employees and contractors for accuracy, proper work methods and techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.

Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other divisions and outside agencies.

Supervises the operation and maintenance of water production and treatment facilities using supervisory data acquisition and control (SCADA) system to ensure adequate supply of water for distribution in the system to meet normal and emergency consumer demands.

Oversees water quality monitoring by ensuring operational adjustments made to the treatment system follow water quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Reads and interprets schematics, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and related technical documentation.

Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.

Provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.

Maintains files, databases, and records related to water construction and maintenance and operations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.

Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.

Ensures staff compliance with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of employee supervision, mentorship and leadership, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures

Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly

Principles, practices, tools, and materials required to maintain, operate, and control water treatment and production systems, reservoirs, and related infrastructure, facilities, and equipment

Principles, operational characteristics, and use of SCADA to monitor and control water treatment and production plant and facilities

Principles, practices, and techniques of handling and processing water samples and routine laboratory procedures

Principles, practices, methods, tools, and testing equipment used in the installation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment

Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles

Principles and practices of preventative maintenance plans

Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance requirements of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment required for the work

Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including confined space entry

Basic mathematics

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

Principles of developing and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment

Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:

Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards

Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner

Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed

Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities

Supervise the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of water treatment and production systems, reservoirs, and related infrastructure, facilities, and equipment

Compile, analyze system requirements, and evaluate operational data and information, recognize unusual, inefficient, and/or dangerous operating conditions, and take appropriate action

Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques

Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations

Read, understand, and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications

Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials

Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed

Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines

Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks

Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Provide effective customer service

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Option A:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college with an associate degree or 60 semester units or quarter unit equivalent of college level coursework in engineering, water systems technology, water treatment management, business or public administration or a related field.

Experience: Six years of recent, paid work experience in the operation and maintenance of a potable water treatment plant including two years of supervisory or lead experience. Experience with reverse osmosis water systems and advanced oxidation is desirable.

One year of supervisory or lead experience and successful completion of the City of Santa Monica’s Pre-Supervisory Academy may substitute for two years of lead or supervisory experience. Additional recent, related work experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year for year basis. (Successful completion of 30 semester units or the equivalent is equal to one year of the additional required work experience).

Option B:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college with an associate degree or 60 semester units or quarter unit equivalent of college level coursework.

Experience: Eight years of recent, paid work experience in the operation and maintenance of a potable water treatment plant including two years of supervisory or lead experience. Experience with reverse osmosis water systems and advanced oxidation is desirable.

One year of supervisory or lead experience and successful completion of the City of Santa Monica’s Pre-Supervisory Academy may substitute for two years of lead or supervisory experience. Additional recent, related work experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year for year basis. (Successful completion of 30 semester units or the equivalent is equal to one year of the additional required work experience).

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license. Must obtain a Hazmat endorsement issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles within one year from date of hire.

Possession of a valid Grade IV (T4) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board required at the time of application. The Grade V (T5) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board must be obtained within eighteen months of employment.

Possession of valid Grade III (D3) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board required at the time of applications and maintained throughout employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is regularly performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, noise, chemicals, oils, and odors are frequently encountered. Irregular work hours are required. Assignments may be on a rotating basis consisting of evening shift, day shift, and weekend shift. Physical demands include walking, standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy. For more comprehensive information, click HERE to access the Essential Functions Job Analysis for this job classification.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Selection Process:
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of any of the following: written test, performance test, evaluation of qualifications, oral interview, or any combination of these.

Background Investigation:
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 4/9/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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