WATER DISTRIBUTION SUPERINTENDENT

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, oversees, supervises, and coordinates Water Distribution Unit activities and operations within the Utilities Department; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Deputy Director of Utilities / Water.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes responsibility for the services and activities of the Water Distribution Unit within the Utilities Department including maintenance, operation, repair, and construction of the City’s water distribution and recycled water distribution systems.
• Coordinates the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the Water Distribution Unit including the work of crews involved in the maintenance, operation, repair, and construction of the City’s water distribution and recycled water distribution systems; assumes responsibility for the maintenance and appearance of all distribution system facilities.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommends and implements resulting policies and procedures.
• Ensures that the activities and operations of the Water Distribution Unit are responsive to the needs of the citizens of Escondido; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identifies resource needs; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for Water Distribution Unit services and activities; assigns work activities and projects; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Monitors the maintenance and repair of the water distribution and recycled water distribution systems to ensure compliance with NPDES and Department of Environmental Health guidelines, requirements, and regulations; assumes responsibility for dam/reservoir monitoring in compliance with state and FERC regulatory requirements.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees safety programs for assigned sections and work groups; assists with action planning for safety programs; responds to workers’ compensation issues.
• Participates in the development and administration of assigned unit budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Provides staff assistance to the Deputy Director of Utilities / Water; conducts a variety of studies and investigations; develops and recommends modifications to utility maintenance programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Directs the development and implementation of plans and programs to improve the efficiency of maintenance operations including cost control programs, staff utilization studies, and work method improvements.
• Oversees and participates in the maintenance of records and related documentation; prepares performance and other reports detailing utilities maintenance workload and activities.
• Coordinates utility maintenance activities with those of other units, divisions, and outside agencies and organizations; coordinates the operation and maintenance of the hydroelectric plants with appropriate personnel; resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of utilities systems maintenance and repair.
• Responds to and resolves citizen and staff inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and effective manner.
• Responds to water distribution and recycled water distribution system emergencies; coordinates with other appropriate agencies regarding wastewater backups into private homes.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a utilities maintenance program.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Current methods, terminology, equipment, tools, and materials utilized in the maintenance, repair, and construction of utilities structures and systems including water mains and appurtenances, chlorination equipment, flow control valves, and hydroelectric generation equipment and systems.
• Types and level of maintenance and repair activities generally performed in a utilities maintenance program.
• Operational characteristics of tools and equipment used in maintenance, repair, and construction of water distribution, recycled water distribution, and related utility systems.
• Backflow and cross-connection control principles.
• Industrial pretreatment principles and practices
• Water, recycled water, and sewer boundaries within the county.
• Mathematical principles.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and report preparation.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of a utilities maintenance program.
• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, train, and evaluate staff.
• Participate in the development and administration of unit goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Prepare and administer program budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Estimate time, material, and labor costs for maintenance and repair projects.
• Compile data, maintain records and files, and participate in the preparation of clear and concise reports.
• Oversee and participate in the provision of a high level of customer service to internal and external customers.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; tactfully and courteously represent the Utilities Department during public contacts.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams, and blueprints.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.                      
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in water technology, physical science, utility system maintenance and repair, construction technology, business administration, or a related field.

Experience: Six years of responsible experience in a water distribution system maintenance program including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.  Additional years of related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

License or Certificate - Possession of a valid Grade 5 Water Distribution Operator Certificate. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate. Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Office setting with some travel from site to site. Some exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate assigned vehicle and office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: November 2010
JP/Department

Date: October 2004 (Water Systems/Collections Supt.)
Johnson & Associates