WATER OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR

Description:

Join our team and help keep Pullman's water safe and reliable. The City of Pullman is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Supervisor to lead the daily operations of our municipal water system. This position plays a vital role in protecting public health and ensuring the continued delivery of clean, safe drinking water to residents and businesses. You’ll supervise a skilled team, manage projects and resources, ensure compliance with state and federal standards, and work collaboratively across departments to deliver exceptional service to the community.

Apply today and help ensure Pullman’s most essential resource — clean, safe drinking water — is protected for generations to come. Apply by November 16, 2025 (First Review, Open until filled.)

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of water operations staff within the Water Division; supervises, plans and coordinates the operations of the City’s water systems and facilities; coordinates, monitors, and provides technical input for assigned water utilities systems maintenance, operations, and related projects and programs; oversees administrative tasks related to water meters; provides responsible technical assistance to the Maintenance and Operations Superintendent; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned functional area; and performs related work as required.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of water operations staff either directly or through lead workers. The incumbents are also expected to independently perform the full range of water operations duties. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Maintenance Supervisor in that the latter has management responsibility for all storm, street, sanitary sewer maintenance related programs and functions and activities of the City.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff in the operations of water systems and facilities.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of equipment and supplies; implements procedures and standards.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Monitors operations and activities of the water operations work unit; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on operations activities; recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements policies and procedures.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for assigned operations projects; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.
• Monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders supplies and tools as necessary; prepares documents for equipment procurement; participates in informal bid processes for vendor selection.
• Inspects and verifies work in progress and completed work of assigned employees and contractors for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Responds to operations repair and emergency situations as required.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates complaints; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Participates in the scheduling, coordination, and administration of preventative maintenance, in-service training, and safety programs; ensures compliance with safety procedures.
• Works with the Finance department on various issues and inquiries regarding water meters, customer problems, and general services.
• Provides staff assistance to the Maintenance and Operations Superintendent; prepares staff reports and other necessary correspondence for executive management, state agencies, and other organizations; supervises the preparation and maintenance of related reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of activities.
• Performs the most complex water systems operations maintenance duties and provides technical assistance to crews.
• Maintains current on the status of new and pending regulatory legislation; recommends changes to current policies and procedures in order to comply with changes in legislation.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Maintains logs and records of work performed; prepares periodic reports.
• Attends and participates in professional group and special committee meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of water system operations.
• Attends work on a regular and dependable basis.
• Interacts in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public.
• Performs other related work as required.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(Persons applying for a position of this class should have any combination of the following experience and training.)

High school diploma or GED supplemented by two (2) years of college-level coursework in construction management, water or wastewater management, or a related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water system maintenance, construction, and operations, including three (3) years of lead or supervisory experience. Additional experience as outlined above can be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis up to two (2) years.

• Grade 3 Water Distribution Manager Certification from the State of Washington
• Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification from the State of Washington
• Confined Space Entry Certification
• Competent Person Certification. Washington Department of Transportation Flagger Certification
• Standard First Aid Certificate
• CPR Certification

SELECTION FACTORS

(Applicants should describe their previous experience and training for each of the following selection factors. These factors will be the basis for selecting the most qualified applicants to be interviewed. Candidates selected for employment must satisfactorily demonstrate possession of these factors during a prescribed probationary period, and afterwards, for continued employment.)

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedure.
• Principles and practices of operations program development and administration.
• Principles, practices, equipment, tools, and materials of water operations process and control.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Basic principles and practices of budget development, administration, and accountability.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.
• Safety principles, practices, and procedures of water systems and facilities, including related equipment and hazardous materials.
• The operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Supervise, train, plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Organize, implement, and direct water operations related maintenance activities.
• Analyze, interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and successfully communicate both orally and in writing, pertinent department policies and procedures.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solution.
• Perform the most complex operations duties and operate related equipment safely and effectively.
• Develop cost estimates for supplies and equipment.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures, and other written materials.
• Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain the full range of equipment and tools required for the work.
• Perform the most complex operations duties and operating related equipment.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping and project management systems.
• Read, interpret, retrieve, and produce drawings, blueprints, maps, and specifications.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communications in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to intended audiences.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Possess a Cross Connection Control certification issued by the State of Washington.
• Obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The employees must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Sufficient powers of observation are required to monitor and repair telemetry equipment and observe and evaluate the work of subordinates. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate to loud in the field.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Adopted: 1/91 Revised: 9/91, 6/92, 4/94, 6/99, 12/01, 10/11, 6/16

City Paid Benefits Include:

• 3 Insurance plans to choose from as low as $0 for spouse & all dependents – Plans with deductibles as low as $200; high deductible plan includes employer sponsored contribution to Health savings account.
• Vision & Dental Insurance with no cost sharing for employee & all dependents
• $15,000 Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• PERS2 or PERS3 Retirement
• Employee Assistance Program

Elective Benefits Include:

• Deferred Compensation
• Additional Life & Spouse Life Insurance
• Discounts on Parks & Rec Membership
• Discounts on Life Flight Membership
• Long-term care insurance