The purpose of this position is under the administrative direction of the Director-Production, provides departmental vision and leadership pertaining to the operation of WaterOne’s water treatment and pumping facilities.  Plans, directs and manages all aspects of the Operations Department including production of the quality and quantity of a potable water supply that will meet or exceed WaterOne standards, State and Federal regulations, and customer needs, effectively, and safely.

WaterOne is an independent public water utility. We’ve been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. It’s a responsibility we deliver on. Our passion is water, because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.

WaterOne provides competitive benefits and compensation ranges.  Selected candidates are placed in the position’s pay range based on their qualifications.

Pay Range:  From $104,200/year

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Leads and coordinates operational activities of facilities and systems by scheduling 24/7 shift work assignments, setting priorities, and directing the work of assigned employees to ensure application of safe, efficient, and effective principles, practices, and procedures. Optimizes operations by developing tools such as KPI’s and PI’s to measure system performance.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities. Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identifies resource needs; reviews with appropriate management staff; and implements improvements.
• Reviews, evaluates, and implements changes as necessary to operational plans, work schedules and work standards in accordance with industry standards and best practices. Monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Reviews, evaluates, and implements changes as necessary for water treatment and distribution and water quality analysis.
• Reviews, evaluates, and implements changes as necessary to performance standards for operations personnel based on quantity and quality of work; evaluates and verifies their performance in comparison to expectations, and provides them regular feedback. Assists and coaches Team Leaders in doing the same for Operator Technicians
• Performs or oversees other leadership and administrative duties such as time approval, ensuring that complete and accurate operations records are created and maintained, and other recordkeeping tasks.
• Assists Facilities Engineering in upgrading existing equipment and facilities and designing new systems.
• Prepares various reports and action item summaries to management and Board as required.
• Reviews, evaluates, and implements changes as necessary for training programs for department staff related to operation of WaterOne facilities and equipment.
• Coordinates the development and administration of assigned program budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary to minimize operation costs.
• Directs the preparation and submits the purchasing documents to obtain the materials and services necessary for the operation of the department and approve purchases as required.
• Administer WaterOne's Human Resources policies as they apply to department personnel.
• Selects, trains, motivates, supports, and evaluates operations personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; prepares performance evaluations; participates in employment actions such as hiring, disciplining and recommending separation of personnel in the department.
• Attends Board meetings as necessary for input relative to department issues on the agenda.
• Coordinates and manages Department activities related to security and emergency response.
• Remain current with regulations and technology related to water treatment and distribution.
• Perform all duties pertaining to hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry; Civil, Chemical or Environmental Engineering; Environmental Studies; Biology; or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain within two years a State of Kansas Class IV Water Treatment Operator certificate.
• Minimum of six years’ experience in water treatment or similar industry operations, including at least two years in a supervisory position.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and standard practices applied in water treatment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including work planning, goal setting, establishing standards for the quantity and quality of work produced, and measuring outcomes.
• Ability to plan, train, direct and evaluate a large and diverse work group and must foster an environment of high respect/high performance.
• Capability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• High standards for quality and quantity of work produced, exercise good judgment, and be creative and open to new ideas.
• Ability to provide impartial supervision and treatment of employees.
• Strong management, organizational, oral and written communication, and listening skills.
• Knowledge of technical aspects of the assignment to the degree necessary to effectively manage and accomplish established objectives.
• Analyze water utility systems and operational problems and develop effective solutions.
• Review and interpret plans and specifications for operations implications and project implementation.
• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local policies, laws and regulations and determine applicability to operations actions.
• Experience with or can learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations.
• Knowledge of FEMA National Incident Management System and the ability to assess operational needs, develop and lead operational plans, and lead disaster recovery efforts.
• Strong PC skills including experience with project management software, plus the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook. Must be able to learn and use WaterOne software programs. 
• Must have the ability to exercise diplomacy and judgment when working with the public, fellow employees, developers, contractors, or other public officials.
• Possess a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Must be reachable in the event of emergencies or non-routine situations, and be available for occasional emergency call-out.
• Must pass post offer medical exam, including drug screen and background verification (may not apply to current employees). 

Preferred Education, Skills & Experience

• Major coursework in water chemistry, water treatment principles, hydraulics, or microbiology.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning software such as SAP.
• Proficient with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications and computer control systems including the ability to interpret operational data and control descriptions.
• California State University, Sacramento Water Treatment Courses Volume 1 and Volume 2. Certified in National Incident Management System (NIMS) modules 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here 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 functions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to lift/move items weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally. The employee must be able to use a computer for multiple hours a day. The employee must be able to move occasionally from one location to another or be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day. The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. The employee must be in possession of a licenses and be able to operate a vehicle at any given time. The employee must be able to distinguish colors. The employee must be able to position self to inspect or view equipment and field activities on occasion.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in both the field and a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except when in the field on a jobsite.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment and business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

Complete job description is available upon request and will be provided during the selection process.