HomeMy WebLinkAboutUtility Manager JEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: UTILITY MANAGER FLSA: Exempt-Executive
Department: Public Works UNION: Exempt
Annual Hours Worked: 2080 Exempt Salary Grade: MGR19
HIPAA: Level 4 Approved: December 2019
BBP: Yes Approved by: human Resources Manager
1.0 MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE �f
1.1 Plans,organizes, develops and manages the activities and operations of the Utilities Division within the
Public Works Department; Plans for, develops and directs utility operations and programs including
wastewater treatment, surface water, stormwater and solid waste management; ensures compliance with
state and federal requirements; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions,departments and
outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Public
Works Director.
2.0 SUPERVISION RECEIVED
2.1 Persons in this position are given significant discretion,within the scope of policy and regulations, in the
routine performance of their duties; supervision and guidance are received from the Public Works
Director.
3.0 SUPERVISION EXERCISED
3.1 Supervises subordinates in the Utilities Division including the following: Solid Waste Coordinator, Solid
Waste Operations Coordinator,MRW Coordinator, Transfer Station Equipment Operators, Laborers,
Scale Attendants and Clerk Hire positions. Develops, establishes,facilitates and supervises Utility
Division Staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and
applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, recommending for hire and training employees;
planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; coaching, rewarding and disciplining
employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
4.0 SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 Plans, organizes, directs, supervises,budgets, administers and evaluates water,wastewater and solid
waste services provided by the County. Plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments,reviews
progress,determines changes in priorities and schedules as needed to ensure services are provided in an
efficient and timely manner.
4.2 Establishes policies,procedures, work rules and performance standards to assure efficient and effective
operations of the Utilities Division in compliance with County standards, and federal, state and local laws
and agencies.
4.3 Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and
priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
4.4 Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures;
recommends,within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
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4.5 Researches,develops, oversees and/or prepares utilities budgets,rate studies and related financial analysis
documents. Reviews and recommends adjustments to various rates, charges and assessments. Establish
long and short-range goals and objectives within budgetary constraints.
4.6 Develops,prepares and monitors division budget to assure appropriate use of public funds; assures
Department and County goals are achieved within available resources;develops revenue models and
cost/benefit analyses for sewer,wastewater and solid waste programs; assures efficient and effective
utilization of department personnel,funds, materials, facilities and time.
4.7 Develops and monitors comprehensive utility operations plans. Provides planning leadership and makes
recommendations to the Public Works Director regarding long and short-range plans for utility
operations. Coordinates divisional activities in conjunction with other Public Works divisions, County
departments and outside governmental agencies. Oversees and coordinates special capital projects and/or
utility systems development and improvement. Identifies and monitors long and short-range goals and
objectives. Provides leadership, direction and guidance in sewer and solid waste management
implementation strategies and procedures.Assures effective communication of strategies and issues.
4.8 Develops and monitors comprehensive wastewater operations plans. Collaborates with the Public Works
Director and manages the Wastewater Treatment development and planning pre-design and design
processes and participates meetings.
4.9 Develops funding strategies for implementation of wastewater project objectives including formation of
Local Improvement Districts(LIDs)and creation of sewer connection fee and usage fee policies and
ordinances. Researches and applies for grants, legislative appropriations, and other funding opportunities.
4.10 Responsible for developing and managing scope, schedule and budget elements of wastewater
infrastructure projects.
4.11 Creates and implements community outreach strategies with utility stakeholders to gather and provide
information.
4.12 Coordinates with staff,other divisions and agencies on project management plan implementation,
environmental issues, permitting and other related tasks.
4.13 Supervises division personnel. Evaluates time lines, staffing and production levels. Trains or supervises
training of personnel. Sets work and maintenance schedules,conducts performance evaluations and
motivates employees.
4.14 Investigates grant funding sources and pursues grant funding from federal and state agencies. Develops
and approves preliminary work programs for grant applications.Negotiates contract commitments on
grant applications with federal and state agencies.
4.15 Oversees and ensures compliance with the division safety program in accordance with County and OSHA
safety requirements. Monitors for safety hazards and unsafe practices. Participates in accident review,
recommends corrective action when needed, and organizes and attends safety meetings.
4.16 Serves as liaison for the Utility Division with other divisions,departments, outside agencies and the
community to interpret the objectives of the division and department,to negotiate and resolve sensitive
and controversial issues,and to answer citizen inquiries,requests and complaints.
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4.17 Collaborates with staff, other departments,citizens and other public groups and with federal, state and
local agencies or authorities to bring about effective operation and improvement of programs,rules or
laws related to wastewater, surface water and solid waste.
4.18 Coordinates operations during emergency situations.
4.19 Provides representation on various committees and before special interest groups. Makes presentations
and provides technical advice and assistance regarding utilities to the Public Works Director,
Commissioners, civic groups, and the general public. Prepares and presents staff reports and other
necessary correspondence.
4.20 Works closely with the Public Works Director and other members of the Public Works Management
Team to make decisions and develop policies/protocol/process to solve problems and make process
improvements.
4.21 Performs other tasks as directed.
5.0 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE,SKILLS AND ABILITIES
5.1 Knowledge of procedures,principles and practices related to wastewater treatment and collection
systems,residential and commercial wastewater collections systems, and solid waste collection and
disposal.
5.2 Knowledge of materials,methods,practices and equipment used in the operating and maintenance
practices of solid waste disposal and a modern, computerized wastewater treatment system.
5.3 Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, policies
and regulations and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from
customers,regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and
articles for publication concerning change in clear,effective,persuasive and professional manner.Ability
to effectively prepare and/or direct preparation of,and present comprehensive reports,presentations,
budgets and correspondence to top management, public groups, and/or boards.
5.4 Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.Ability to apply
concepts such as fractions,percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
5.5 Ability to obtain and use data to guide decisions and analyze quantitative information.Ability to define
problems, collect data,establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and analyze data
and descriptive statistics.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical
or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Ability to read and interpret
engineering plans and specifications,electrical schematics,wiring diagrams and motor and control
specifications.
5.6 Ability to use a personal computer and software, calculator and other office equipment standard to area of
assignment and to adapt to new and/or modified equipment which may be acquired. Proficient with
database software, spreadsheet software and word processing software.Ability to use available computer
technology to effectively perform the job.
5.7 Ability to lead with strong interpersonal and organizational skills and possess a positive business-like
approach to problem solving. Ability to maintain a progressive working environment focused on
productivity,teamwork, fairness and accountability. Ability to implement and maintain sound
organizational practices.
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5.8 Maintain a high standard for accuracy,completeness and efficiency in the preparation of reports and
budgets. Independent and self-motivated to complete required deadlines while simultaneously completing
other tasks.
5.9 Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
6.0 COMPETENCY To perform the job successfully,an individual should demonstrate competence in the
following areas:
Technical Skills-Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development
opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Customer Service-Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds to requests for service
and assistance; Meets commitments.
Interpersonal Skills-Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to
others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control.
Oral Communication- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and
gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in
meetings.
Written Communication-Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar;
Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret
technical/legal information.
Analytical Skills- Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Evaluates
and develops alternative solutions and recommends methods,procedures and techniques.
Problem Solving- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
Delegation- Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Sets expectations and
monitors delegated activities.
Managing People- Staff planning,decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes
responsibility for subordinates'activities; Makes self-available to staff; Develops subordinates' skills and
encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback(internal and external); Encourages and builds
mutual trust, respect and cooperation among team members.
Quality Management- Improves processes,products and services; Demonstrates accuracy and
thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Diversity-Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural
differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
Ethics-Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with
integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support-Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and
on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
Judgment- Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions;
Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Planning/Organizing-Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional
resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops
realistic action plans.
Professionalism -Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with
respect and consideration regardless of their status or position;Accepts responsibility for own actions;
Follows through on commitments.
Quantity- Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Works quickly.
Safety and Security-Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond
guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
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Adaptability-Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes
approach or method to best fit the situation;Able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected
events.
Attendance/Punctuality-Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered
when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability- Follows instructions and management direction;Takes responsibility for own actions;
Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on
time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Initiative-Volunteers readily; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of
opportunities;Asks for and offers help when needed.
Innovation -Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops,designs,or creates new
applications, ideas,relationships, or systems.
7.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
7.1 Bachelor's Degree in business or public administration,civil engineering, utility management,or closely
related field and four(4)years of progressively responsible engineering/professional experience in
planning, design, and/or construction of public works projects,with emphasis on solid waste
management,wastewater and/or surface water management systems and the associated federal and state
regulatory requirements, including two(2)years at a supervisory level;or eight(8)years of experience in
the operation of a wastewater or surface water collection system or similar industrial facility,which shall
include two(2)years at a supervisory level.
7.2 Ability to successfully complete various required training classes and obtain certificates necessary for
functional skills performance, maintenance and improvement.
7.3 Valid Washington State Driver's License.
7.4 Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Washington desirable.
8.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described
here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential
functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
8.1 While performing the duties of this job,the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions
and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving
mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
8.2 While performing the duties of this job,the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to
finger,handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to
sit; climb or balance; and stoop,kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move
up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision,peripheral vision
and depth perception.
8.3 The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is
subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.