Utility Operations Superintendent

SJRA is a public entity whose mission is to develop, conserve, and protect the water resources of the San Jacinto River basin. Its primary purpose is to implement long-term, regional projects related to water supply and water quality. SJRA delivers raw water to both municipal and industrial consumers and provides water treatment and wastewater services through the ownership, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure including reservoirs, groundwater wells, surface water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, lift stations, and miles of open channel and conveyance systems.

About the role

This position coordinates, administers, and supervises the operations related to water treatment, supply, transmission and distribution and/or wastewater collection, conveyance, treatment, and disposal systems ("the systems") equipment. This role ensures optimal system operations, safety, compliance with state and federal regulations, and executes responsibilities—either personally or through subordinate personnel—to achieve optimal safety, efficiency, quality, and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Provides input toward the establishment of the overall goals and objectives of the designated area of business with division management, SJRA Senior Management, and other applicable business areas; collaboratively leads the organization to successfully accomplish approved goals and objectives; communicates goals and expectations to team members and measures performance against those goals and expectations.
• Prioritizes, coordinates, and delegates responsibilities and activities to staff in accordance with policies, principles, and procedures established by division management, SJRA Senior Management, and/or Board of Directors; conducts performance evaluations and recommends position and compensation adjustments of staff for approval by SJRA Senior Management.
• Responsible for inspection, direction, and supervision of all operations, improvements, and regulatory compliance associated with the Division’s systems.
• Assures the proper submittal, documentation, organization, and filing of all operational records; assures the timely preparation and submission of required periodic reports to local, state, and federal regulatory agencies and customers, and maintains necessary files and records.
• Coordinates with the Utility Maintenance Superintendent to ensure equipment preventive maintenance is up to date and corrective maintenance is carried out in a timely manner through the use of the EAM system.
• Evaluates operational functions, processes, chemicals, and product effectiveness as well as asset performance and recommends new or improved practices or products when appropriate. Coordinates with appropriate staff to identify improved technological improvements including software, hardware, and instrumentation that would create efficiencies for Operations.
• Reviews and comments on construction plans and specifications for improvements to the systems; coordinates with other SJRA staff during all phases of planning, permitting, design, procurement, and construction, as required.
• Operates a vehicle in the course of conducting operational and supervisory responsibilities. Schedules and makes routine facility checks to assure they are inspection ready at all times and equipment is maintained as expected.
• Conducts work activities in the field including operational tasks such as process and plant adjustments, chemical adjustments, sampling, maintenance, and housekeeping activities.
• Provides support to appropriate Division staff to ensure compliance with regulated environmental programs.
• Enforces safety regulations, policies, principles, and procedures; verifies that all required Personal Protective Equipment is assigned and available to staff; reviews incident investigations and takes action to prevent recurrence; coordinates with the Risk Management Department as appropriate.
• Provides input to the UE Operations Manager regarding policies, procedures, ten-year Project Plan, five-year staffing plan, strategic and tactical plans.
• Coordinates and facilitates recruitment, training, mentoring, counseling, discipline, and development of staff, strategically geared to meet the overall goals and objectives of the designated area of business, collaborating with Human Resources as appropriate.
• Reviews and approves direct report time reports; reviews and recommends for approval all training and any travel requiring overnight lodging for staff in the designated area of business within annual budgets.
• Creates, manages, and monitors the annual department budget; implements and follows financial policies as they relate to management of all contracts, expenditures, and miscellaneous services, supplies, and materials; evaluates and approves expenditures while maintaining compliance with budgets.

This position is classified as safety-sensitive and is subject to random, unannounced drug and alcohol testing. It is also classified as primary essential personnel, requiring the individual to work as usual or as needed during emergency events, preparations, or recovery as directed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or mechanical/electrical studies is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible and practical experience in the operations, maintenance, repair, and capital improvement and management of water and wastewater systems.
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• TCEQ Class B Wastewater Operator and Class C Groundwater licenses are required.
• Valid Texas Driver’s license with an insurable driving record.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings Plan in which SJRA contributes 8% automatically and matches up to an additional 4% of the employee's contribution