Wastewater Collection Manager

This position manages the Wastewater Collection and Flood Control Division within the Public Works Department, overseeing operations, maintenance, budget, fleet, and staff to ensure compliance with State Water Board and Air Board regulations for public and environmental health.

About the role

Reporting to the Wastewater System Manager, the Wastewater Collection Manager directs two Field Crew Leaders supervising a team of two Mechanical Technicians, four Senior Maintenance Technicians, and six Maintenance Technicians. The role involves directing asset management software, SCADA systems, and collaborating with other City departments, agencies, and consulting engineers on Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects for pipelines, pump stations, and system infrastructure.

For more details about the Sanitary Sewer Collection System and Wastewater Treatment Facility, visit:

• City Sanitary Sewer System
• Wastewater Treatment Facility

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and manage the activities, operations, and maintenance of the City’s Wastewater Collection and Flood Control Division.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommend service and staffing levels.
• Oversee the operation, installation, construction, maintenance, and repair of wastewater collection and stormwater systems.
• Develop, administer, and monitor assigned budgets; standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage and coordinate work plans, assign tasks, and evaluate work products and methods.
• Participate in the selection, training, motivation, and evaluation of assigned personnel; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable MOUs, City policies, procedures, and employment laws.
• Monitor construction and maintenance projects for timely and cost-effective completion; inspect work in progress and provide technical direction.
• Manage the after-hours emergency response program (Call Duty) for Public Works and Parks Departments; coordinate and train staff.
• Develop and review regulatory reports to ensure compliance with Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES regulations.
• Coordinate with Engineering Division, other City departments, contractors, agencies, and customers on CIP, SSMP, and condition assessments.
• Oversee the landfill leachate system, including monitoring and maintaining pumps, motors, pipelines, and ponds.
• Provide complex staff assistance to the Wastewater Systems Manager, including long-range planning and special projects.
• Negotiate, monitor, and administer contracts to ensure compliance with City policies.
• Engage with local, state, and federal agencies, organizations, vendors, contractors, and community groups.
• Attend professional meetings; stay updated on trends, regulations, and technological advancements in wastewater and stormwater systems.
• Investigate and respond to problems and complaints; implement corrective actions.
• Respond to emergency situations related to operations, maintenance, and repair; perform confined space entry and rescue as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six years of increasingly responsible experience in the inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater collection and stormwater systems (or equivalent as defined by the California Water Environment Association).
• Three years of supervisory experience (successful completion of the City of Santa Cruz’s Employee and Leadership Development program may substitute for one year).

Skills

• Administrative principles, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, and project management.
• Budget, procurement, and contract development and administration.
• Employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and training.
• Organization and management practices for program, policy, and operational needs analysis.
• Principles and practices of wastewater collection and stormwater systems maintenance and repair.
• Regulatory compliance, including Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES regulations.
• Asset management software and SCADA systems.
• Emergency response coordination and management.

Working Conditions

• Prolonged sitting, walking, standing, twisting, kneeling, squatting, stooping, and reaching.
• Lifting items up to 75 pounds; pushing and dragging heavy equipment (e.g., manhole frames/covers).
• Repetitive hand movements and dexterity for computer use, pump assembly, electrical work, and gasket installation.
• Near and far vision for reading documents, computer use, and driving.
• Acute hearing for phone and in-person service, and noisy construction sites.
• Work performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, wet).
• Exposure to dust, pollen, odors, vibration, moving objects, gasoline, and heights up to 30 feet.
• Occasional work in confined spaces, construction zones, and heavy traffic conditions.