Water Agency Coordinator - Maintenance Mechanic Services

At Sonoma Water, Water Agency Coordinators plan, assign, and lead the work of personnel engaged in water production, wastewater treatment, water transmission, and fleet maintenance. The Water Agency Coordinator - Maintenance Mechanic Services directs the work of mechanics performing mechanical maintenance, repair, and construction at drinking water production and treatment, wastewater treatment, and wastewater collection facilities.

About the role

This position oversees mechanical maintenance of the Mirabel and Wohler Radial Collector Wells and drinking water production facility, the Mirabel River Diversion Structure, the Russian River Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the 11 wastewater lift stations in the Russian River County Sanitation District collection system.

• Coordinate with Water/Wastewater Operations, Electrical/Instrumentation Maintenance, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Engineering, Environmental, and external partner agencies to schedule and execute work safely and with minimal service impact.
• Provide knowledgeable feedback on capital project designs and on operations, maintenance, and asset management plans, using field experience to support maintainability, reliability, and lifecycle cost.
• Establish specifications, collaborate with Engineering on major purchases, and manage procurement, including requisitions, vendor coordination, bids, and contracts.
• Collaborate with the construction management team during capital project work, supporting the planning and execution of shutdowns and operational changes needed to tie construction into existing facilities, as well as equipment installation, startup, and turnover to operations and maintenance.
• Manage budget tracking for the section, develop material, equipment, and labor cost estimates, and approve invoices and purchase requisitions.
• Supervise mechanic staff, including the Lead Mechanic; conduct performance evaluations, develop training plans, and administer safety programs and performance improvement actions when needed.

Requirements

• Five or more years of experience working as a Water/Wastewater Utility mechanic.
• Demonstrated supervisory or lead worker experience over mechanic staff, including scheduling, performance management, mentoring, and training.
• Experience providing comments and feedback on capital project designs and on operation, maintenance, and asset management plans for water and wastewater facilities.
• Experience making presentations to a Board or in other public settings discussing utility-related plans and/or programs.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and resource agency consultation processes governing work in and adjacent to waters of the United States, including:
  • Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 (USACE, RWQCB)
  • Federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act (NMFS, USFWS, CDFW)
  • CDFW Section 1602 Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreements
  • CEQA/NEPA compliance

Qualifications

The following certifications and trainings are desired, not required:

• Cross Connection Control Specialist certificate for supporting maintenance work on backflow prevention assemblies throughout the water production and transmission system.
• CWEA Mechanical Technologist certification (Grade III or IV preferred) for validating journey-level or supervisory-level mechanical maintenance competency in drinking water and wastewater settings.
• NFPA 70E electrical safety training for supporting safe work practices around the section's substantial electrical infrastructure including high-horsepower pump motors, MCCs, switchgear, and generators.
• Training in lockout/tagout and other hazardous energy controls.

Incumbent must possess a California Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T1 certificate and a California Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 certificate. A California Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 certificate must be obtained within two years and a California Water Distribution Operator Grade D5 certificate must be obtained within six years. A Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate is highly desirable.

Skills

For all units:

• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Occupational hazards and modern safety practice in the operation of water and wastewater facilities and in the maintenance of flood control channels.
  • Preventive maintenance requirements.
  • Effective utilization and standards for vehicles, light and heavy equipment, machines, and power and hand tools.
  • Effective methods of supervision and of training personnel.
  • Organizational and occupational safety practices and procedures, especially those connected with work on high voltage, electrical, mechanical equipment, equipment operating under high pressure, and chlorination equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of:
  • Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in Water Agency projects.
  • Principles and techniques of effective supervision and training.

For Maintenance Mechanic Services:

• Thorough knowledge of:
  • Methods, materials, tools, equipment, practices, and procedures used in the construction, installation, operation, and technical maintenance of water and wastewater treatment and distribution facilities and systems, including electric motors and generators, diesel engines, switch gears, automatic chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen sulfide injectors, pipeline hydraulic systems, pumps, valves and meters, cathodic protection, and related equipment.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Generally accepted methods of management and administration.
  • Budgeting and financial considerations pertaining to operations and maintenance, and working within established budgets.
  • Budgeting and financial considerations pertaining to maintenance and construction projects.
  • Requisition procedures.
• Ability to:
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate the work of a large group of entry-level, semi-skilled, skilled, and supervisory and lead personnel.
  • Analyze situations and adopt effective course of action.
  • Develop, conduct, and/or coordinate training, employee evaluations, and industrial safety programs.
  • Deal tactfully, effectively, and harmoniously with employees, co-workers, other County departments, other public agencies, and the public.
  • Use electric meters and a variety of mechanical tools.
  • Interpret field engineering drawings and sketches.
  • Perform basic mathematical and geometric calculations.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

About Sonoma Water

Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions: Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.

Benefits

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of staff, department operations, and the communities served may be available depending on the assignment.
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range.
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year.
• Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities.
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options.
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits.
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution.
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment.
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more.
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Salary is negotiable within the established range.