Field Operations Manager

Employment Opportunities Title:
Field Operations Manager

Post Date
2/21/2020

Expiration Date
5/21/2020

Details:
Our mission is to provide efficient, effective, and reliable water and wastewater utility services in a manner that respects the natural environment. Our distribution and collection systems are critical links that make this happen. We are looking for a strategic and hands-on Field Operations Manager to oversee the field operations department. Priorities for this position are to lead the field ops team, ensure regulatory compliance, confirm assets are managed and tracked according to industry standards, evaluate risk and plan future infrastructure improvement projects accordingly, work collaboratively with our community, and promote excellent customer service.
This position directs the operation, installation, maintenance, repair, expansion, and relocation of a complex distribution and collection system with 73 pressure zones, 161 pressure reducing valves, 268 miles of water main, 1,938 fire hydrants, 210 miles of sanitary sewer main, and 6,338 manholes. We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable on a construction site or working in the field as they are setting departmental goals, organizing work, and recognizing their peers. Technical expertise, field experience, direct communication, strategy development, and an eye for process improvement are integral to success in this role.
Why work for us? The work you will do as a Field Operations Manager provides a vital resource to our community that everyone can use and benefit from. Not to mention our excellent benefits, housing program, opportunities to learn, attend conferences, trainings, and opportunities to work outside regularly in a place with some pretty incredible views.
The Day to Day:
DYNAMIC AND HANDS ON LEADERSHIP: The Field Operations Manager serves as a positive and engaged member of the District Management Team and manages employees for optimum productivity. This role takes a proactive approach to the management of employee performance while creating and maintaining a supportive, professional, and open environment, consistent with the District’s culture. A manager at ERWSD encourages leadership at all levels within the District as well as communicates the Vision, Mission, Values, and team norms of the District to employees frequently and consistently.
Directs, motivates, encourages and develops three to five direct reports (Field Operations Supervisors and Fleet and Facilities Supervisor), and a department of up to 26 people. Participates in the employee selection process, evaluates employee performance, provides regular feedback, and participates in monthly performance alignment conversations. Motivates, encourages, and develops staff. Develops onboarding programs and succession plans. Develops and maintains training program for staff to ensure employee development, growth, engagement, etc.
Regularly visits operations in the field to review operations as well as determine the progress of preventative maintenance, reactive maintenance, construction, and status of other phases of operation.
Directs activities of personnel who oversee maintenance, operation, and repair of distribution and collection systems, as well as other appurtenances. Determines and frequently reviews efficiencies and effectiveness of the work performed by staff.
Safety is critical in this role. This role will ensure that all activities in the department are executed safely and will model district safety culture.
DEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION: The Field Operations Manager upholds the organizational Vision, Mission, and Values, and the strategies of the management team. Builds and fosters collaborative relationships with each district department. Updates colleagues on projects and activities. Updates impacted departments of operational problems or explains procedural changes or practices. Prepares monthly reports for board of directors. Prepares standard operating procedures (SOP), policies, board memos, etc. as needed.
LONG RANGE PLANNING AND PREPARATION: The Field Operations Manager oversees, coordinates, and builds consensus among the departments regarding strategic planning by developing master plans and hydraulic modeling to reduce regulatory risk and meet community demand. The Field Operations Manager works with the finance and engineering departments to plan for the financing of the proposed major upgrades and expenditures. They also work cross-departmentally to develop estimated costs for operations, maintenance, personnel, and capital and life cycle upgrades to the distribution and collection system, fleet and facility maintenance. Works with the finance department as appropriate during the budget process for board approval. Oversees contracts and consultant relationships related to departmental projects and provides project management when necessary.
The Field Operations Manager is committed to growth, planning, and efficiency and keeps apprised of new developments in distribution and collection systems, as well as materials, tools, technology, and equipment, and analyzes and makes recommendations to adopt when in the best interest of the district.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: The Field Operations Manager ensures that all regulatory requirements for distribution and collection are met. Oversees and stays apprised of regulations that affect ERWSD and UERWA. Reduces risk by tracking and ensuring annual benchmarking targets are being met for system-wide maintenance operations and capital projects. Responsible for communicating with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding potential regulatory noncompliance or any public health or environment concerns; ensures proper notifications occur if necessary (spill hotline, five day report, downstream water users, district staff, community, etc.). Works with CDPHE and district staff to manage and coordinate successful sanitary surveys and compliance evaluation inspections (CEI); ensures all district teams are prepared and required reporting, inspections, record keeping/documentation, maintenance requirements are complete.
ASSET MANAGEMENT: The Field Operations Manager oversees the fiscal responsibilities of the distribution, collection, fleet and facilities departments, ensures that the best value is realized for the district for expenditures, as well as the tracking and approval of expenditures for the department.
This role also is the leader in preventative maintenance and will develop and implement maintenance programs for district assets (hydrant inspections, valve maintenance, air vac inspections, CCTV, jetting, PRVs, BPSs. etc.). Oversees the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). including documentation involving work orders.
FLEET AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT: In addition to management of the distribution and collection system, the Field Operations Manager provides direction and overall strategy to the district fleet and facilities maintenance program. This includes overseeing the maintenance, selling, and purchasing of district vehicles, associated fleet equipment and services, and oversight of the fleet management and maintenance system. This position also provides support to district-wide facilities regarding building maintenance, HVAC, landscaping, roofing, etc.
NEW CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION: Attends construction meetings and pre-construction meetings as related to the distribution and collection systems. Reviews subdivision plan conditions; reviews developer and engineering plans as related to the water distribution and wastewater collection system to confirm conformance to district specifications.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: Communicates and coordinates with customers, the public, other utilities, as well as local, state, and federal entities, regarding departmental activities, including construction, breaks, shutdowns, or other relevant issues using a customer service approach. Provides significant support to the field operations team during emergencies, communicating to the public, managers, coordinating support, etc.
THE BIG PICTURE: Eagle River Water & Sanitation District has a responsibility to our customers and to the environment. The Field Operations Manager is expected to work strategically and cooperatively cross-departmentally, and with customers and regulators, to achieve district goals, efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that protects public and environmental health. Staying apprised of the Colorado Drinking Water Regulations, ensuring district-wide compliance, and applying a strategic team-oriented mindset will be a key component of this role.


Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:
• EXPERIENCE: Associate’s degree or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Construction Management, Water Resources, or related field and minimum five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Firm knowledge of methods, practices and procedures relevant to the operation, maintenance, and construction of collection and distribution systems with the ability to interpret engineering and technical specifications and drawings.
• LICENSES: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Collection III certification and Distribution III certification or an Engineering Degree with a Professional Engineers License strongly preferred.
• LEADERSHIP: Experience in leading and coordinating of people in a team-based environment required. The ability to work as a member of a team is a must. Ability to maintain confidentiality required.
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Organizational skills and ability to prioritize, develop directives and deadlines, and manage process of all projects. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects. Ability to research and resolve issues, work with minimal supervision. Excellent time management and organizational skills are a must.
• STRATEGY: Experience developing strategy and articulating departmental vision and goals required.
• RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: Must be able to build and maintain strong relationships with other district departments, and local, and state agencies. Coordination and collaboration skills are essential. Positive attitude and an ability to work honestly, and with integrity required. The ability to work as a member of a team is a must.
• COMMUNICATION: Must be able to tactfully, directly, respectfully, and professionally communicate in English, both written and verbal. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Demonstrated public speaking skills required, including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, board of directors, clients, customers, and the general public.
• REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: A thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations relative to safety, collection and distribution operations, and maintenance required.
• TECHNOLOGY: Proficient in use of office equipment. Some Information System experience necessary. Computer proficiency required; Windows, Word, and Excel. Experience working with Cityworks or other CMMS preferred.
• SCHEDULE: Works Monday – Friday from 7:00 – 3:30 regularly and is able to respond in emergency situations to support the Field Operations team.
• SAFETY: Must possess a valid Colorado driver license within 30 days of full time employment and be insurable under district standards. Must obtain CPR/First Aid certification within the first six (6) months of employment. Required to follow all district safety and security policies and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job duties
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.


Comments:

The pay range for this role is $86,000 to $128,910. Hiring range depends on qualifications.

All applicants must apply online at www.erwsd.org to be considered. The last day to apply is March 15, 2020. All employees must be insurable under district standards, submit to a pre-employment drug screen, and extensive background check.
Please contact erwsdjobs@erwsd.org for a full job description or for any additional questions. Full job description is available upon request.




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Employer:
Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
Contact:
Ali Kelkenberg

Address:
846 Forest Rd.
Vail, CO 81657

Work Phone:
9704775418

Email:
akelkenberg@erwsd.org

Website:
https://jobs.erwsd.org/