Utility Program Manager

This is a promotional recruitment only. You must be a current, permanent

employee of Placer County to be considered for this vacancy.

The Utility Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the County’s wastewater collection and treatment systems and water distribution systems.  The individual selected for this vacancy will provide highly responsible support to the Deputy Director of Facility Services.  Duties include planning, organizing and directing the activities of the Utilities sections; coordinating activities with other divisions or departments; supervising approximately 40 staff members; and being available after hours in the event of an emergency.

To plan, organize, and direct the activities of the Utility section within the Facility Services Department; to coordinate section activities with other divisions or departments; and to provide highly responsible technical support to the Deputy Director of Facility Services.

This level recognizes positions that provide full second-line, direct supervision to employees within a work section and/or assumes substantive and significant programmatic responsibility in a defined area or specialty. 

Receives general direction from the Deputy Director or Assistant Director of Facility Services.

Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, technical, and clerical personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Recommend and implement section goals and objectives; develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, develop and oversee the work of staff and consultants involved in Utility operations and maintenance as applied to wastewater treatment plants  wastewater collection systems, septage disposal, water treatment and distribution, and short and long range facility planning.
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned unit; implement improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Develop, negotiate and manage contracts for wastewater collection and treatment and environmental services.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for projects, equipment and staff; monitor and control expenditures.
• Participate in the selection of staff; coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Develop and implement short and long range plans for special districts operations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in wastewater and water system operations, or a related field, including two years of supervisory responsibility.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in business management, economics, construction management, facility management, civil or sanitary engineering or a related field.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Personnel Department. 

Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.  

Knowledge of:

• General principles of water and wastewater operations and facility planning as applied to Utility projects.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of research, analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
• Principles and practices of work safety.

Ability to:

• Organize, implement and direct Utility operations and planning activities.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of assigned job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and communicate through written means; and occasionally lift moderate weight.
• Interpret and explain pertinent County and department policies and procedures.
• Observe and problem solve operational problems.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for Management bargaining unit