Water Superintendent

Published by for Watertown

Water Superintendent


GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is a responsible supervisory and administrative position that oversees the daily operations of managing the production, construction, maintenance, and repairs to the city water system.

The Water Superintendent is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the City's water production and distribution system. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general direction of the Director of Operations and in accordance with municipal utilities and state policies and federal rules and regulations. Supervision is exercised directly or through a subordinate supervisor. Work is reviewed through reports with standards of other governmental agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsible for operation and maintenance of well water treatment facilities, storage reservoirs, booster stations, wells for raw water supply, raw water transmission, and water distribution piping.

Ensure Water Department facilities are of sufficient design to accommodate the City's future needs by providing input and developing long range and current capital improvement programs.

Communicate, coordinate, and oversee Water Department activities, as needed, with consulting engineers, contractors, other city agencies, and state and federal agencies and ensure that the water system complies with regulations and needs of the City.

Coordinate work with builders and developers for new developments/construction, building additions, or moving facilities; identify materials needed and prepare estimates.

Write bid specifications for material and equipment to be used by the Water Department and for projects using contract labor.

Review specifications or plans for water projects and monitor contractor, engineer, and developer compliance with Water Department specifications and standards.

Provide technical assistance to other departments of the city to assist them with the completion of city projects.

Administer annual operating and capital budgets for the water system, prepare and approve requisitions for expenditures, monitor the Water Department budget for compliance, and develop financial projections for the Water Department.

Handle material inventory discrepancies and billing issues as requested.
Plan, direct and supervise full time and seasonal employees in the Water Department during routine and emergency situations.

Establish night and weekend dispatching guidelines and ensure water plant shift workers are trained in dispatching for trouble calls and emergencies.

Ensure Water Department employees received required operator certification training. Perform special studies and reports and keep abreast of current developments in the field.

Ensure Water Department meets or exceeds all EPA regulations covering water equality, including design criteria, water testing, and system maintenance.

Ensure compliance of aquifer and wellhead protection ordinances.
Administer future, appropriated and vested water rights on our raw water supply.
Assist in establishing Water Department rates.
Ensure changes to maps are given to the Engineering Tech Department.
Monitor and direct the operation of the Lake Kampeska diversion structure in accordance with the written plan. Prepare tapping estimates and service connection statements.
Establish and oversee water meter maintenance and change out program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, Continued Water Superintendent

Assist in development and implementation of Watertown Department policies.
Communicate directly with the public to educate, answer questions, and handle water customer complaints. Develop and maintain Emergency Plan for hazardous materials.
Serve on various Boards and Committees as directed.
Performs related work as required and other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

Graduation from high school or GED required, supplemented by industry and vocational training and considerable experience in water systems at an advanced level.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices governing the construction and maintenance of water mains, meters, fire hydrants, and other facilities of modern water distribution systems.

Considerable knowledge of the water treatment and distribution systems.

Considerable knowledge of water safety procedures and precautions to be practiced.

Ability to plan, organize, direct, schedule, motivate and evaluate department work and problems.

Must be able to effectively supervise subordinates in carrying out department responsibilities.

Ability to stay abreast of modern water production and distribution techniques and standards through current literature and technical seminars.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and construction plans.

Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written reports.

Considerable knowledge and experience with Microsoft office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet.

Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, customers, developers, consultants, utility officials and employees.

Ability to exercise good judgment in development recommendations and making decisions.

Must possess a water operator's license equivalent to a South Dakota Class III or IV certificate or equivalent education and/or experience.

Must hold a valid South Dakota Driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an indoor/outdoor environment and will be exposed to all types of environmental conditions. Exposure may range from an office environment to the extremes of outdoors. Exposure to temperatures ranging from below zero degrees to above 100 degrees. Work may involve lifting and carrying of equipment and materials to up 40 60 pounds. Work may require working in ditches, manholes, pits, deep wells, elevated water towers and with highly toxic chemicals.

Information

Industry experience

Education: High School

Seniority: Manager, Director, Professor

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