• Job Description

  Req#: 4394367
  Under the general direction of the Public Utilities Department (PUD) Deputy Director of the Pure Water Operations (PWO) Division, the PWO Program Manager leads scientific research and development efforts related to the Pure Water Program. The North City Pure Water Facility is the first permitted Surface Water Augmentation Indirect Potable Reuse project in the state and features a first-of-its-kind treatment process consisting of ozone, biologically active carbon filters, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light with advanced oxidation. The PWO Program Manager plays a crucial role in the planning, performance, and presentation of scientific research projects related to potable reuse treatment and performance. The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing these projects in a fiscally sound manner, adhering to regulatory and environmental standards.
  
  There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.
  
  Key Areas of Responsibility:
  • Plan, perform, and communicate complex applied physical, chemical, and biological research projects related to potable reuse treatment and regulatory compliance;
  • Lead and manage the Pure Water Operations division to solve complex scientific regulatory compliance and treatment issues;
  • Oversee comprehensive reservoir modeling projects and tracer studies associated with direct and indirect potable reuse regulations;
  • Research and review new treatment and monitoring technologies as well as technical and analytical methods relevant to the City’s potable reuse operations;
  • Lead and manage the Pure Water Program utilization of an Independent Advisory Panel to ensure the protection of public health as required by potable reuse regulations;
  • Participate in scientific advisory panels, research advisory boards, and project advisory committees to help guide external research efforts related to potable reuse activities;
  • Lead and participate in negotiations related to regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local officials, as well as a variety of water, wastewater, and environmental agencies;
  • Develop and implement strategic plans, budgets, and performance metrics to achieve divisional goals;
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to a team of dedicated professionals;
  • Represent the Department before governing bodies within the City, including oversight committees, City Council, Civil Service Commission, etc.;
  • Participate in negotiations with a variety of regulatory and water/wastewater agencies, working closely with elected officials, community leaders, and agency representatives to achieve resolution and decisions;
  • Participate in creating and managing the Division's long-range and annual operating, capital outlay, and personnel budget, including justifying budget requests and monitoring expenditures against goals and objectives;
  • Represent the Division and Department at various industry and professional forums;
  • Establish and coordinate Department policies within assigned areas of responsibility;
  • Work collaboratively with other divisions to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Department; and
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
  Minimum Qualifications:
  • A PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Oceanography, Environmental Studies, or a closely related biological, chemical, or physical science
  • Three (3) years of full-time professional-level experience in a scientific field to include at least one of the following: laboratory work, regulatory compliance assessments, quality control, or fieldwork, which MUST include one (1) year of supervising the work of professional staff.
  • Three (3) years of full-time professional-level experience in the drinking water, wastewater, or potable reuse fields.
  Desirable Qualifications:
  The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
  • Significant history participating in and authoring published scientific research papers.
  • Experience in and understanding of scientific research related to potable reuse treatment facilities and associated regulatory requirements.
  • Project management experience.
  • Substantial, progressively responsible management experience in a wastewater or water utility.
  • Knowledge of regulatory and environmental standards related to water and wastewater systems is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated readiness to Plan, perform, and communicate complex applied physical, chemical, and biological research projects related to potable reuse treatment and regulatory compliance;
  • Significant history presenting complex scientific information to a variety of audiences;
  • Experience in developing and managing a complex budget;
  • Understanding of public entity personnel and labor relations principles, policies, and procedures;
  • Commitment to public service, fiscal responsibility, and innovation in government;
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to proactively identify and support creative and viable solutions;
  • Ability to balance competing interests in a regulatory and political environment;
  • Exceptional ability to manage, motivate, and develop high-performing teams;
  • Focus on enhanced customer service and customer satisfaction;
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders;
  • Strong business and political acumen to work effectively with customers, elected officials, external businesses, and governmental agencies;
  • Strong leadership skills, with the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders;
  • Commitment to quality improvement performance excellence; and
  • Active and genuine commitment to managing diversity in the workplace and encouraging high-performing teams.
  Benefits:
  The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:
  • Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
  • A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
  • 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
  • Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
  • Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
  • Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
  • Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
  • Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
  • Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
  • Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
  • City-paid life insurance.
  For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.
  
  The Department:
  The Public Utilities Department (PUD) is comprised of four branches that are primarily funded by the Water Enterprise Fund and the Sewer Enterprise Funds: the Water Recovery Branch, the Water Delivery Branch, the Business Support Branch, and the Pure Water and Technical Support Branch. The Department is committed to the following in its management of Water and Wastewater services:
  • Quality: We surpass quality and safety standards.
  • Value: We operate and invest wisely.
  • Reliability: We consistently provide dependable services.
  • Customer Service: We are responsive, professional, and courteous.
  The Public Utilities Director is responsible for setting the overall direction for the department and providing high-level guidance on day-to-day activities. The External Affairs and Water Policy group reports directly to the Director. All other activities of the department report directly to the Executive Assistant Director, who is responsible for the operations of the department on a daily basis. Day-to-day operational responsibility for PUD rests with the Assistant Directors of each branch, who report to the Executive Assistant Director. The Public Utilities’ management team is further comprised of Deputy Directors, who report to the Assistant Directors and head each of the major divisions within each branch. PUD currently has a staff allocation of approximately 1,900 and a Fiscal Year 2024 budget of $1.9 billion.
  
  The water system serves the City and certain surrounding areas, including retail, wholesale, and reclaimed water customers. The water system's service area covers 403 miles, including 342 miles in the City, and has approximately 1.3 million retail customers. This water system can treat up to 378 million gallons of drinking water per day and includes 49 pump stations; 3 water treatment plants; over 3,400 miles of pipeline; more than 320,000 service connections; and 135 separate pressure zones.
  
  The wastewater system consists of two sub-systems: the Municipal Sub-System and the Metropolitan Sub-System. The Municipal system is a sewage collection and conveyance system for the City's residents, and the Metropolitan system treats and disposes of the wastewater generated by the City and 12 other cities and districts near the city. The Metropolitan system has sufficient capacity to accommodate a regional population in excess of 2.5 million. The entire wastewater system covers approximately 450 square miles and has a population of over 2.2 million. The system can treat up to 255 million gallons of wastewater per day and includes 79 pump stations; 3 wastewater treatment plants; a bio-solid processing plant; 2 ocean outfalls; and more than 3,000 miles of pipeline.
  
  The City is implementing a large-scale potable reuse project called Pure Water San Diego that uses proven water purification technology to produce a safe, sustainable, and high-quality water supply for San Diego. The Program is a cost-effective investment that will provide a reliable, locally controlled, and drought-proof drinking water supply. An initial 30 million gallons per day water purification facility is planned to be operational as early as 2021. The long-term goal, of producing 83 million gallons of purified water per day (one-third of San Diego's future drinking water supply), is planned to be reached in 2035.
  
  The City:
  With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.
  
  The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".
  
  As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 12,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2024 operating and capital budget of approximately $5 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.
  
  Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
  Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.
  
  Application Instructions: Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.
  
  Selection/Application Process:
  To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at: HumanResources@sandiego.gov
  1) Resume;
  2) Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and
  3) List of three professional references.
  
  NOTE(S):
  1. Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.
  2. Reference Recruitment Number U2421 in the Subject Line.
  3. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.
  Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at HumanResources@sandiego.gov.
  
  The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.
  

• About the company

  San Diego is a city in the US state of California on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and immediately adjacent to the Mexican border.

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