Water Treatment Supervisor

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW - Ready to Make a Splash?

Do you take pride in ensuring a community has access to safe, clean, and reliable water? Are you a technical expert with a knack for leadership? If so, we are looking for a Water Treatment Supervisor to lead our Water Utility Division and invite you to apply. This isn't just a desk job—it’s a vital leadership role where you’ll mentor a skilled team, oversee complex infrastructure projects, and ensure our systems run at peak performance.

Why This Role?

As the Supervisor, you are the bridge between vision and execution. You’ll have the autonomy to plan and schedule critical work while remaining the go-to technical expert for our most complex systems. From managing advanced SCADA telemetry and GAC filter systems to shaping the annual budget and safety protocols, your influence will be felt across every gallon we produce.

What You’ll Do:

• Empower a Team: Directly supervise, train, and evaluate a dedicated crew, fostering a culture of safety and excellence.
• Master the System: Monitor and troubleshoot our SCADA systems, water wells, and distribution networks to ensure total regulatory compliance.
• Drive Innovation: Recommend system improvements, manage vendor relationships, and oversee large-scale repair and construction projects.
• Ensure Quality: Take the lead on water sampling, quality testing, and the administration of our backflow prevention and cross-connection programs.

Who You Are:

• An Experienced Leader: You have at least 4 years of experience in water distribution (plus a year in a lead/supervisory capacity) and a solid grasp of state and federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.
• Technically Savvy: You’re comfortable with everything from high-level computer control devices to the heavy equipment used in field repairs.
• A Problem Solver: You can analyze complex data, troubleshoot mechanical failures on the fly, and communicate solutions clearly to both your team and the public.
• Community-Minded: You understand that your work directly impacts the health and safety of our residents and you take that responsibility seriously.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 400 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS

To be considered for this position applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Your responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate your qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview process. Additional details will be sent via email once our screening process is complete (on or before May 27th at 5:00 p.m.).

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of water treatment staff within the Water Utility Division; coordinates, monitors, and provides technical input for assigned water treatment, maintenance, construction, and repair projects and other special programs; provides technical assistance to the Water Utility Manager; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to the repair, maintenance, and alterations on a variety of facilities, buildings, water distribution pipes, water well pumps, motors, controls, and chlorination equipment; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general supervision from the Water Utility Manager. Exercises general supervision over assigned staff. Coordinates and monitors the work of outside contractors, vendors, and consultants as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is the full supervisory-level class in the water treatment series. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of water treatment staff either directly or through lead workers. The incumbents are also expected to independently perform the full range of water treatment duties. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Water and Wastewater Collection Utility Manager in that the latter has management responsibility for all water utility operations and maintenance functions and activities of the City.

Examples of Essential Functions

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. T he duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of water treatment staff.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of water production and treatment equipment; implements procedures and standards.
• Provides input on employee performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures; assists in selection and promotion.
• Monitors operations and activities of the water treatment work unit assigned to water utilities; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on operations and activities; recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements policies and procedures.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for assigned projects; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.
• Monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders supplies and tools as necessary; prepares documents for equipment procurement; participates in informal bid processes for vendor selection.
• Coordinates with and oversees contractors in providing water production, treatment, and repair services.
• Participates in the administration of preventive maintenance, cross-connection inspection and backflow prevention control program, in-service training, and safety programs; develops safety programs that meet Federal and State standards; ensures compliance with safety procedures.
• Performs operations, maintenance, and repair duties in the area of work assigned, including water distribution pipes, water wells, Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, Programmable Logic Control (PLC), and related appurtenances.
• Monitors water production, pressure, and treatment using SCADA; uses SCADA to direct water wells; analyzes distribution and SCADA system problems.
• Monitors water system pressure, tank levels and ground water levels, chlorine residual, GAC Filter Systems, water production; evaluates disinfection procedures and makes necessary adjustments.
• Oversees the computerized SCADA telemetry system, troubleshoots difficult SCADA and pumping equipment problems; troubleshoot and resolve, repair computer control devices and other hardware at tank, treatment and well sites.
• Coordinate water quality monitoring program; schedules water sampling events, performs groundwater and distribution system sampling; compiles summary of test results; track test results to ensure regulatory compliance; analyzes test results tracking specific constituents; maintains data base of water quality monitoring and testing; maintain logs of daily activities and keeps accurate records.
• Tracks required analytical sampling of water systems and wells; prepares monthly, quarterly and annual water quality reports; prepares written correspondence and technical reports; responds to public inquiries regarding water issues; handle complaints and answer questions from the public.
• Performs sampling of water storage tanks; prepares reports and written correspondence.
• Inspects, installs, repairs, maintains, calibrates, tests, and troubleshoots a wide variety of electronic recording, indicating, measuring, controlling, and test instruments including water lines, valves, meters, pressure regulators, gauges, chemical feed pumps and tanks, groundwater treatment equipment, production equipment, storage tanks and other water system infrastructures.
• Performs preventative maintenance inspections and tests equipment, including metering and recording instruments, control apparatus, data logging and display equipment, communications and telemetry systems, SCADA, and PLC software and hardware, according to an established schedule; maintains documentation of changes; inspects facilities and equipment to determine the need for major maintenance or repair.
• Operates and maintains chlorination equipment including leak detection, adjusting feed rates, test water for chlorine residual and coordinate chlorine deliveries; monitors and adjusts water production and treatment equipment.
• Maintains chlorine residual at wells including scheduling of chlorine deliveries and maintenance.
• Operates and maintains wells, storage tanks, and treatment facilities; cleans and monitors pump stations; monitors, maintains, and repairs chlorination and related equipment.
• Operates and services equipment used in the repair, installation and maintenance of water system infrastructures including, but not limited to, compressors, jack hammers, tractors, trucks, and any other assigned light and heavy equipment; makes minor adjustments on service equipment; maintain tools and equipment in working order.
• Performs Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment, testing, and sampling.
• Tracks, schedules, and prepares for the carbon change outs at the GAC facilities.
• Performs field duties related to the water system; takes water samples and inspects new construction; inspects residential and commercial service issues.
• Identifies service and main leaks; operates pipe locators.
• Performs emergency repairs to water lines as necessary; establishes proper traffic control devices; performs minor concrete work.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Maintains logs and records of work performed; prepares periodic reports.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates complaints; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergency situations as required.
• Performs other related work as required.

Qualifications / Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Materials, methods, practices, equipment and tools used in the installation and maintenance of valves, hydrants, water lines, meters, regulators, pumps, water wells and groundwater treatment equipment, distribution systems and water services.
• Local, state and federal statues, codes, rules and regulations governing water systems, groundwater treatment and quality (e.g., Safe Drinking Water Act).
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles, practices, and methods of the maintenance and repair work related to water distribution systems.
• Equipment, tools, and materials used in maintenance activities and services related to water distribution systems.
• Water purification and testing procedures.
• Pumps, valves and backflow devices.
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines relevant to assigned duties.
• Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to work.
• Basic arithmetic related to water treatment and distribution systems, mechanical, and electronic components.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Principles, procedures, methods, equipment, materials, and tools used in the electrical and mechanical repair of minor and major equipment systems, including pumps, motors, generators, and pressure regulatory devices.
• Principles, practices, and methods related to the maintenance and repair of various data acquisition and control instrumentation.
• Water purification and testing procedures.
• Use, testing, and operation of backflow prevention devices.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles and power equipment.
• Basic principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Supervise, train, plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Organize, implement, and direct water distribution maintenance and repair operations and activities.
• Analyze, interpret, apply, and enforce Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and successfully communicate both orally and in writing, pertinent department policies and procedures.
• Identify problems, research, and analyze relevant information, develop and present recommendations, and justification for solution.
• Develop cost estimates for supplies and equipment.
• Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain the full range of equipment and tools required for the work.
• Performing the most complex maintenance duties and operating related equipment.
• Work with heavy equipment requiring good motor coordination and physical strength.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Maintain accurate records and files of work performed.
• Use computer technology and applications in the performance of daily activities.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping and project management systems.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Inspect, operate, diagnose problems, and perform preventive maintenance and repair work on electronic meters, electrical and mechanical equipment, systems, and facilities, and recording instruments and SCADA systems; take appropriate action when failures occur.
• Perform a variety of minor fabricating and welding duties related to water system construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Inspect the work of others and maintain established quality control standards.
• Read and interpret water quality reports, maps, as-built plans and blueprints, manuals, diagrams, and technical regulations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Perform routine groundwater treatment procedures.
• Read and understand schematic diagrams.
• Perform simple arithmetic and mathematical computations.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12 th ) grade supplemented by specialized training in water treatment, personnel supervision, and four (4) years responsible experience in water distribution system operation including testing, sampling, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, and construction, and one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.
• Possession of and continued maintenance of a Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
• Possession of and continued maintenance of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of the date of entry into the position, a T3 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of the date of entry into the position, a D4 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services (DHS).

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work in the field and water distribution facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and may be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, inclement weather conditions, loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - $20,000 coverage.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored employee health care clinic - Services include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 5/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Tulare

• 559-684-4204

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