Wastewater Operations Manager

Salary Range

8,683.00 - 13,024.00

Job Summary

As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, excellent leadership and effectively working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment.

If who we are speaks to you, and if you’re the type of person who is interested in joining a team responsible for building and maintaining essential services and structures that support our daily life then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

We’re currently recruiting for a Wastewater Operations Manager. The primary responsibilities for the job are to supervise, plan and coordinate the activities and operations involved in the installation, construction, and maintenance of the City’s wastewater collections system within the Public Works Department. Coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Operations Division Manager.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt position.

Open until filled. First review date - January 30, 2026.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Direct, manage, and supervise staff within the wastewater sections of the Operations Division of Public Works.  Conduct performance evaluations, coordinate training, work with employees to correct deficiencies, and implement hiring, discipline, and termination procedures.  Recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels. Ensure the safe operation and utilization of equipment/materials.
• Develop, recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; research current practices, analyze data, and present recommendations to increase production and reduce costs; organize staff, work programs, equipment and funding to achieve the goals of the organization and implement the work groups’ business plans.
• Prepare and manage budgets; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, facilities, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures and implement adjustments as necessary.
• Ensure water quality and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements. 
• Provide a high level of analysis and budget preparation, support special projects assigned by the division manager and prepare and present staff reports to City Council.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation and maintenance sewer collection system activities including two (2) years of supervisory/management experience. Relevant experience in a public sector, unionized environment is desired.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering, public or business administration, construction technology, or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in electronic database and record-keeping systems; experience preferred with Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license

Knowledge

• Principles of management in a unionized environment;
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluations;
• Operations, services and activities of a public works maintenance program.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of public works maintenance and construction work;
• Procedures, methods and techniques of construction, maintenance and repair of streets, signs, striping, and pavements;
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions;
• Principles and practices of program development and management of the operation and maintenance of water production and distribution systems;
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws and ordinances, laws and regulations
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to wastewater collections
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting;
• Principles of municipal budget preparation and administration;
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Manage, direct, and oversee the work of technical  and maintenance staff;
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff;
• Interpret and explain department policies and procedures;
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient field and fleet maintenance services;
• Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques;
• Select and maintain machinery and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and alteration of facilities;
• Perform responsible and difficult work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative;
• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures;
• Prepare and administer program budgets;
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Work effectively across organizational boundaries;
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Vision and Values
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
• Responsible for ensuring a safe workplace in compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations. Ensures supervised employee review of the City Core Accident Prevention Plan, relevant safety policies and procedures, and training on illness and injury response and specific job-related safety concerns. Reports and appropriately escalates all safety issues and all injuries.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date

Open Until Filled