Water Distribution Supervisor

Job Description

Job Summary

DEFINITION

Plans, organizes, coordinates, and provides supervision and oversight for crews engaged in installing, replacing, repairing, and maintaining water distribution systems, including water mains, main valves, pipes, fittings, meters, fire hydrants, and related water system components; provides administrative support and assistance to management in areas of expertise.

SUPERVISION

Receives general supervision from assigned management personnel. Exercises general supervision over assigned staff.

Representative Duties

Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff responsible for installing, replacing, repairing, and maintaining the City’s water distribution system, including water mains, main valves, pipes, fittings, meters, fire hydrants, and related water system components; trains staff in work procedures; participates in hiring interviews, makes recommendations for disciplinary actions when necessary, and conducts performance evaluations.

Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.

Monitors activities of the assigned unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes and reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.

Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for assigned operations, projects, and programs; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates; maintains a variety of records and prepares reports of work performed.

Plans and lays out construction, maintenance, and repair projects; monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders supplies and tools as necessary; prepares documents for equipment procurement; participates in the bid process for assigned projects.

Supervises the use and operation of tools, light to heavy equipment, and vehicles; ensures that tools, equipment, and vehicles are safely operated, maintained, and secured when not in use; schedules service, repair, and replacement of tools and equipment.

Inspects work in progress and completed work of assigned employees and contractors for accuracy, proper work methods and techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.

Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other divisions and outside agencies.

Participates in the inspection process for new construction as related to water supply for various projects, including remodels, renovations, and other projects where plumbing has been altered or replaced.

Participates in determining water service locations in coordination with City staff, private developers, architects, engineers, and residents; coordinates and notifies affected parties of water shutdowns and construction/maintenance schedules.

Reads and interprets water system maps to determine location of different pressure zones and related valves and pressure regulators; reads and interprets blueprints, standards, specifications, construction drawings, and related technical documentation for water main and service installations; prepares drawings of completed projects.

Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.

Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.

Maintains files, databases, and records related to water distribution system construction, maintenance, and repair activities; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.

Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.

Ensures staff compliance with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Performs other duties as assigned.

When assigned to Meters:

Maintains a meter replacement program; directs the installation and replacement of meters.

Administers the City’s cross-connection control program; oversees the enforcement of relevant utility and plumbing codes and investigations of violations; ensures distribution of safe and potable water supply to domestic water users.

Oversees the delinquent account program along with the Utilities Billing Supervisor including posting notices and eliminating water service for delinquent accounts; makes decisions regarding billing disputes and customer complaints related to billing.

When assigned to Construction:

Marks service locations; prepares underground service alert (USA) notification forms as required by law.

Prepares reports of damage to private and public property; prepares injury and accident reports and investigates to determine cause and prevention.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of employee supervision, mentorship and leadership, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly
Principles, practices, and techniques required for installing, maintaining, and repairing facilities and components found in water distribution systems
Plumbing and piping principles
Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance requirements of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment required for the work
Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work
Principles and procedures of record-keeping and preparation of reports and correspondence
Applicable federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility
Principles and procedures of record keeping
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
Principles of developing and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment
Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:

Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards
Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities
Supervise the staff responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing facilities and components found in water distribution systems
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques
Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations
Read, understand, and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications
Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials
Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed
Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
Provide effective customer service
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

Experience:

Six years of recent, paid experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system, including three years of supervisory or lead experience.

One year of supervisory or lead experience and successful completion of the City of Santa Monica’s Pre-Supervisory Academy may substitute for two years of lead and coordinating experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of a valid Grade V (D5) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of a valid Cross-Connection Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to be obtained within one year of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is regularly performed outdoors. Occasional exposure to moderate noise associated with heavy equipment use such as backhoes, compressors, and pneumatic tools. Occasionally works in muddy and wet conditions involving water main and service breaks or leaks. Work requires availability for assisting in after-hours emergencies during evenings and weekends.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

You MUST attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Please upload all documents to your application, or email to Clare Caldera at clare.caldera@santamonica.gov . Failure to do so will result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applications will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

• Evaluation of Qualifications
• Oral Interview

Inclusion & Diversity Statement:

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 8/28/2026 5:00 PM Pacific