Water Systems Operations Manager

Water Systems Operations Manager

Position:
Water Systems Operations Manager

Location:

Stanford, California

Department:
Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) – Water Resources and Civil Infrastructure Group

LBRE is the operational core of Stanford University’s physical campus, responsible for constructing, maintaining, and preserving the campus’s facilities. The Water Resources & Civil Infrastructure group manages Stanford’s water, sewer, and storm drainage systems, emphasizing sustainable water use and ecological stewardship.

First‑line supervisory position responsible for overseeing the water systems operation on Stanford University’s campus, planning and directing the activities of the water operations team, and ensuring regulatory compliance while supporting sustainability initiatives.

• Team Management
  • Lead, motivate and mentor team members; collaborate with the lead technician.
  • Manage recruiting, scheduling, timecard review, and staff development.
  • Conduct performance reviews and oversee contracted crew personnel.
• System Operations
  • Operate and maintain sanitary sewer, storm drain, water supply and distribution systems, including domestic/fire, recycled, and non‑potable ("Lake") water.
  • Ensure compliance with Stanford’s water rights and California State Water Resources Control Board regulations.
  • Execute operation & maintenance of thermal energy water systems (low temperature hot water and chilled water).
  • Operate and maintain reservoirs, pump stations, dams, diversion facilities, fish ladders, metering stations, pressure regulators, and SCADA systems.
• Preventive Maintenance & Inspections
  • Program and conduct preventive maintenance, exercising, sampling, and flushing operations.
  • Inspect system components, including manholes, cleanouts, inlets, lift stations, and stormwater treatment components.
  • Maintain inventory of replacement equipment and parts.
• Emergency Response
  • Respond to emergencies and system problems; coordinate shutdowns for new connections.
  • Oversee sewer cleaning equipment operation and training.
• Planning and Coordination
  • Facilitate new connections to water systems and troubleshoot SCADA problems.
  • Update design standards, system maps, and review plans for new connections and expansions.
• Budget and Resource Management
  • Prepare and manage annual budget for water operations team and system.
  • Approve purchases and manage inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Customer Service
  • Respond to customer inquiries and complaints regarding water quality, pressure, taste, odor, leaks, and blockages.
  • Coordinate with and notify customers of required operational service interruptions.

• Education:
  
  Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field preferred; or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum 10 years in water systems operations, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience with Collective Bargaining Agreement guidelines.
• Track record in leading water operations crews and managing service contracts.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets and programs.
• Hands‑on experience with underground piping systems construction.

• California DODW Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator (D3) – required.
• California DODW Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator (T3) – highly desirable.
• AWWA Cross Connection Control certification – required.
• AWWA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification – required.

• Strong technical expertise across all system components.
• Knowledge of CAL/OSHA environmental and safety regulations and ability to conduct compliance inspections.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, VPN, and SCADA systems.
• Ability to interpret planning specifications, working drawings, and technical reports.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, calm and professional demeanor.
• Collaborative communication with departments, agencies, contractors, and customers.
• Excellent customer service, especially during system problems or service…