Job Description

Posting number: FY 27-00166

Department: Utilities

Division: Utilities - Waste Water Treatment Plant

Job classification: Water Resources Manager

Posting type: Open

Categories: Water Agency, Wastewater, Utilities

Summary

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

To be considered in the first application review, submit your application by Monday, October 19, 2026.

The City is undertaking a significant modernization of its existing Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet the requirements of the General Permit, creating a unique opportunity for an accomplished Wastewater Manager to provide leadership at a pivotal time for the City’s wastewater infrastructure.

This position will serve as a key leader in the planning and implementation of this major infrastructure initiative while providing executive-level oversight of the City’s active Wastewater Treatment Plant and its sanitary and storm sewer collection systems. The Wastewater Manager will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, long-term system reliability, and effective stewardship of critical public infrastructure.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of the City’s wastewater operations while leading a complex, high-profile project with lasting benefits for the community.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Wastewater Manager is an operational leadership position that reports directly to the Deputy Director of Utilities - Water Resources. The position will plan, organize, and direct the day-to-day operations and maintenance activities of the City of Santa Maria's wastewater system, including wastewater treatment, sewer collections, and related infrastructure, to ensure an effective collection and treatment system for the community. The Wastewater Manager will lead a team of 15, including supervisors, lead operators, operators, and maintenance workers, and will work closely and collaborate with other internal teams including Regulatory Compliance, Engineering/Technology, and Administration.

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a Council/Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 110,000 residents. The City is located on California’s central coast and covers over 23 square miles, which balances urban and agricultural lands.

The Utilities Department is responsible for providing water, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, refuse collection, and disposal services to Santa Maria. The Mission Statement of the Utilities Department is to provide efficient utility services through the use of progressive innovation, excellent customer service, and the wise use of public resources for the long-term benefit of the community. To learn more about the City's wastewater system click here.

SUMMARY/IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, plans, organizes, and directs the operation and maintenance of the City’s Water or Wastewater systems, based on area of assignment. The water system includes operations and maintenance of the distribution system, groundwater production wells, and the blending-disinfection facility. The wastewater system includes operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and the sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems. This position supervises other department professional and technical staff and consultants.

The Water Resources Manager is a Middle Manager role that provides the essential tools, support, and guidance to staff to ensure high-quality utility service delivery. Their role ensures that the residents and businesses in Santa Maria receive dependable and safe resources.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate for this leadership position is an experienced wastewater professional who possesses a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields. They have advanced knowledge and experience related to the safe and effective operation of wastewater and sewer collection systems, as well as applicable State regulations and regulatory compliance. They have experience managing diverse staff, leading large teams, and effectively communicating with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will also have experience in identifying and implementing complex capital projects and solutions related to wastewater treatment, sewer collections, infrastructure, technology, regulatory compliance, and operations and maintenance.

REQUIRED ONLINE SUBMITTALS

1. Up-to-date application
2. A cover letter that explains how your education and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement.
3. A copy of relevant certifications (Refer to the Minimum Qualifications section below)

Full Job Description: Water Resource Manager

Examples of duties

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.

This position:

• Plans, organizes, and directs the operations and maintenance activities of wastewater in the Water Resources Division of the Utilities Department, in conformance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Recommends and implements operational plans and procedures for improving division effectiveness and efficiency.
• Develops and implements long-range capital programs.
• Solicits, coordinates, and reviews work of consulting firms engaged in operational studies and capital project design.
• Assists in development of specifications for fleet purchases and equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
• Develops and administers budgets.
• Prepares and/or reviews technical reports, designs, and calculations to ensure compliance with engineering and regulatory standards, and responds to regulatory and funding agencies.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates subordinate staff.
• Conducts presentations before City Council, boards, commissions, and community groups as directed by the department director.
• Receives customer complaints and takes appropriate action.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Middle Manager:

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor and Front-line Supervisor core competencies identified by the organization, as well as the following core competencies identified as essential for Middle Manager (click the hyper link to see the full definition):

• Talent Development - Effective performers keep a continual eye on the talent pool to monitor skills and needs of team members. They expand staff skills through training, coaching, and development. They evaluate and articulate present performance and future potential.
• Organizing & Planning - Effective performers have strong organizing and planning skills that allow them to be highly productive and efficient, manage time wisely, and effectively prioritize multiple competing tasks.
• Organization Knowledge - Effective performers understand the workings of a municipal organization, formal and informal policies and structures, and know "how the place works."
• Relationship Building - Effective performers understand that a primary factor in success is establishing and maintaining productive relationships. They interact with people and are good at it. They devote appropriate time and energy to establishing and maintaining networks.
• Results Orientation - Effective performers maintain appropriate focus on outcomes and accomplishments, are motivated by achievement, and persist until the goal is reached.
• Industry Knowledge - Effective performers understand the general workings of local government within which the organization functions, and maintain a current knowledge base.
• Written Communication - Effective performers write clearly and concisely, composing informative and convincing documents. They use written language to convey substance and intent with simplicity, accuracy and clarity.
• Financial Acumen - Effective performers understand the financial framework of the organization. They are cost conscious and fiscally responsible, and use financial data to make informed business decisions.
• Change Agility - Effective performers are adaptable, are effective in the face of ambiguity, and support an orientation for change.
• Technology Savvy - Effective performers use technology to be successful in their organizational role. They value technology and leverage existing and new technology to achieve efficiency.

Qualifications

• Ideally, five (5) years of progressively responsible operations experience, including two (2) years of leadership experience in water resources management, wastewater treatment facilities, operations, and maintenance activities, sanitary and storm sewer systems operations and maintenance activities, wastewater infrastructure, and regulatory compliance; or
• Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental studies, biology, business administration, public administration, engineering, or a related field; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
• Modern physical, chemical, and bacteriological processes involved in water treatment and distribution.
• Local, State, and Federal guidelines regulating the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant, sewer collections, and related infrastructure.
• Reporting requirements to local, State, and Federal regulatory agencies.
• Utilities design and construction practices.
• Record keeping requirements.
• Emergency response and crisis management.
• Budgeting; effective management, supervision, evaluation, and training.
• Safety precautions and procedures.
• Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
• Use computers and other office equipment effectively.
• Desired licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment, such as:
• Certificate of registration as a licensed Civil or Mechanical Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration of Civil and Professional Engineers.
• State of California Wastewater Treatment or Collections System Maintenance Certificate.

Supplemental information

• Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
• The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The complete online application packet consists of the application, cover letter, and relevant certifications. Those who meet the minimum qualifications of this recruitment will be certified to the Eligibility List. The Hiring Department will select and interview individuals from the Eligibility List. Please note that only those who best meet the needs of the Hiring Department will be invited to an interview.

If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.