Assistant General Manager at Encina Wastewater Authority (CA) – Carlsbad, California

• Promotes Encina’s Mission and Vision and Values; develops and implements programs, policies and activities to foster a values-driven culture, leadership and effective communication throughout the organization
• Assists the General Manager in carrying out the directives of the Board of Directors; maintains knowledge of and familiarity with Encina’s activities and the General Manager’s current functions and workload in order to act in their temporary absence.
• Exercises executive leadership in assisting the General Manager and the Executive Team in formulating business, financial, infrastructure, operational and resource planning and strategies in establishing long-term direction to ensure safe, reliable and economic operations and compliance with a framework of complex system operations, system security and environmental laws, regulations, standards and other requirements; applies organizational analysis, process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Assists the General Manager in all administrative activities within the Office of the General Manager.
• Ensures employees that are direct reports are demonstrating leadership to their staff and that they are effectively training their managers and supervisors in appropriate leadership techniques.
• Oversees Encina’s insurance and loss prevention program; coordinates with Encina’s insurer on claims; supports legal counsel and the insurer on claims response, litigation and high-risk threats.
• Directs and oversees the selection, training, motivation, and evaluation of management and staff; establishes and monitors performance standards and performance development targets; leads succes­sion management planning, staff development activities and ensures implementation of employee safety training and program; implements personnel policies and procedures in accordance with Encina’s Human Resources Policy Manual.
• Provides leadership and direction on employee-related matters; manages classification and compensation studies, facilitates employee groups, administers the Employee Recognition Program; may serve as Hearing Officer in grievances and pre- and post-disciplinary hearings.
• Assists the General Manager in planning and executing Encina’s fiscal management including financing, budget, accounting, treasury management, and purchasing and warehouse functions; coordinates daily inter-departmental activities to communicate and support the timely execution of Encina’s business and budgetary plans; oversees economic forecasting, revenue and expenditure tracking, year-end closings, budget preparation and the annual audit.
• Coordinates with department heads to identify, define and address issues and problems; establishes criteria, evaluates alternatives, and makes recommendations to the General Manager on resolution; facilitates interdepartmental efforts on projects, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Analyzes existing standard operating procedures/policies and proposes recommendations for adjusting and implementing new procedures to promote efficient, effective, and consistent service; develops and implements new policies.
• Interprets policies and provides staff with direction on policy, procedural and permit revisions.
• Plans, directs and implements Authority-wide, interdepartmental projects, implementation of policy and major changes in operations, service levels, delivery systems and opera­tional effectiveness.
• Directs complex policy, fiscal and administrative studies; analyzes data, prepares detailed reports, proposes solutions, and makes presentations to the Board and other groups on a variety of subjects.
• Assists the General Manager with strategic planning and policy development and ensures timely dissemin­ation to staff.
• Reviews Encina’s contracts for conformance with applicable policy and legal standards and negotiates and administers consulting and service contracts.
• Provides general oversight and direction in operation, maintenance, and upgrading of Encina’s financial management and asset management systems.
• Assists the General Manager in maintaining Encina’s permanent records, Board Polices and Admin­istrative Procedures.
• Prepares and reviews materials and presents to management, Governing Board and Member Agencies.
• Monitors state and federal legislation and proposed regulations; takes and/or recommends positions supporting Encina’s interests for action by the General Manager and Board; represents Encina in advocacy activities through trade associations and with state and federal elected officials and other agency leaders.
• Represents Encina in interactions with Member Agencies, elected officials, commissions, committees, civic and community groups, regulatory officials, industry professionals, customers and the public; maintains an active role in regional, state and national industry and professional associations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, engineering, environmental science, public administration, business administration or related discipline.
• A master’s degree is highly desired.

EXPERIENCE:

• Ten years of progressively responsible senior executive-level management experience in the opera­tion and maintenance of a public utility or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in an active status.

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and the ability to maintain insurability under Encina’s vehicle insurance program.

• KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, including long-range goal setting and strategic planning, program development, implementation and evaluation, project management, procurement and public records management.
  • The politics, protocols, limitations of authority, and ethics of California Joint Powers Authorities, special districts, and municipalities.
  • Principles, practices, methods and techniques of wastewater utility operations, infrastructure devel­op­ment and management, with specific emphasis on the subject-matter expertise applicable to specific business unit assignments.
  • Principles and practices of human resources including Encina’s Human Resources policies and related procedures.
  • Federal and state laws, rules, and regulations regarding personnel administration, including labor relations, fair employment, hiring process, termination, workers’ compensation, benefit admin­istration and Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Laws and regulations pertaining to liability, property, vehicular, boiler and machinery, and workers’ compensation insurance.
  • The federal, state and local environmental and regulatory framework and compliance requirements and challenges faced by Encina, Member Agencies and the industry.
  • Theory, principles, practices and techniques of public utility financial management, capital financing and budget development and implementation.
  • Practices, theories, methods, and techniques of public policy development and public affairs.
  • Principles, techniques and practices of mediation and conflict resolution.
  • Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentation.
  • Principles and practices of effective management and supervision with an organization-wide perspective.
  • Principles and practices of organization and culture change.
  • Principles and practices of sound business communications.
• ABILITY TO:
  • Plan and direct the activities of assigned areas of a wastewater utility.
  • Establish and maintain effective communications with a wide spectrum of political bodies including regulatory staff, boards, public forums, and professional and technical staff; demonstrate political acumen.
  • Exercise judgment and make rational and effective decisions.
  • Analyze complex wastewater business, financial, operational, capital improvement, technology and regulatory compliance requirements and needs and formulate conceptual frameworks, strategies and work plans to achieve integrated, efficient and cost-effective solutions.
  • Understand the needs and interests of multiple stakeholders and balance fulfillment of those needs with considerations of broad organizational, business, legal and economic issues and requirements.
  • Represent the District effectively to outside organizations and individuals and identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
  • Delegate authority and responsibility and ensure accountability.
  • Prepare and administer budgets.
  • Prepare and present clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials.
  • Apply objective and fair assessments in disciplinary matters.
  • Select, motivate and evaluate managers and staff and provide for their training and professional development.
  • Develop and implement appropriate procedures and internal controls.
  • Operate a computer, standard business software and applications, Enterprise Resource System (ERP), SCADA and other specialized software, systems and tools.