Water Superintendent at Oberlin, City of (OH) – Oberlin, Ohio

Directs all operations, maintenance and management of the water treatment plant, the water distribution system and all related personnel.

Supervise, plan and coordinate the activities of the water distribution and treatment plant staff within the Water Division; coordinate division activities with other Public Works divisions and City departments, outside agencies and the general public; and provide highly complex technical and staff assistance to the Public Works Director.

The Water Superintendent shall function with a high degree of independence and utilize sound professional judgment, demonstrate planning and organizational skills, and establish priorities, programs and acceptable performance levels for his/her functional area. The Water Superintendent shall be committed to the mission, vision and values of the City and demonstrate such through ethical conduct, community stewardship, individual initiative and responsive service. The Water Superintendent shall demonstrate leadership, management and technical skills through effective communication and collaboration, proper use of team resources, progressive decision-making, personal accountability and responsibility. Supervisors will be evaluated on the consistency, quality and timeliness of the performance reviews for which they are responsible.

This is a transitional position as part of the City's succession plan. This position will work with the current Water Superintendent.

• Plan, organize, direct, and control operation and maintenance activities related to raw water supply, water treatment, distribution, metering, and backflow prevention
• Develop and standardize maintenance and operating procedures and methods
• Keep Division records and formulate reports for submittal to local, state and federal regulatory agencies
• Review architectural and engineering plans for improvements to the Water Treatment Plant, the Water Distribution System, and the Water Distribution facilities
• Coordinate and/or assist in the coordination of the construction of improvements to the Water Treatment Plant, the Water Distribution System, and the Water Distribution facilities
• Oversee maintenance of Water Division grounds, facilities and equipment
• Respond to inquiries and requests from the public, developers, contractors, the City Administration and other agencies; investigate complaints as assigned.
• Purchasing, inventory and budgeting
• Help prepare and deliver presentations to City Council, the Public Utilities Commission, press releases, etc.
• Attend seminars and workshops related to field to obtain information on new laws and current trends in public water supply
• Emergency response
• Perform other related duties as assigned

• Directs Assistant Water Superintendent and provides direct supervision to full-time and seasonal Water Division staff including but not limited to preparing work schedules, making and overseeing job assignments, conducting staff performance evaluations, preparing time sheets, development and implementation of safety and training programs, etc.
• Participate in hiring processes, promotion, discipline, grievances, and other related personnel actions
• Maintain records

Unusual or Special Working Conditions

• Responds to call-outs in times of emergency.
• Dependability in this position is vital
• Working hours vary. Generally, working hours are normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Special events and operational needs will require flexible scheduling to work before or after the normal working hours and on weekends.
• Must be able to work in an outdoor environment, in various weather conditions including severe weather and in possible hazardous traffic conditions.

High school diploma or equivalent. Five (5) years related experience, at least two (2) of which have been in a supervisory position within a water system or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the skills and abilities necessary to perform the job. OEPA Class III Water Operators Certification required. Water Treatment Plant Laboratory experience preferred. Good written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to work independently with little supervision. The position requires a valid state of Ohio driver’s license.

• Knowledge of basic management techniques
• Ability to supervise personnel and build an effective team
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, employees, City officials and the public
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues with discretion and sound judgment
• Ability to investigate, analyze and effectively resolve problems and conflicts
• Ability to work positively in a union environment
• Ability to develop departmental goals and objectives into workable plans
• Ability to multi-task and perform with evolving priorities
• Ability to research, collate and present information effectively, in both verbal and written forms
• Knowledge of basic safety principles and practices
• Knowledge of local government practices and procedures including public sector procurement
• Ability to use a computer with general knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn and use various specialized software programs
• Ability to operate manual and power tools