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JOB DESCRIPTION
Water Administrator
Date Prepared:
Date Revised:
May 2017
July 2025
May 2026
Class Code: 7905
SUMMARY: Under general supervision, oversees the Water Administrative staff and functions of the Public Utilities Department. Performs analytical duties and responsibilities in various administrative staff functions including budget/financial analysis, program/organizational analysis, project management, legislative analysis and development, regulatory compliance analysis, personnel administration, asset management, and contract administration. Provides leadership to and direction over water system activities and designated staff. Performs related work as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Oversees Water administrative staff; plans, prioritizes, assigns tasks and projects, oversees regulatory and reporting requirements; monitors work, develops skills, and evaluates performance; meets with team to discuss and resolve workload, special projects, quality standards, customer services, and technical issues; reviews work, identifies corrective actions, and ensures customer needs are met.
• Prepares the Division’s annual operating and Capital Improvement Program budgets, monitors and administrates the budget; monitors and administrates Water Rate Study; performs cost/benefit analysis for capital projects; analyzes and researches grant opportunities and programs; performs cost of service analysis, evaluates vendor services and qualifications, oversees the development of plan specifications and proposals, evaluates construction and professional service contracts and agreements; conducts revenue and expenditure forecasting and research; assists in development of water rates.
• Analyzes and evaluates the goals and objectives, programs, organizational structure, operations and control systems of the Division. Performs thorough analysis and coordination of the Water Strategic Plan, Urban Water Management Plan, Regional Integrated Resources Water Management Plan, and other related Division wide projects and programs. • Plans and directs activities of diversified city projects; evaluates progress and resolves project related issues; provides expertise related to projects; manages the work of project staff including vendors, subcontractors and Division personnel.
• Evaluates, interprets, and performs research on existing and pending regulatory compliances issues associated with all applicable federal, state, and local agencies having legislative jurisdiction over water related matters and issues. Acts as the administrative liaison to the Federal and State Environmental Protection Agencies, State Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Quality Control Board, State Air Resources Board, State Department of Public Health, and the NEPA/CEQA environmental process, and others as applicable.
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• Evaluates the effect of existing and proposed legislation on Division programs and operations; develops responses and legislative proposals; works as a liaison with Local, State, and federal officials. Analyzes and evaluates Local Agency proposals, policies, rules and regulations, codes, projects and programs. Acts as the administrative liaison to the Water Replenishment District and Central Basin Municipal Water District.
• Attends, reports, interprets, analyzes, and participates in local water associations and groups such as the Gateway Water Management Authority, Southeast Water Coalition, Central Basin Water Association, American Water Works Association, and others as necessary. • Develops, facilitates and administers employee development programs by summarizing findings and providing recommendations to management staff.
• Researches contract services and supply needs; develops and negotiates contract terms; monitors contract compliance and mediates user/provider complaints. Develops and implements division training plan and standard operating procedures. • Assists in the development of goals, objectives, policies and procedures; investigates, interprets, analyzes and prepares recommendations in relation to proposals for new programs, grants and/or services; analyzes, interprets and explains City policies and procedures; confers with members of the public to explain procedures and policies; investigates and prepares reports on specific requests and complaints pertaining to Division activities; supervises subordinate staff in the execution of the position’s duties and responsibilities. • Conducts research and analyzes statistical and other data; makes recommendations on administrative and operational issues, policies and procedures. • Represents the City in the community and at interdepartmental, interagency and professional meetings.
• Assists with utility management and administration, while also providing essential support for cross-functional operations within the enterprise.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, public administration, finance, economics or related field; AND six years of public or private sector water related analytical or administrative experience, including three years of experience in a utility related supervisory role or capacity.
Knowledge of:
• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures. • Water distribution, treatment, storage, pumping, production and delivery facilities. • Water engineering, resource analysis, construction, operations and maintenance methods. • Principles and practices of public administration and project management. • Principles and practices of procurement, contract administration and systems management. • Analytical and qualitative research techniques.
• Principles and practices, strategic planning, budgeting and finance. • Methods of oral and written report presentation.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to water industry regulatory compliance.
• Workforce planning, development, training and safe work procedures. • Principles, practices and methods of effective supervision.
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Skill in:
• Analyzing and evaluating complex and technical issues • Evaluating alternatives and making astute recommendations. • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Thoroughly and accurately interpreting laws, regulations and policies that impact the utility. • Preparing, constructing and developing complete and insightful reports. • Analyzing administrative issues and making sound policy and procedural recommendations. • Delivering reports and presentations to an audience.
• Managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment. • Operating a personal computer and various software applications. • Prioritizing goals, projects and work tasks and recommending actions. • Supervising the work of subordinate staff.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License is required.
Additional training/certification may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment. On occasion may conduct work in an outdoor environment and may be required to climb ladders. When work is performed outside, may be exposed to dangerous machinery and extreme weather conditions.
Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.
JOB SERIES
Engineering Aide
Assistant Civil Engineer – Public Utilities
Civil Engineer – Public Utilities
Water Administrator