WASTEWATER OPERATIONS MANAGER

Job Description:

WASTEWATER OPERATIONS MANAGER

Description

Description

REGULAR FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
This position will receive a 3.5% salary increase effective on July 5, 2026

The final filing date is Monday, June 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM

The City of Sunnyvale is actively seeking a highly enthusiastic, innovative, and creative individual to join the Environmental Services Department as the Wastewater Operations Manager. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sanitary/storm collection systems operations and maintenance, and strong skills in planning, prioritizing, and directing field operations to meet service levels and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate must exhibit excellent problem-solving and supervisory skills; a strong ability to communicate effectively and proactively both orally and in writing; and the capability to establish and maintain effective work relationships.

The City of Sunnyvale offers:

• City paid 2% contribution to a deferred compensation plan.
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute.
• Comprehensive City paid family medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Excellent Retiree Medical Benefits.

The Wastewater Operations Manager is assigned to the Sewer and Storm Section (Section) within the Water and Sewer Division (Division) of the Environmental Services Department (ESD). Under general direction of the Deputy Director of Water and Sewer, the Wastewater Operations Manager oversees personnel of the Section and is responsible for the planning, execution, and performance of operations and maintenance (O&M) programs for both sanitary sewer and storm drain systems.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management level classification responsible for leading and managing sanitary sewer and storm drain operations and maintenance programs within the Division. The incumbent plans, prioritizes, and directs program activities; supervises staff; manages budgets and contracts; and is accountable for program performance, regulatory compliance, and system reliability.

This position is distinguished from the next higher level management position, Deputy Director of Water and Sewer, who provides strategic oversight and sets division-wide priorities. The Wastewater Operations Manager translates these priorities into actionable work programs and ensures effective execution.

This classification is distinguished from the next lower class of Wastewater Collections Supervisor in that it has broader responsibility for program management, resource allocation, budget development and administration, regulatory compliance, and overall system performance.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following) :

• Oversees the operation of the Sewer and Storm Section. Leads and is accountable for Section performance, including system reliability, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Monitors and implements local, State and Federal regulatory requirements for assigned programs/activities.
• Serves as the Legally Responsible Official (LRO) for the sanitary sewer system.
• Prepares, manages, and monitors the annual operating budget for the assigned programs.
• Coordinates with Engineering staff to identify and prioritize capital improvement projects for the sanitary and storm systems.
• Assesses the condition of program infrastructure and makes recommendations for improvements or changes.
• Supervises, trains, and develops employees engaged in day-to-day operations.
• Recommends hiring, promotion, discipline and termination actions; evaluates employee performance and provides for employee development.
• Identifies, reviews, develops, and coordinates the safety program for the Section.
• Represents the City in meetings with suppliers, regulatory agencies, regional partners, and professional organizations.
• Responds to public inquiries and service issues.
• Identifies and coordinates the procurement of necessary supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Prepares Requests for Proposals and bid specifications.
• Negotiates and administers contracts with consultants, contractors, and suppliers for a variety of studies and projects.
• Prepares a variety of memoranda, letters, technical reports, presentations, and other written documents, including reports to the City Council.
• Makes oral presentations to the public, the City Council, City staff, business and professional organizations, and other groups.
• Supports cross-functional initiatives in the City, including technology implementation, such as GIS and CMMS, and process improvements.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates activities with other City staff within the Sewer and Storm Section, as well as with other sections, divisions, and/or departments within the City.
• Conducts field inspections to ensure quality of work, system condition, and adherence to standards.
• Attends meetings and conferences of various professional organizations.
• May be required to work extended or irregular hours during emergencies or critical operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:
When working in an office environment , must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

When working in the field , must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend; to climb and
descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to a weight of 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or the public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

An Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, environmental sciences, or a related field; AND

Six years of experience in sanitary and storm collection systems including three years of supervisory level experience.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and performance standards for sanitary sewer collection and storm drain operations and maintenance programs.
• Methods, materials, equipment, and technologies used in assigned programs.
• Applicable local, State, Federal regulations governing wastewater and stormwater systems, including spill reporting and stormwater permit requirements.
• Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, and data-driven approaches to managing O&M programs.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation, administration, and cost control.
• Contract administration and vendor performance management.
• Occupational safety principles and practices applicable to field operations.
• Principles and practices of supervision, including staff development, performance management, and team leadership.

Skill in:

• Planning, prioritizing, and directing field operations to meet service levels, regulatory requirements, and operational goals.
• Supervising, coaching, and developing staff; setting clear expectations and holding teams accountable for performance and safety.
• Managing multiple priorities and resources in a dynamic environment, including routine operations and emergency response.
• Using CMMS, GIS, and other systems effectively to plan work, track performance, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Analyzing operational issues, identifying root causes, and implementing effective, practical solutions.
• Interpreting technical information (e.g., inspection data, system conditions) to make informed maintenance and repair decisions.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with department staff, other departments, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, management, regulators, and the public.
• Managing records, documentation, and reporting to support compliance and operational needs.
• Administering contracts and coordinating with vendors to ensure quality, timeliness, and alignment with program objectives.
• Responding to and resolving sensitive or complex public inquiries and service issues with professionalism and sound judgement.

Ability to:

• Work in and around facilities, equipment, and materials associated with assigned programs.
• Travel to sites throughout the service area to inspect infrastructure and operations.
• Work extended hours as needed, including beyond the standard 8-hour workday or 5-day workweek.
• Respond to emergencies at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Follow established procedures and operational protocols.
• Ensure staff understand and consistently apply the City’s customer service standards in all interactions.

License/Certificates:

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Possession of a Collection System Maintenance Grade III certification issued by the California Water Environment Association, to be maintained throughout employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a Collection System Maintenance Grade IV certification issued by the California Water Environment Association.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Application and Selection Process

The final filing date is Monday, June 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM . If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026 ( Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for July 27 and July 28, 2026. Selection interviews will take place in-person, please plan accordingly.

Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a comprehensive background investigation, as well as medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Summary of Management SMA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or [email protected].

Summary of Management SMA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 6/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$138,164.00 - $172,704.00 Annually