Salary : $122,480.00 - $182,289.00 Annually
Location : 16451 El Sobrante Rd. Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-29
Department: Automation and Electrical Services
Opening Date: 11/05/2026
Closing Date: 12/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
THE IDEAL CANDIDATEWe are seeking a technically strong and people-centered leader to serve as
Operations Field Supervisor - Automation & Electrical Services. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled automation professional to lead day-to-day field operations and supervise staff responsible for the District's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, programmable logic controller (PLC) programming, radio telemetry, process automation control systems, and process information networks supporting water and wastewater facilities.
Under the direction of the Operations Field Manager - Automation & Electrical Services, this position plans, coordinates, assigns, and inspects highly skilled work across the District's automation and SCADA programs. The incumbent serves as the primary crew leader for the automation team and is accountable for both technical outcomes and personnel development, while helping ensure the reliability, security, and availability of critical control infrastructure. In this role, you will help lead a critical function that supports the technology and infrastructure behind reliable utility operations. You will join a team that values accountability, technical excellence, safety, collaboration, and high-quality service, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to both field operations and long-range system improvement.
This role is ideal for a leader who can balance deep technical expertise with strong communication, sound judgment, staff development, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Examples of DutiesWHAT YOU'LL DOThis position is responsible for supervising and participating in a wide range of field, technical, and administrative activities. Key responsibilities include:
Lead Automation Field Operations- Oversee day-to-day work involving SCADA systems, PLC programming, radio telemetry, process automation control systems, and process information networkssupporting District operations.
- Provide field oversight and technical assistance to assigned department functions.
- Inspect, operate, calibrate, and maintain equipment linked to assigned department functions.
- Monitor and utilize the District's SCADA system as required by department or call team roles.
Support Department Planning and Performance- Develop schedules and methods to ensure department work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
- Develop and maintain systems to track and report key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Assist with development of department operating and capital improvement budgets and monitor implementation of adopted budgets.
- Coordinate and purchase department supplies and equipment.
- Maintain accurate records for timesheets, workload planning, and related documentation in accordance with District policy and applicable laws.
- Utilize and maintain detailed records in the Computerized Work Management System (CWMS)and ensure work orders are developed and completed accurately.
- Assist with standard operating procedure (SOP) development and support short- and long-term planning, goals, and objectives.
Maintain and Improve Critical Automation Systems- Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on District SCADA and automation systems.
- Program, design, and configure SCADA server software, including historian configuration and cybersecurity practices for industrial control environments.
- Develop and maintain Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Operator Interface Terminal (OIT) applications.
- Review and respond to hardware, communication, and application failures and manage data recovery activities.
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and modify variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft-starters, motor protection relays, power quality meters, and associated motor control equipment.
- Assist with design, installation, and modification of PLC programs and review and develop P&IDs.
Support Communications and Cybersecurity- Maintain, configure, and troubleshoot radio telemetry systems including RTUs, antennas, repeaters, and communication pathways used for remote monitoring and control.
- Support industrial control Ethernet networks, modems, fiber optics, and other communications devices.
- Configure and maintain Modbus, DNP3, and other industrial communication protocols.
- Assist in implementing and maintaining cybersecurity measures for SCADA and operational technology systems in coordination with IT/Cybersecurity staff.
Typical QualificationsStrong candidates will demonstrate:
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to cultivate professional partnerships and inspire team collaboration.
- Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to clearly articulate options and recommendations to management.
- A self-starting, resourceful approach and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
- The ability to define and explain key departmental processes and business requirements.
- Strong presentation and leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and influence others with energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism.
- Working knowledge of industrial cybersecurity principles and best practices for operational technology environments, including network segmentation, access controls, and patch management for ICS/SCADA systems.
Leadership ExpectationsThis is a supervisor position. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of:
- Directing the daily activities of a technical field crew, including work assignment, scheduling, and performance feedback.
- Mentoring and developing junior- and mid-level automation technicians.
- Coordinating with project managers, contractors, and vendors to deliver automation projects on time and within budget.
- Representing the Automation & Electrical Services function in cross-functional meetings and providing clear technical updates to operational management.
- Leading emergency response activities and after-hours call team operations.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONAny combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications outlined below:
EducationExperience~ Equivalent to Associate's degree in public administration, business administration, engineering, electronics technology, automation, control systems or a related field.
~ A Bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.
~ Minimum 10 years of equivalent training and experience in a related field may be substituted. ~ Minimum 6 years in the operation and maintenance of a large, complex water distribution and treatment facility and wastewater collection and treatment systems.
~ Including 3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Required License/CertificationDesired Licenses/Certification*~ CA Class C Driver's License
~California Certified Electrician (General Electrician), or Grade IV Electrical & Instrumentation Technologist, or California Water Environment Association (CWEA) and/or
~Level I or higher ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST).~ Grade IV Water/Wastewater Treatment, Water/Wastewater Distribution, Maintenance, Electrical or Collections Certification.
Note: Other professional development coursework (PDC) desirable based on specific job function and supervisor's discretion
Supplemental Information PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTSMay be required to and be medically able to wear respirator and fall protection, to be annually fit tested, confined space entry trained, and maintain facial hair such that it does not interfere with any respirator or SCBA sealing surface. Each may be required to be a member of the confined space rescue team at the sole discretion of Western.
The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical: Employees in this position may be required to work in both an office and outside environment. Depending on department responsibilities, employees are required to use repetitive motion for keyboard use and writing; frequently g rasp, reach/work overhead, hold and reach; sit for long periods of time; frequently walk, stand, squat, twist and bend; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; occasionally climb stairs and ladders; occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds or 60 pounds with assistance; employees may be required to operate equipment, machinery, controls and tools; perform manual labor; constantly use overall color vision plus hand, eye, and feet coordination; and frequently hear and talk, in person and on the phone. Employees may be required and medically able to wear respiratory and fall protection equipment.
Mental: Employees should possess the ability to speak, read, and write English, in addition to exercising math and computer aptitude as required. Employees work under pressure with frequent interruptions while communicating and interacting with a variety Western Water personnel, the public, and others encountered in the course of work. The ability to explain, interpret, and apply related rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and work on multiple concurrent assignments, often within tight timeframes using good business judgment is necessary.
Environmental: Employees work in a temperature controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and settings. The employee will occasionally work outside with exposure to various weather conditions and regularly work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level is typically loud. Employees may work in confined spaces and may be exposed to fumes, vapors, dust, sewage, toxic or caustic chemicals. Employees may work in areas with poisonous plants and/or venomous or threatening animals or insects. Incumbents are expected to use principles of effective safety practices including the use of personal protective equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.
Western Water is a tobacco free campus prohibiting smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and unregulated nicotine products in any Western vehicle and building, which includes any building owned and occupied, or leased and occupied, by Western, including, Headquarters, the Operations Center, and any remote facilities owned, leased and/or operated by Western Water.
HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS
Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status.Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in these benefits effective the first of the month following date of hire. Effective January 1, 2026, Western Water contributes up to $2,992.11 toward the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance. Employees will pay any costs exceeding this amount through bi-weekly pre-tax payroll deduction. Employees may choose between four medical plans--Anthem Blue Cross California Care (HMO), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Advantage (PPO 500), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Classic (PPO 200) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO). There are two dental plans to choose from--DeltaCare (DMO) and Delta Dental (PPO). The Standard provides us with two vision options, Vision Service Plan (VSP) or EyeMed.
Opting Out of Medical CoverageEmployees with medical insurance through another provider can opt out of Western Water's medical plan. By opting out, employees will receive a flat monthly rate of $690. Proof of other coverage is required on an annual basis during the open enrollment period. Employee must enroll in a dental plan and the vision plan. Enrollment for eligible dependents, in these plans, is optional.
Flexible SpendingEffective the first of the month following date of hire, employee may participate in the flexible spending plan. This plan provides you the opportunity to pay for certain medical, dental, vision and childcare expenses with pre-tax dollars resulting in substantial tax saving
