Water Division Manager

Salary : $132,648.00 - $161,232.00 Annually
Location : Public Works Yard, 4244 Santa Ana Street, South Gate, CA
Job Type: Full Time Classified
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Water Division
Opening Date: 11/12/2026
Closing Date: 12/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

About the Position
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical, and administrative support related to all programs and activities of the City's water utilities, including assisting with long and short term project planning, overseeing the design, construction, maintenance, and operations of all water utility infrastructure, water quality inspection services, and other programs; and performs related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Division Manager is a single position classification that manages the operation and maintenance of the City's water system and associated water programs. The incumbent is distinguished from the Water Distribution Foreman and Water Operation Foreman in that the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, the overall operation of the Water Division.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Field Operations Manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises direct supervision over the Water Distribution Foreman and Water Operations Foreman.
Examples of Essential Functions
Essential functions 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; and reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Plans, manages, organizes, inspects, oversees and evaluates the daily functions, operations, installation and maintenance of the City's water utility systems including water treatment, distribution, water quality inspection services, and regulatory compliance.
Reviews and interprets water projects plans and specifications.
Conducts safety and other meetings. Represent the City at meetings and conferences.
Complies with the reporting, testing and other Federal, State, County and local laws as related to the Water Division.
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned areas.
Ensures and provides personnel supervision, selection, training, evaluation, and proposes disciplinary action as appropriate in a timely manner.
Provides recommendation for departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides support to the Director of Public Works and/or Field Operations Manager, and others in areas of water utility expertise.
Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
Provides technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures and methods; interprets and explains rules, regulations and procedures; answers questions, resolves concerns, and makes oral presentations.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of water system maintenance and operations; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
Purchases all equipment, supplies, materials and ensures compliance with the City's Purchasing policies and procedures; reviews and manages contracts.
Prepares cost estimates, bid specifications and requests for proposals.
Assists in budget preparation and related supplemental requests for the Water Division.
Monitors budget expenditures and revenues to ensure consistency with adopted Division budget.
Prepares, reviews and completes various reports including City Council Agenda Bills and division-related documentation, contracts and correspondence.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum & Desirable Qualifications
Training and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be: graduation from high school or GED, and a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Management, Water Science or a close related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation and maintenance of water system equipment, water production, and facilities including two years of supervisory experience. Additional years of progressively responsible experience in the above referenced areas may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record is required. Possession of a Grade II California State Department of Health Services Water Treatment Certificate is required. Possession of a Grade V California State Department of Health Services Water Distribution Certificate is required. Must be able to respond to emergency calls and operational requirements of Water System on a 7 day/24 hour basis.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:administrative principles and practices including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management; principles and practices of budget development and administration; principles and practices of employee supervision, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures; organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned functional area; methods, materials and techniques used in the construction of water system projects.
Ability to: plan, prepare and implement long-range plans for Water Division; plan, organize, and manage professional and support staff; analyze maintenance needs and recommend appropriate action; administer and effectively manage projects and associated contracts; read, interpret and analyze various specifications, drawings and plans; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; interpret and explain City policies and procedures; prepare clear and concise reports; use independent judgment to initiate and carry out required procedural assignments, adhere to multiple deadlines and handle multiple projects; use a personal computer and applicable software; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Other Important Information

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System:
An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Drivers License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee sits for long periods of time and is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, kneel, climb, squat, bend, twist, use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Incumbents may be exposed to repetitive motion. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:

• Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).
• Has responses to the supplemental questionnaire. If you need additional space beyond the lines provided on the supplemental questionnaire tab, attach a document with your response when you submit your application.
• If you claim education on your application, an unofficial copy of your transcripts or a copy of your degree, documenting all qualifying education and/or occupational training claimed, must be submitted as an attachment to your online application.
• Please provide any certificates and/or training courses you have successfully completed, which you feel prepared you for this position.
• If you are invited to interview for this position, at a later date, we will request that your original, official transcripts and or degree, be mailed directly to the City of South Gate Human Resources Office in an unopened envelope by the accredited college(s) or university(ies).
• Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Selection Process: All application materials received will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. The applications will be screened and those applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications on the basis of experience, training, and education, as submitted will be invited to continue in the selection process. This will include an oral examination weighted at 100%.

• Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations.
• The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
• All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
• New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
• Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.

Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or moral problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, child, spouse, brother, sister, in-laws, and step relationships.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Non-Sworn Employee Benefits

Effective 07/01/2025 - 06/30/2026

Approved 09/23/2025

1. Medical Insurance

• CalPERS Health Plans. City pays Kaiser HMO rates for all plans.

2. Dental Insurance

• Principal Dental PPO and Liberty Dental Network HMO options. City pays HMO dental rates.

3. Medical & Dental Opt Out

• City contributes a percentage of premium on a bi-weekly basis towards City's deferred compensation plan.

4. Superior Vision Insurance

• City pays 100% of premium

5. Life Insurance

• $50,000 Life and AD&D

6. Vacation Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 80 hours/year (1 to 4 yrs); 120 hours/year (5 to 9 yrs); 160 hours/year (10+ yrs).
• Maximum accrual of 350 hours
• Vacation Buyout up to 40 hours/yr by written request

7. Sick Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 120 hours/yr.
• Sick Payout
  • If hired after 1/1/93, refer to MOU
  • If hired after 7/1/22, no sick leave payout.

8. Personal Business

• Up to 50 hours per calendar year, deducted from sick leave bank.

9. Administrative Leave for Exempt Employees - Pro-rated @ hire

• 60 hours/yr. - Exempt Employees Only
• Maximum accrual of 100 hours.
• Administrative Leave Buyout up to 40 hours/year by written request.

10. Holidays

• 130 hours/yr., includes days betw