Definition:

The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of the Authority's water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, wastewater treatment support functions, laboratory coordination, facilities maintenance, and field operations. This position provides operational leadership by directing supervisors, establishing priorities, ensuring regulatory compliance, resolving operational issues, and maintaining accountability throughout the organization. The Operations Manager is expected to be highly visible in the field, actively engaged with staff, and available to respond to emergencies at any hour. The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring work gets completed. This position drives execution, follows issues to resolution, and holds supervisors accountable for results.

Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership and Oversight Oversee the daily operations of all Authority operational divisions, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, reliably, and in compliance with applicable standards and permit requirements. Develop, implement, and monitor daily, weekly, and seasonal operational plans, staffing strategies, emergency preparedness activities, and performance metrics. Set clear expectations, establish operational priorities, monitor performance, and ensure work is completed on schedule. Supervisor Coordination and Accountability Lead and coordinate supervisors through regular operational meetings, direct communication, accountability, and follow-through on assigned responsibilities. Establish a culture of ownership, teamwork, and cross-department coordination so operational divisions function as one organization. Build strong supervisors by setting expectations, supporting decision-making, and holding staff accountable for results. Compliance, Risk Prevention, and Emergency Response Monitor permit requirements, identify operational risks, question incomplete information, and proactively address deficiencies before violations or larger operational failures occur. Serve as a key member of the Authority's emergency response team, remain available outside normal business hours, and participate in rotating emergency coverage as required. Interdepartmental Coordination Coordinate with departments to ensure timely resolution of operational issues affecting customers or Authority services. Promote clear communication, timely follow-up, and cooperation across departments to prevent operational silos. Operational Improvement and Resource Management Recommend operational improvements, monitor related expenditures, and follow approved improvements through implementation. Evaluate operational practices and identify opportunities to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.

Examples of Work:

Direct the daily operations of all operational divisions. Ensure operational activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Authority standards and applicable permit requirements. Develop and monitor daily, weekly, and seasonal operational plans. Establish staffing priorities and ensure appropriate coverage for operational needs. Conduct regular operational meetings with supervisors. Monitor daily operational performance and adjust priorities as needed. Identify operational deficiencies and follow issues through to resolution. Maintain awareness of risks before they become emergencies. Coordinate emergency response activities and participate in rotating emergency coverage. Work collaboratively with Customer Service to ensure timely resolution of customer-related operational concerns. Recommend operational improvements and monitor implementation. Monitor operational expenditures and support responsible use of Authority resources. Promote teamwork, accountability, direct communication, and continuous performance management.

Licenses/Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, environmental science, engineering, construction management, utility operations, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in water, wastewater, utility, public works, construction, facilities, or field operations. Minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience required. Valid New Jersey driver's license required. Strong knowledge of NJDEP, OSHA, PEOSH, safety, emergency response, utility operations, regulatory compliance, and permit requirements. Certified Public Works Manager certification may be preferred, if applicable. Incident Command System/NIMS training preferred or required within a specified period after hire. Valid New Jersey Driver's License in Good Standing Ability to obtain additional licenses, certifications, or training as required by the Authority.

Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to manage water, wastewater, utility, public works, facilities, maintenance, or field operations. Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct supervisors, establish priorities, and hold staff accountable. Thorough understanding of regulatory compliance, safety requirements, emergency response, and operational best practices. Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and operational needs. Effective communication skills, including the ability to work with employees, supervisors, consultants, contractors, regulators, vendors, customers, and Authority leadership. Ability to interpret permits, regulations, reports, work orders, operational data, and technical information. Working knowledge of budgeting, purchasing, inventory, staffing, scheduling, and performance monitoring. Proficiency with computers, email, work order systems, reporting software, Microsoft Office, and related technology.

Physical Requirements:

Ability To Sit for Extended Periods Ability to regularly walk through water treatment, wastewater, collection, distribution, facility, and field work areas. Ability to lift 50+ lbs. Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and move across uneven ground, construction areas, and operational sites. Ability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, or crouch during inspections or field observations. Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to weather, noise, odors, confined operational spaces, treatment facilities, and construction/maintenance areas. Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal business hours and report to operational sites as needed. Ability to use computers, phones, radios, tablets, and other communication or reporting equipment.

•This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of the position. The physical activities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Essential functions are those functions that the employee who holds the position or the candidate that desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation. When possible, reasonable accommodations may be made for persons who are disabled under the law. Reasonable accommodations are those accommodations which, as defined under applicable State and Federal law, enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of their job title and to meet the Employer's expectations for the job title.

Pay:

$110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person