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Posted August 24, 2026
City of Santa Rosa

Water Systems Technician Manager

Santa Rosa, CA, United States Full Time

Certifications
Not Applicable

The City of Santa Rosa is excited to announce that we are seeking a highly-qualified candidate to join our team of professionals with an immediate opening for Water Systems Technician Manager.


The City of Santa Rosa is committed to building a workforce reflective of our community and establishing a lasting culture of equity and belonging within our organization. Our collective talents and expertise contribute to high-quality public services that support a vibrant, resilient, inclusive City for our community and visitors. We celebrate a diverse workforce and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.
THE BENEFITS OF CITY EMPLOYMENT:
In addition to offering a rewarding work environment, opportunity for career growth, and excellent salary, the City of Santa Rosa provides a generous suite of benefits, including retirement through CalPERS, a competitive leave accrual package, your choice of three health plans, and top of the line employer paid vision and dental coverage. More information about available benefits can be foundin our comprehensive online Benefits Guide and in unit 18 Memorandum of understanding.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • 12 paid holidays annually, plus 2 to 3 “floating” holidays per year depending on years of service
  • $500 annually for wellness
  • The City is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer
  • Paid Family Leave



The Water Systems Technician Manager plans, organizes, and supervises the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of electrical, instrumentation, SCADA, PLC, and related control systems supporting the City's water distribution and wastewater collection systems. This position oversees technical staff, manages preventive and corrective maintenance programs, ensures the reliable operation of critical infrastructure, and provides technical leadership while exercising independent judgment in the management of complex water and wastewater control systems.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate would have experience in the following areas:

  • Providing direct management over technical and maintenance staff performing journey level electrical and instrumentation work on Water and Sewer Operations facilities or similar industrial settings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to exercise independent judgment on diverse and specialized maintenance and repair work.
  • Demonstrate the ability to exercise decision making responsibilities associated with various safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Have experience planning, organizing supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff.
  • Have experience providing managerial level support to a variety of technical areas including reviewing water and sewer technical drawings and Capital Improvement Project plans.
  • Knowledge and experience managing and maintaining SCADA systems, programable logic controllers (PLC), commercial electrical systems, instrumentation systems and equipment that controls the city’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
  • Demonstrates the ability to develop strong relationships with other departments, divisions, and sections to ensure the safe and reliable operations of the electrical systems and controls that support the 64 facilities within the Water and Sewer Operations Division.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge of job specific safety training and understanding of electrical and mechanical safety requirements and regulatory compliance.
  • Possesses the ability to oversee the design, implementation and maintenance of enterprise software security and permissions.
  • Ability to work with third-party software vendors regarding service level and support issues.
  • Possesses skills in hands-on implementation, configuration, and troubleshooting of software and equipment.


Selection Process
The selection process will include a minimum qualifications assessment, an application and supplemental questionnaire review, and department selection interviews. For more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact Alberto Sanchez, HR Analyst at 707-543-3078 or [email protected]

Please complete a thoughtful, thorough Supplemental Questionnaire submission. As part of the selection process, your responses to these questions will be scored using criteria specific to this position. Incomplete responses, or responses such as "See Resume" may not be considered.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

  • Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work staff responsible for the design, installation, testing, calibration, maintenance, and repair of process control, SCADA systems, programable logic controllers (PLC), radio-telemetry data acquisition systems, electrical distribution systems and instrumentation that control the City’s water transmission, distribution, and wastewater collection systems; trains staff in work procedures and safety; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
  • Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
  • Monitors activities of the work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
  • Monitors changing technology and is familiar with increased requirements for SCADA and cyber security needs.
  • Coordinates with Water Asset Management and city IT managers to provide technical support for network security upgrades and improvements.
  • Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other crews, divisions, and outside agencies.
  • Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors and approves expenditures; orders and ensures delivery of materials, supplies, tools, and equipment necessary for maintenance, repair, and construction projects; prepares job cost estimates and submits reports; prepares purchase orders and requisitions.
  • Inspects work in progress and completed work of assigned employees and contractors for accuracy, proper and safe work methods and techniques, and compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and specifications.
  • Provides technical input for rehabilitation projects and new construction projects involving water pump stations, water tanks, water wells, water treatment facilities and sanitary sewer lift stations.
  • Supervises and performs the most difficult, technical, and complex electrical maintenance, repair, and reverse engineering on electrical, mechanical, and SCADA systems; supervises emergency repair operations and responses.
  • Supervises the implementation of a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for electrical and electronic equipment, motors, and systems, automation and control instrumentation and equipment, and mechanical equipment and facilities; prepares and maintains preventive maintenance schedules.
  • Utilizes CMMS and data management systems to generator work orders and maintain records of repairs, upgrades and preventative maintenance performed.
  • Provides project management for a variety of electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation maintenance projects; reviews and comments on project designs and contractor submittals; provides work direction to contractors; reviews and controls quality of work; inspects and evaluates work in progress and upon completion to ensure that maintenance and repair activities are performed in accordance with City standards and specifications.
  • Develops, coordinates, and conducts a variety of employee safety training programs in compliance with City policy, and relevant OSHA safety regulations (i.e., Lock Out Tag Out, PPE requirements, ARC Flash training, hazard recognition, risk assessment and emergency response training) to ensure safe work techniques, methods, policies, and proper use of materials and equipment; and to maintain both public and employee safety in the field.
  • Reads and interprets schematics, diagrams, and construction drawings; interprets and applies applicable regulations and standards.
  • Inspects facilities for safety issues, system integrity, and possible future work projects; provides recommendations to the Deputy Director.
  • Supervises the establishment and implementation of a computerized maintenance management program, including proper accounting of labor, materials, and equipment on projects.
  • Monitors, controls, and maintains inventory and storage of supplies and equipment; researches available parts for quality and price; orders supplies, parts, and tools as needed.
  • Ensures work areas are maintained in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment, vehicles, and tools at the close of the workday.
  • Responds promptly to after-hours emergencies and other critical incidents which may impact public health and/or vital City infrastructure; leads staff and assists in emergency situations.
  • Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
  • Ensures staff compliance with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Principles and practices of leadership.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
  • Principles and practices of budget and contract preparation and administration.
  • Principles, practices, and techniques applicable to the design, installation, inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electronic systems and equipment, including SCADA, PLC’s, and telemetry.
  • Principles, practices, and techniques applicable to the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of automation and control instrumentation and equipment.
  • Principles, practices, methods, equipment, materials, and tools used in mechanical maintenance and repair of equipment, components, machinery, and facilities found in water transmission, distribution, and wastewater collection systems and related facilities.
  • Functional principles of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
  • Operational characteristics and minor maintenance of a variety of tools and equipment required for the work.
  • Computer programming as applied to controllers and electronic test equipment used in the City’s water and wastewater collection system operations.
  • Principles of mathematics and the application to assigned work.
  • Principles and practices of preparing and maintaining preventive maintenance plans.
  • Principles and procedures of record keeping.
  • Occupational hazards and safety standards related to installation, maintenance, and repair work, including driving rules and practices and working in confining spaces.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
  • City, OSHA, and Cal-OSHA mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  • The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
  • Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

  • Ability to:

  • Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
  • Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
  • Develop effective principles, practices, and techniques applicable to the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of automation and control instrumentation SCADA, PLC’s, telemetry, pumps, motors, switchgear and other electrical and mechanical equipment.
  • Coordinate with IT, city engineers, consulting engineers and other city departments on highly technical items such as proprietary software, servers, SCADA network and equipment, security software and related equipment.
  • Understand complex technical systems and communicate their functions to other managers, water distribution operators and collection system operators with less technical expertise.
  • Prepare and administer budgets and contracts; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
  • Research and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Supervise the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of a diverse range of electrical, electronic, and associated power circuits, power generating equipment, switchgear, and emergency systems found in water transmission, distribution, and wastewater collection systems, infrastructure, and related facilities.
  • Supervise the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of automation and control instrumentation and equipment found in water transmission, distribution. and wastewater collection systems, infrastructure, and related facilities.
  • Supervise the inspection, repair, and maintenance of a variety of mechanical equipment, components, machinery, and facilities found in water transmission, distribution and wastewater collection systems, infrastructure, and related facilities.
  • Read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, shop drawings, sketches, and wiring and pneumatic diagrams.
  • Supervise the safe and effective use, operate, and maintain hand and power tools, test equipment, and vehicle required for the work.
  • Supervise a computerized maintenance management program; maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems of work performed.
  • Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
  • Adopt the City’s vision, mission, and values to provide high-quality public service and cultivate a vibrant, resilient, and livable city.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Effectively use computer systems and software applications relevant to work performed to perform work tasks.

  • Education and Experience:
  • Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

  • Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12) grade, supplemented by specialized coursework or training in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical instrumentation equipment and systems; and
  • Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience performing maintenance and repair of electronic/ electrical, instrumentation, and mechanical systems and equipment utilized in a water distribution, water processing, wastewater collection system or other industrial process control environment, including one (1) year of lead experience.

  • Licenses and Certifications:

  • Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of employment, a valid Water Distribution Operator Grade III (D3) certificate issued by SWRCB to be maintained throughout employment.

Additional Information


In order to ensure compliance with safety standards regarding reservoir levels and pump operations, the incumbent is required to observe and monitor electronic and other recording devices. Auditory and computerized warning devices such as alarms are used in monitoring reservoir levels, pump operations and system failures. The Water System Technician Manager teaches the telemetry system to other workers both individually and in group settings. Graphics, blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts and other visual aids are used for the purpose of trouble shooting electrical problems. Solvents and potentially hazardous chemicals, such as chlorine, are used to clean and maintain equipment. The job requires the use of intricate electronic devices requiring skillful, controlled, manipulations of small objects such as tools designed for instrument calibration. Some of the work takes place in small cramped areas including pump stations and valve vaults, and requires the individual to carry tools and equipment weighing 20 to 50 pounds short distances. Other assignments may require the individual to climb ladders ranging from 30 to 60 feet in order to check and repair reservoir tanks. In order to access some of the work locations, the individual must walk over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces with exposure to a wide variety of weather conditions. Work in vaults and other confined spaces may require the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus. The work includes on-call assignments and may include evening and weekend shifts.


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, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

City employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the City’s needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker.

The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations needed to participate in the recruitment process may be made by submitting a Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form within five (5) business days of being noticed that an event requiring accommodation is occurring. You may also contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 543-3060 or [email protected].

Additional Application Instructions

Apply online only.

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