Operations Liaison (20648419)

Valley Water is searching for top-tier candidates to fill this exciting opportunity. Internal candidates will get first consideration.

Overview:

The Operations Liaison provides startup and commissioning supports to treatment plant and treated water pipeline projects. This position will serve as the subject matter expert on treatment technology, process and equipment used in water treatment and distribution systems, provide input and coordination in all phases of plant operation projects, represent the interests of the operations unit, and perform a variety of tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide operations and water treatment related input and recommendations during all phases of a project (planning, design, construction, startup, and commissioning). 
• Provide timely review and comments on submittals and requests for information (RFI) relevant to operations such as, but not limited to, construction scheduling, training, plant/process outage and tie-in planning.
• Assign and coordinate review of relevant documents by operations staff.
• Lead or coordinate the creation of shutdown/startup plans and procedures for a planned construction tie-in and/or commissioning of a treatment plant equipment or process. 
• Participate and assist with the creation and review of process and/or equipment start up and commissioning acceptance criteria and procedures such as checklists, test plans and templates.
• Attend project related meetings and communicate and coordinate with all stakeholders (management, operations, maintenance, project manager, construction manager, contractor, etc.) regarding active or planned construction activities to minimize and/or prevent impact to plant operations.
• Work closely with maintenance counterpart(s) to troubleshoot operations-related construction challenges, provide solutions and recommendations to resolve the identified operations/treatment process related challenges.
• May perform journey and/or advanced journey-level work, as necessary, in a class in the Water Plant Operator series.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• Six (6) years of water treatment plant operations and maintenance experience at a T-4 or higher plant.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Read and interpret construction and equipment plans, drawings, sketches, and specifications.
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate construction project related documents, train others in work procedures.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• Coordinate plant construction and equipment maintenance programs.
• Develop and coordinate occupational health and safety programs.
• Interpret and apply Valley Water policies and procedures.
• Identify problems, research, and analyze relevant information, develop, and present recommendations and justification for solution.
• Maintain a variety of records and logs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all contacts in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Current and pending water treatment standards, regulations, and laws.
• State and federal regulations pertaining to the operation of a T-5 rated water treatment plant, including reporting procedures and requirements.
• Principles, practices, equipment, materials, and tools used in the operation of a treated water and recycled water facilities and equipment.
• Principles and practices of water treatment process engineering.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and chemical feed systems for water treatment plants.
• Operational characteristics and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances.
• Occupational health and safety programs.
• Water quality assurance and laboratory procedures.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college.

Grade IV Water Treatment Plant Operator (T4) certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Plant Maintenance Engineering & Commissioning Unit (Position Code 942) 
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.