Sonoma Water Operations Technology Manager

Job Description:

Sonoma Water Operations Technology Manager

Description

Position Information

The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) invites IT professionals to apply for the Operations Technology Manager position!

The Operations Technology (OT) Manager has primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and team which includes strategic planning, program development, and managing staff that are responsible for maintaining the SCADA software and applications, OT network, servers, workstations and remote sites. In this position, you will oversee the SCADA system and the 24/7 responsibilities of the SCADA team by providing a full range of systems planning, design, programming, implementation, installation, maintenance, and support for systems operating on a variety of platforms. In addition, the Operations Technology Manager is responsible for:

• Managing the networks, operating systems, equipment, and software that support Sonoma Water’s operational technology and SCADA needs
• Developing, maintaining, and implementing SCADA system policies, procedures, and standards
• Monitoring SCADA system performance by identifying and resolving issues, leading efforts to improve systems and optimize SCADA system performance
• Ensuring that all SCADA procedures, configurations, and changes are properly documented and comply with industry standards and that SCADA system updates and upgrades are implemented
• Managing incident response such as system outages and failures, and performing incident debriefs to identify root cause and take appropriate corrective action to prevent future failures
• Reviewing and ensuring security and cybersecurity program standards, policies, and procedures are developed and implemented, and are in alignment with industry standards and best practices
• Collaborating with other Sonoma Water Divisions including Information Technology, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Security to ensure appropriate integration and use of SCADA systems
• Attending project meetings for planning, design, and construction of maintenance and capital improvement projects and supporting such activities with staff resources and technical expertise
• Performing administrative duties including budget preparation and employee selection, training, evaluation, and performance management

The ideal candidate will have strong oral and written communication skills and excellent collaborative and organizational skills, bring their dependability and enthusiasm to lead the SCADA team at Sonoma Water, and possess many of the following:

• Significant experience designing, installing, maintaining, and administering operational technology, SCADA, and networked systems for Water or Wastewater Utilities
• Multiple years of supervisory experience including the ability to use independent judgment to make recommendations for long-term system requirements, set priorities on short-term work projects, and resolve daily operational challenges
• A commitment to adhering to cybersecurity practices and improving operational resilience
• Strong leadership, team development, mentoring, and teaching skills.

The Operations Technology Manager reports to the Operations Manager and works closely with the Maintenance Manager and Assistant General Manager of Operations and Maintenance.

About Sonoma Water Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in portions of Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood protection channels and provides sanitation services to seven districts/zones. Employing approximately 260 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs. Sonoma Water is guided by a strategic plan that is updated every five-years, which includes amongst its highest priorities ensuring the organization supports its employees. Sonoma Water is dedicated to providing a safe, professional and career driven organization for its employees. Sonoma Water is a community service-oriented organization with primary customers including our wholesale water contractors, sanitation customers and those communities served by flood protection facilities. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors serves as the Sonoma Water Board of Directors.

Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma.

What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

Sonoma Water is currently recruiting to fill an Operations Technology Manager position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment . The formal title for this position is Engineering Programming Manager.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, three years of full-time professional level experience in a position having essential duties equivalent to those listed above and specific responsibility for programming and supporting PC and networked computer systems using science oriented programming languages would provide such opportunity. One year of supervisory experience and experience designing, installing, maintaining, and administering networked systems is highly desirable.

Education: Any combination of course work and training that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field would provide such opportunity.

Other Requirements

License: Possession of a valid California driver's license at the appropriate level, including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: principles, capabilities, uses and operation of computer systems, operating systems, communication networks, and related equipment; programming in FORTRAN, Pascal or other science oriented programming language; application of computer programming to the solution of engineering and mathematical problems, accounting, telemetry control, and data acquisition systems; algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and calculus; methods and principles of systems analysis; word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications commonly found in office environments; PC and network operating systems and utilities; and methods of transferring data between various computer systems.

Working knowledge of: basic accounting principles; repair and maintenance of computers and network communications; principles and methods of training users; management and leadership styles and techniques designed to train, supervise, motivate and lead a group of employees, which includes understanding employee behavior and performance standards; interviewing techniques; and fiscal administration.

Ability to: plan, organize and direct the activities of the Information Systems section; analyze problems and draw logical conclusions; develop and modify science oriented computer programs, telemetry control, accounting, and database systems; install and administer a variety of computer systems; write clear, concise instructions, documentation, and procedure manuals for computer programs and equipment; use algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus in the solutions of engineering and mathematical problems; provide assistance to staff with varying levels of technical expertise; manage and train staff; communicate and work cooperatively with others and gain their respect and confidence; and communicate verbal and written ideas clearly and logically.

Working Conditions

Duties require sitting, standing, repetitive motion and body twisting, squatting, stooping, and walking on level surfaces in performance of daily activities. Incumbent may be required to drive vehicles, walk on uneven surfaces and be subjected to dust while installing new equipment. The need to climb stairs, push and/or lift weights up to 40 pounds may be required when using office equipment, lifting report binders, or when moving or installing computer equipment. The incumbent attends meetings, works with interruptions, and answers questions while meeting critical schedules and multiple deadlines.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will or may be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: JT
HR Technician: KK

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan :Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generousCounty contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan :Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical :County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief :County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 3/26/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$156,659.23 - $190,407.96 Annually