Sewer Supervisor

The City of West Sacramento is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to oversee the operation, maintenance, repair, and regulatory compliance of the City's wastewater collection system. The Sewer Supervisor is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and participating in the work of field crews engaged in maintaining critical sewer infrastructure, including sewer mains, laterals, manholes, lift stations, pumps, force mains, and related facilities. 

This position serves as the City's frontline wastewater operations leader, ensuring system reliability, regulatory compliance, public health protection, and employee safety. The Sewer Supervisor provides direct supervision, technical expertise, training, and performance management to assigned staff while coordinating with contractors, regulatory agencies, other City departments, and the public. The Sewer Supervisor reports to the Director of Public Works Operations & Maintenance or their designee and exercises direct and indirect supervision over wastewater field operations staff, including assigning work, providing training, and evaluating performance.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with extensive wastewater collection experience, strong supervisory skills, sound judgment during emergencies, and a commitment to employee development, safety, and customer service. The successful candidate will possess the ability to balance field operations, regulatory requirements, budget considerations, and workforce management while fostering a positive and accountable team culture. 

This position plays a vital role in maintaining essential public infrastructure and protecting the quality of life for the residents and businesses of West Sacramento.

While all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following qualifications: 

• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in municipal wastewater collection system operations.
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience overseeing wastewater, utilities, public works, or related field personnel.
• Current CWEA Collection System Maintenance Grade III or higher certification.
• Experience managing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), emergency response incidents, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Experience operating and maintaining lift stations, pumps, force mains, and related wastewater infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of California wastewater regulations, confined space entry requirements, traffic control standards, and Cal/OSHA safety requirements.
• Experience with CCTV inspection programs, sewer cleaning operations, root control, and rehabilitation projects.
• Demonstrated success in employee coaching, performance management, and workforce development.
• Experience utilizing CMMS systems, GIS platforms, asset management software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Possession of a valid California Class A Commercial Driver License.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, contractors, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and members of the public.

DEFINITION: The Sewer Supervisor performs a variety of tasks including laying out, assigning, supervising, and participating in the work of crews engaged in the construction, maintenance, inspection, and repair of the municipal wastewater collection system, including sewer mains, laterals, manholes, pumps, force mains, and related appurtenances. The position ensures regulatory compliance, safe work practices, system reliability, and effective customer service while providing leadership and technical guidance to assigned staff. The Sewer Supervisor is an “at will” position and is appointed by and sits at the pleasure of the City Manager.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This is a supervisory classification responsible for overseeing day-to-day field operations of the wastewater collection system within the Public Works, Operations & Maintenance Department. The position is distinguished by its responsibility for coordinating daily work activities, supervising personnel, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory requirements, and responding to emergency situations. The Sewer Supervisor is expected to work independently and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Coursework or certifications in public works management, construction technology, or a related field is desirable.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in municipal wastewater collection system operations, or a related field, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead role.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Possession of a valid Class A California Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire. Possession and maintenance of a Collection System Maintenance Grade II Certificate or higher issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). Possession and maintenance of a Collection System Maintenance Grade III Certificate or higher issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within twelve (12) months of appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is primarily performed outdoors in varying weather conditions. May be required to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during emergency responses. Exposure to hazards such as heavy machinery, traffic, dust, noise, and hazardous materials. May be subject to response by phone and in person in the event of utility emergencies and citywide emergency response events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Mobility to work in a standard office or construction environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings. On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist, and reach while performing office duties; mobility to occasionally traverse uneven terrain, periodically standing, stooping, bending, climbing and kneeling to perform inspections; on occasion may be required to work in exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and small tools and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (manuals, binders, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds such as files, manuals, or small tools and equipment for distances up to 50 feet.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; and partially work in the field and are occasionally exposed to wastewater, odors, loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confined workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.