The Water Quality Manager classification is distinguished from the next lower level classifications of the Water Quality Chemist III and Environmental Micro-Biologist III in that the later classifications are the lead, advanced journey level chemists and microbiologists in the laboratory performing the most advanced analysis, performs research projects, assists with ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates, and assists with the budget and the preparation and submission of compliance reports. The Water Quality Manager classification is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Deputy Water Director/Operations Manager in that the latter classification is responsible for the planning of work programs, environmental and regulatory compliance for all Water Department Operations, management of employees, development and control of budgets, and development of programs, policies and procedures required to achieve Department's goals and objectives.

(Duties may include, but are not limited to those listed below):

• Contributes to development of the strategy, objectives, long-term and annual plans for Water Department by participating in the development and implementation of organization strategy and the creation of an organizational culture designed to support the delivery of high quality and necessary services to the community.
• Within the parameters and priorities established by the Department Director and Deputy Director for Operations, establishes the objectives, policies, organization structure, operating and staffing model for the Water Quality Section to enable the Section to meet its goals.
• Exercises day-to-day supervision of all laboratory personnel including hiring and training employees; planning, scheduling and assigning work duties; directing and formally evaluating work performance; plans for and develops employees, and reporting of results.
• Plans and supervises the sampling and analysis of source waters and treated drinking water to meet regulatory compliance requirements and comply with requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and federal agencies.
• Creates and sustains a culture of continuous business improvement within the Water Quality Section to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Section's performance.
• Establishes and sustains a culture of personal and collective accountability within the Water Quality Section; monitors performance and provides feedback and coaching to employees; encourages teamwork and collaboration.
• Provides subject matter expertise to the Department's executive team on water quality.
• Plans, develops and implements the Water Quality Section's annual operating budget and contributes to the development of the annual Capitol Investment Program.
• Prepares or directs the preparation and submission of water quality regulatory compliance reports to DDW, County Health Department, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and federal regulatory agencies.
• Reviews analytical results of bacteriological and chemical analyses to detect discrepancies in water quality, and develops and implements or plans and coordinates actions to address any issues identified. Communicates and coordinates action planning and implementation with appropriate Departmental staff and Deputy Director for Operations, the Department Director and the Department's Community Relations staff.
• Manages the response to water quality emergencies and complaints by investigating water compliance incidents and assigning personnel to investigate and determine corrective actions for implementation
• Provides direction to staff and monitors implementation of quality assurance and quality control (QA and QC). Establishes and implements systems for ensuring that QA and QC standards are continuously met.
• Monitors the validity of the analyses performed and data generated in the laboratory to assure reliable data.
• Develops and oversees laboratory record keeping including management of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Serves as technical advisor for the Deputy Director of Operations and the Department Director on water quality issues as they relate to Title 22, Title 17, federal the Safe Drinking Water Act as amended and other federal, state and local regulations.
• Ensures that Water Quality Section staff is provided with training and development to perform their duties in a technically competent manner, safely and to meet pre-established standards.
• Performs or directs studies of special water quality issues; prepares staff, administrative and technical reports for the Director of the Water Department or the Water Commission.
• On an every three year basis, prepare and present to the Water Commission the Public Health Goals Report.
• Assists in selection of consultants for water quality projects and acts as department technical representative for such projects or project that require subject matter expertise on water quality; may direct the work of consultants.
• Develops and implements new and revised water quality policies and procedures to ensure efficient and accurate operations; approves new equipment and materials per the approved budget; plans and coordinates computer applications.
• Responds to the more technical or complex questions or complaints from consumers regarding water quality; makes presentations to public groups on topics related to water quality.
• Acts as department liaison with State and local health officials and the media regarding water quality issues.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, microbiology, or a related field; and
• Four (4) years of experience in a laboratory certified by the CA Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP); or four (4) years' experience in the administration of drinking water planning and management (A Master's degree in chemistry, microbiology, or a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

• The regulatory requirements of the federal and state drinking water programs, and their implementation as it applies to the Santa Cruz Water System.
• The physical and biological characteristics of water and trends related to the Water Department's surface and groundwater sources.
• The principles and procedures of drinking water treatment and distribution and watershed management, and the implications of these combined concerns related to the treatment and management of drinking water supplies to the Department's customers.
• The regulations and requirements pertaining to the operation of an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) certified laboratory.
• Principles and practices of leadership, management and supervision; including program planning, implementation, and administration
• The principles, procedures and equipment currently used in physical, chemical and bacteriological sampling and analysis.
• The methods, standards and regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Analytical methods used in managing and complying with regulations for drinking water resources.
• The operation, maintenance and calibration of laboratory instruments and equipment including those used in atomic absorption spectrophotometry, specific ion probes and gas and ion chromatography.
• The Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures required by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program.
• Principles and practice of drinking water treatment, drinking water reservoir / lake management, current State and Federal drinking water regulatory requirements, compliance programs and reporting protocols.

• Organizational skills to develop and coordinate efficient water quality procedures, programs and studies.
• Interpersonal skills to support Departmental goals and objectives, including communication, collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, organization, judgement and conflict resolution
• Mathematical skills to develop and control effective budgets and billing procedures; to do statistical and technical analyses.
• Writing skills to prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence on administrative and technical issues.
• Analytical skills to study the various factors involved in administrative and technical issues and to develop appropriate actions for resolutions.
• Public speaking skills to make presentations on topics related to water quality.
• Skills required to develop and present data analyses, communicate about data trends, provide data in forms that facilitate understanding and support decision-making by Departmental staff particularly related to problem solving, system operations, or response to emergency or changing conditions.

• Apply executive level organizational leadership and management skills including those related to communication, collaboration, strategic planning, problem-solving and decision-making, planning and prioritizing, and workforce development and succession planning.
• Hire, train, assign, manage and review the work of others.
• Understand, interpret and explain technical regulations, information, and data.
• Prepare statistical analysis and reporting on water quality and other environmental data.
• Implement work methods and procedures that promote a safe working environment and ensure proper staff training in work safety.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with other Department and City staff, officials and the general public.
• Make presentations and represent the Santa Cruz City Council, the Water Commission, and to the Operations Division and other Department staff and in various public or community forums.
• Effectively represent the department to outside agencies and the public.

• Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record, or an alternative means of transportation as approved by the appointing authority.

• Water Director
• Deputy Water Director/Operations Manager
• Water Quality Manager
• Water Quality Chemist I/II/III, Environmental Microbiologist I/II/III
• Laboratory Technician