Operations Foreman (Street Maintenance)

Meet Santa Margarita Water District 

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship. 

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters. 

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies. 

Santa Margarita Water District’s values include: 

• Exemplary service excellence 
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive 
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency 
• Environmental and resource stewardship 
• Employee development and leadership training 
• Building relationships that strengthen communities 

Join Our Team as an Operations Foreman at Santa Margarita Water District!

In the water and wastewater industry, a Foreman overseeing an underground repair crew and a valve and hydrant maintenance crew plays a critical leadership role in maintaining essential infrastructure. This dual responsibility involves managing the repair and replacement of pipelines, valves, and related systems, as well as ensuring the proper operation and maintenance of valves and fire hydrants to support reliable water delivery and emergency readiness.

The Foreman supervises the daily activities of multiple crews, planning and organizing work schedules while ensuring tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards and regulations. For underground repairs, this includes addressing leaks, blockages, and system failures. On the valve and hydrant maintenance side, the Foreman oversees inspections, servicing, and replacements to maintain functionality and ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.

In addition to coordinating with engineers, inspectors, and other departments, the Foreman ensures proper use of specialized equipment, provides training and guidance to team members, and upholds safety and environmental protocols. Their work is vital to maintaining the reliability and efficiency of water and wastewater services, as well as ensuring emergency response readiness for the community.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by individual position

JOB SUMMARY 

Under direction, plans, supervises, reviews and participates in the work of employees engaged in installation, maintenance, repair and testing of water distribution and wastewater systems including pipelines, mains, valves, hydrants, meters, lift stations, water stations, and plants.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

An Operations Foreman is responsible for supervising staff engaged in the construction, maintenance, repair and operation of the District’s system, equipment and facilities. Incumbents plan, organize, evaluate and ensure that the work of multiple crews performing preventive, corrective and emergency maintenance and repair duties is completed in accordance with District standards, all applicable permitting, environmental and safety mandates. Work requires an in-depth understanding of District infrastructure, operations and best maintenance practices and involves significant accountability for ensuring stable, dependable water delivery to customers in compliance with regulatory requirements. 

This position typically reports to the Operations Superintendent and supervises the work of single or multiple crews of maintenance personnel. 

*The first review of applications will take place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025*

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Plans, assigns, schedules, supervises and evaluates and participates in the work of assigned staff; with staff, develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve assigned unit objectives; provides input to the annual budget; makes purchases and other expenditures in accordance with District procedures and moni­tors performance against the annual budget; participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, processes and procedures to achieve established goals and objectives in accordance with department standards; prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports.
2. Interviews and participates in selecting new staff; supervises and evaluates staff performance; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors perform­ance and provides training, coaching and mentoring for performance improvement; recom­mends performance recognition when warranted. 
3. Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department’s and District’s mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies best practices and quality assur­ance processes to assigned areas of responsibility; enforces the maintenance of safe working condi­tions and ensures safe work practices are followed by staff.
4. Plans, organizes and supervises single or multiple crews engaged in District infrastructure; assigns and oversees installation, preventative maintenance and repair work on pipelines, valves, hydrants meter services, fire hydrants, electrical and telemetry equipment, electric motors and controls, and other appurtenances and equipment; operates construction equipment as necessary.
5. Reviews, prioritizes and assigns work orders to achieve timely completion, minimize impacts on customers and make effective use of staff resources; reviews plans and lays out jobs; ensures required permits have been obtained for work; monitors and inspects work of contractors and employees to ensure timely and accurate comple­tion of maintenance and repair projects and work orders in accordance with department work and safety standards; performs field inspections of work in progress and at completion.
6. Evaluates work methods and operations; estimates time and material costs; creates requisitions for supplies and equipment; evaluates and implements changes in work methods and priorities; institutes changes to increase effectiveness to meet department objectives.
7. Analyzes project plans, engineering specifications and drawings for compliance with District requirements and operating efficiencies and provides feedback to improve operational effectiveness; personally supervises the work on large-scale jobs and jobs that have significant customer impact; performs advanced troubleshooting, maintenance and repair activities; programs, installs and /or tests new equipment and stations to validate proper operation and adherence to specifications.
8. Prepares and maintains detailed documentation and work records, including data on facilities, asset number and location system, detail of failures, descriptions of work performed, as-built sketches and drawings; maintains maintenance and work records and requests including work order tracking and lockout/tagout records; requi­sitions necessary tools, equipment and supplies; schedules and coordinates activities with other divisions and depart­ments.
9. Ensures adherence to safety procedures and safe work practices; oversees and ensures crews carry out assigned duties and responsibilities with careful attention to District and all other applicable safety and traffic regulations; may assist be the First Responder in the event of emergencies, chemical spills, using required safety and personal protective equipment.
10. Operates or oversees the operation of a variety of light to heavy duty trucks and equipment; oversees availability of emergency equipment including backup generators and safety equipment; ensures vehicles and equipment are in proper and safe working condition; ensures proper maintenance of tools and equipment.
11. Coordinates work with other agencies, divisions and departments; responds to questions and complaints from the public and other agencies; responds to customer calls and investigates and troubleshoots problems related to water pressure, quality, flow, plumbing, billing, sewer lateral connections, sewer back-ups, and other general customer service concerns.
12. Prepares and coordinates a variety of work reports and records including reports required for regulatory compliance and permits; attends meetings; identifies training opportunities for crew members; monitors time cards, overtime and standby duty; participates in preparing and monitoring the depart­ment budget.
13. Responds to emergency situations during off-hours as required; participates in standby duties at the sole discretion of the District.
14. Operates vehicles in performing assignments; ensures assigned vehicle is checked for proper fuel and fluid levels; inspects and fuels vehicle; reports any inoperable deficiencies through daily trip logs.
15. Observes safe work methods and safety practices related to work; cones and flags work sites to secure from traffic; shores trenches; uses appropriate safety equipment; operates and maintains a wide variety of hand tools related to the work, including spaders, tampers, breaking guns, jackhammers, concrete saws, etc.; learns to operate a variety of trucks and equipment; inspects vehicles and performs minor maintenance, reports needed repairs.
16. Operates District vehicles (commercial, heavy duty, forklifts, backhoes, trucks or similar) to assist field crews at jobsites; transfers equipment, debris, and/or construction materials from one location to another in support of a project or job.
17. Acts in the absence of Operations Superintendent as assigned.
18. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required. 

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education, Training and Experience: 

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and five years of progressively responsible experi­ence in journey level skilled maintenance of facilities typically associated with District infrastructure at least two of which are at a lead level; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred. 

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 

Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program. Annual certification for CPR, First Aid, Confined-Space Entry and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) per OSHA requirements are required for some assignments.

Crew Requirements

• Streets/Valve & Hydrant: D4, T1 (C1 preferred)

Knowledge of: 

1. Principles, practices, methods and techniques in the construction, maintenance and operation of District infrastructure.
2. Federal, state and local laws, regulations and permitting requirements applicable to water quality and environmental compliance, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, Title 22 of California’s Water Recycling Criteria and the Federal Stormwater Rule.
3. Basic knowledge and practices of asset management, computerized maintenance management, fleet management, energy management, corrosion management, information technology, and SCADA system management.
4. Safety policies, procedures and safe work practices applicable to assignment including OSHA regula­tions, confined-space entry, lockout/tagout procedures and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E arc flash safety.
5. Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
6. District policies, procedures and practices regarding area of assignment.
7. District practices and procedures for budgeting, purchasing and maintaining public records.
8. Principles and practices of effective supervision.
9. District human resources policies and labor contract provisions. 

Ability to: 

1. Plan, supervise, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff engaged in construction, mechanical, electrical and maintenance activities on District infrastructure.
2. Oversee and/or analysis of operational and maintenance processes, procedures, plans, contracts and regulatory filings.
3. Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclu­sions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.
4. Understand, interpret, explain and apply law, regulations, work procedures and standards applic­able to repair, maintenance and installation of District infrastructure. 
5. Prepare clear, concise and accurate specifications, documentation, reports of work performed, project management reports and other written materials.
6. Organize, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
7. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
8. Be medically authorized to be fitted for and wear a respirator. 
9. Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.
10. Operate a computer, standard business software and a variety of computer software programs and databases related to area of assignment.
11. Represent the District effectively in dealings with customers, contractors and regulatory agencies.
12. Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.
13. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
14. Operate a vehicle and a variety of hand tools and test equipment related to the work.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists; climb or balance on ladders or stairs; stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, crouch or crawl; and able to detect odors. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 50 pounds and frequently up to 100 pounds with assistance. 

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, use of both eyes, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

Employees in this class may be periodically required to wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). In accordance with OSHA regu­la­tions, employees are prohibited from having facial or head hair that impairs the effec­tiveness of respirator equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable indivi­duals with disabili­ties to perform essential duties of the class as they relate to this require­ment.

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses water math; learns and applies new information and skills; responds to emergency situations; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in a shop and field environment where the noise level is usually moderate. The employee works in outdoor weather conditions; extreme heat or cold; wet, humid conditions; in confined spaces; on ladders/scaffolding or in high, precarious places; on uneven or slippery surfaces; near mov­ing mechanical parts; near moving equipment; and near heavy traffic. The employee is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and biological hazards. The employee is occasionally exposed to loud or prolonged noise and equipment with heavy vibrations. The employee may be at risk of electrical shock.

The employee may be required to work various shifts and standby at night, on weekends and holidays as needed. 

Visit our career page here to apply!