Public Works Division Manager - Utilities

Definition

The City of Milpitas is home to family-centered communities that embrace cultural diversity, quality schooling, and conveniently located neighborhood parks and shopping centers. Milpitas has an ethnically diverse array of retail and restaurants, and major regional retail destinations that attract shoppers from beyond the city. With over 40,800 jobs and 39,600 employed residents, Milpitas is a jobs rich community and is often called the “Crossroads of Silicon Valley”. Once a small agricultural town and later a stopover point for travelers between Oakland and San Jose, Milpitas has blossomed into one of the world’s premier computer and semiconductor producers.

To learn more, visit This Is Milpitas .

The City of Milpitas's Public Works Department is seeking a Public Works Division Manager Utilities to provide strategic leadership for operations and maintenance of the water distribution, sewer, and storm drain collection systems, under the direction of the Deputy Public Works Director. If you are an enthusiastic professional with a passion for public works, apply today!

The Public Works Division Manager in Utilities will have oversight of 21 staff and an approximate annual operating budget of $6 million and works closely the Public Works Engineering divisions to deliver major utility capital improvements. This experienced, decisive, and capable Manager will play a critical role in overseeing and modernizing the operations of Milpitas' utility systems; focusing primarily on maintaining the drinking water system, storm collection systems, and sanitary collection systems which serve our community of over 81,000 residents.

The ideal candidate for this role combines a deep understanding of the operations and maintenance of water distribution, storm and sewer collection systems with a proven history of exceptional leadership. The successful candidate will have a background in managing and developing staff, creating systems of accountability, and fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.

For the complete job description, please visit: Public Works Division Manager- Utilities

Examples of Duties

• Plans, directs, organizes, managers and coordinates the activities of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utility division in the operation maintenance and minor construction of the City’s systems, and related appurtenances;
• Coordinates and collaborates with Public Works Utility Engineering on major Water, Sewer and Storm Water construction projects;
• Confers with assigned Maintenance Supervisor or Senior Public Work Lead Works responsible for Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utilities to review and discuss day-to-day operations and to plan activities for optimum effectiveness in personnel and material utilization;
• Establish, advise, and review goals of Water, Sewer and storm Water Utilities operations with respective division personnel;
• Develop, evaluate, and manage staff development and training programs for assigned staff;
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, priorities, and work standards of the division;
• Respond to inquiries and/or complaints from the public and regulatory agencies; develop and implement solutions to complex and sensitive technical and public relations situations;
• Provide technical assistance and consult with other City departments on matters pertaining to Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utilities standards;
• Maintain knowledge and compliance of current Federal, State, County and local rules and regulations as they pertain to safety and the construction, maintenance and operation of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utilities system, and implement changes as required to ensure compliance;
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utilities work plans; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Ensure that department personnel conduct regular safety training, maintain accurate records of all training, and maintain a safe work environment;
• Propose, develop, and manage capital projects and contracts;
• Regularly update the asset management system for Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utilities;
• Prepare the division budget and assist in various budget development tasks including the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing; equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget;
• Supervise, train, and evaluate supervisory and other assigned staff.
• Participate in recommending the appointment and termination of personnel; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with department/division personnel, coworkers, elected officials, professional peer groups, and the public.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience involving the construction, maintenance and operation of water distribution systems, at least two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity; AND

Education: Education equivalent to completion of an Associate of Arts Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, or related field.

OR

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in work involving construction, maintenance and operation of water distributions systems, at least two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity; AND

Education: Education equivalent to completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, or a related field.

REQUIRED LICENSE/S AND CERTIFICATE/S

The following are required upon employment:

• When driving on City business, maintenance of a valid California driver’s license;
• Possession of a valid Water Distribution Operations Certificate (Grade D4 or above) issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board;

The following are required for continued employment in this classification:

• Possession of or ability to maintain a valid Water Treatment Operations Certificate (Grade T2 or above) issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board within one (1) year of employment;
• Possession of a valid Water Treatment Operations Certificate (Grade T3), issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Possession of a valid Water Distribution Operations Certificate (Grade D5), issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board within eighteen (18) months of employment.

Preferred certification/s:

• Possession of a valid Collection System Maintenance Certificate (Grade 3 or above) issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please attach an updated Resume or CV to your application in the Attachments Section. Failure to submit all required documents will result in disqualification from the hiring process, and your application will be withdrawn.
Please contact us at HRRecruitment@milpitas.gov with any questions.
Attach a resume or CV

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.
Please note : The examination process (including dates) may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Department. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job description does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:

Typically, work is performed in an office environment, Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utility facilities and at construction sites; exposure to outdoor elements; extensive use of the telephone and radio; repetitive keyboarding on a computer; ability to walk on uneven ground; sit for extended periods; maintain concentration and focus for extended periods; drive daily to various locations within and outside the City of Milpitas; ability to work safely in a hard-hat construction zone; some exposure to construction related chemicals and products.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general direction from the Deputy Public Works Director.
• Supervises the Senior Public Work Lead Workers responsible for Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utilities.
• May be required to manage the work of all field personnel in the Water Sewer and Storm Water Utilities in the absence of another supervisor.
• Exercises direct and indirect supervision over supervisory and staff personnel.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest Statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with Resolution No. 8833.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Milpitas will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Human Resources Department. The City of Milpitas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

RETIREMENT
Miscellaneous Unrepresented:
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before October 9, 2011): 2.7% at 55 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 8% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after October 9, 2011 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 2% @ 60 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee pays 7% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2% @ 62 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee contribution rate as stated in annual CalPERS actuarial report)
City of Milpitas employees do not participate in Social Security,but do contribute to Medicare.
Police Unrepresented:
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before April 8, 2012): 3% @ 50 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after April 8, 2012 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 3% @ 55 Retirement Plan including highest final compensation (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2.7 % @ 57 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee pays half of normal cost, July 2018 at 10% contribution rate)
Fire Unrepresented
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before April 8, 2012): 3% @ 50 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after April 8, 2012 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 3% @ 55 Retirement Plan including highest final compensation (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2.7 % @ 57 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee contribution rate as stated in CalPERS actuarial report.)
City of Milpitas employees do not participate in Social Security, but do contribute to Medicare.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
Choice of CalPERS Medical Plans. City pays coverage up to the Kaiser rate (currently $2,228.36/mo. for family). Employees who waive health coverage are eligible to receive $125 per month in lieu of medical plan coverage with proof of other coverage.

RETIREE MEDICAL
Employees are eligible upon CalPERS retirement from the City to receive up to 100% retiree medical coverage (currently based on the Kaiser health rate), based on years of service.

DENTAL & VISION
City provides full family coverage for dental and vision at no cost to the employee.

LIFE INSURANCE
City provides $50,000 term policy. Supplemental employee-paid life insurance is available up to $500,000, based on carrier acceptance.

DISABILITY INSURANCE
City provides a Short-Term Disability plan similar to State Disability Insurance (SDI) coverage. Employees do not participate in SDI. Long-Term Disability coverage of 60% of base salary up to $1,500 per month is available after a 60-day waiting period. Additional buy-up options for LTD are available.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
City contributes $75 per month on the employee's behalf.

VACATION
Employees earn 16-36 days of vacation based on years of service.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE
Employees earn40 hours of Management Leave per year.

HOLIDAYS
Employees receive 12 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year.

SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 days annually.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees are eligible to receive up to $3,000 per fiscal year in tuition reimbursement.

FITNESS PROGRAM
Employees are offered free access to City-sponsored sports and fitness programs.

The City also offers a flexible spending benefits plan, employee assistance program, and other voluntary insurance. Contact Human Resources (HR) at 408-586-3090 or visit https://www.milpitas.gov/245/Benefits for more information on employee benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 12/1/2025 12:00 AM Pacific

• 

• City of Milpitas

• 408-586-3090

Show more