Solano Irrigation District Re c r u i t m e n t B r oc h u r e
Water & Power Operations Manager
Recruitment Services Provided by
Ralph Andersen & Associates
Municipal Water Service, Suisun-Solano Water Authority and USBR facilities. Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, trains, evaluates and supervises functions and activities of the District’s safety program and Safety Committee. Conducts studies and investigates, draws sound conclusions and prepares reports for findings and recommendations. Trains and evaluates District staff relative to safety practices, CPR, First Aid and similar programs. Recognizes training needs and develops effective safety training programs. Uses initiative and substantial judgment in developing and maintaining policies and procedures. Performs assigned duties in a highly independent manner according to overall directives within the context of established guidelines.
Join an Award Winning District
Water & Power Operations Manager
The Community
• The Solano Project – SID operates and maintains this project, which
is comprised of the Monticello Dam (forming Lake Berryessa), the Putah Diversion Dam (forming Lake Solano), the Putah South Canal and the Terminal Reservoir, all of which are owned by the federal government. SID delivers the water ordered by its direct customers, the cities with which it has contracts, Maine Prairie, the University of California at Davis and the California Medical Facility. SID built a hydroelectric power plant at the base of Monticello Dam in 1980 and is the sole owner. This was the first hydroproject owned by a local agency at the base of a federal dam in the United States. PG&E has agreed to buy all the energy produced at the plant and pays all the expenses to operate the plant.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform frequent job site inspections; investigate accidents and/or incidents of injury or property damage at District worksites to ascertain cause and need for corrective action. Create and modify safety policies and update Safety Manual; develop, implement and manage the District’s Injury/Illness is located on the I-80 corridor approximately 45 The Solano Irrigation District Prevention Program. Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual safety reports;of San Francisco and 45 miles southwest ofrecord-keeping miles northeast maintain proper documentation to conform with Sacramento. requirements of Cal OSHA Yolo,California Laborand Contra Costa analyze risk Solano Bordered by Napa, and Sacramento Code. Collect and Counties, management information; develop, implement and monitor cost effective risk, people County is one of northern California’s fastest growing areas as more accident and depart the Bay Area seeking moreandaimplement methods of handling various risks loss-reductions programs. Prepare of hometown atmosphere and affordable by identifying at-risk facilities, work processes, conditions and/or situations susceptible housing. to potential loss. Develops, implements, and monitors cost-effective risk management, insurance, and self-insurance programs to cover District-owned property, liability of vehiAgriculture continues to be a significant factor in the region’s economy, with cles and employees, Workers’ Compensation and fidelity issues; determines proper selfapproximately 70 different commodities being produced, including fruits, nuts, insured retention or commercial insurance coverage and coordinates and administers vegetables, grains, seed, nursery stock and livestock. that insurance coverage.
With I O N T R A N I N Sierra P E R I E N C E E D U C A T direct,accessIto theG / E XNevada, the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers Delta, the area offers a full range of water Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates possession sport activities, hiking, camping and various wildlife refuges. of the knowledge and the ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical
qualifying entrance background is three years coordinating safety and loss prevention. Housing in the area is varied and very reasonably priced and locations in the A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a closely related field is immediate region are the choice for many individuals that are seeking home highly preferred.
• Domestic Water Delivery – SID has partners in water service under
“joint powers” arrangements to treat and supply water to residents and businesses in the Cities of Dixon and Suisun City. In this capacity, SID
values that are considered by many to be the best in the Bay Area. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Continued maintenance of a valid California driver’s license, compliance with established District vehicle operation standards and the ability to be insured for the Established in 1948, the Solano Irrigation District (SID) provides irrigation operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of water for over 80,000 acres of conditions of continuing employment. Certified the District’s insurance program areirrigable land and supplies water for a residential population of (American 200,000 including the Cities of Vacaville, Fairfield Safety Professionalmore than Board of Certified Safety Professionals or equivalent). and Space SID also treats and of the following (or obtain within 18 months): ConfinedVallejo.Training. Certification delivers drinking water to the Cities of Dixon and Suisun. SID Dozer Loader, Chain Saw, CalTrans Traffic Control is a political Boom Truck, Backhoe is the largest special district in Solano County. Itand Fork Lift Operator. subdivision of the State of California and was formed under the Water Code
The Organization
of the State of California as an irrigation district. Members of the Board of Directors are elected by voters at large throughout the District to four-year overlapping terms.
operates and maintains both conventional and membrane treatment facilities, groundwater wells and distribution systems. SID also has a diverse group of domestic water customers, some of whom are direct customers who live in the unincorporated areas of the County.
The Board of Directors sets all policy for the District, approves the annual budget and appoints the Secretary/Manager (General Manager), who serves at the pleasure of the Board. The General Manager, David Mansfield, recently joined the District and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the District with 97 employees. These employees provide an array of technical and support functions for the District and its customers. With the exception of management level positions, all employees are represented by an employee group or union. Further details of the organization structure can be viewed at www.ralphandersen.com. This is a financially stable and well managed district that provides cost-efficient service while maintaining stable utility rates. Operating budget, including capital projects, is approximately $13.2 million annually. While revenues are received from multiple funding sources, the District does not receive funding from the State of California and is not part of the State Water Project. In May 2009, SID captured national attention when it was the recipient of the prestigious Clair A. Hill Award for its innovative Total Trihalomethane Reduction System. SID performs a variety of water resource-related functions, the combination of which is not typical of most irrigation districts in California. They include:
• Agricultural Water Delivery – SID owns and operates a water delivery
system of about 370 miles of pipes, canals and ditches. It delivers water to agricultural lands covering 60,000 acres in any one year (out of over 80,000 acres in the District). It also owns 32 wells, which supplement surface water deliveries.
The Position
The Water & Power Operations Manager (WPO Manager) is an at-will position, reporting directly to the General Manager. This position is a result of a retirement of a long-term employee and represents an excellent career opportunity for a highly skilled water utility manager to join an innovative and forward-thinking organization. The WPO Manager has broad management responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Water & Power Operations Department and oversight of departmental staff. The WPO Manager oversees a total staff of 75, with the majority assigned to water operations. As well as functional authority for the
management of the numerous activities related to operations, this leadership The Ideal Candidate position oversees construction and maintenance of the District’s potable The ideal candidate for this position will be a highly organized, decisive and treatment/distribution water systems and agricultural irrigation water delivery innovative leader with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Candisystems. Oversight also includes the federal dam within the District (located A F E T Y O F F C E R / R I S facility R O L inspire, motivate, west of Winters on Highway 128) and the Shydroelectric Igeneration K M A N A G Edates must be committed to providing leadership thatS will A N O I R R I G A T I O N D I S and empower staff to achieve established goals. T H E I D E A L C Amust Ainstill a This person N D I D T E (located at the base of the dam). Monticello Power Plant the authority to hire and terminate employees from service. The incumbent develops, implements culture that SID built the plant at the base of maximizes both staff and advanced technology resources. Can-and manag programs. Ensures District safety and This individual is also responsible for the The district’s operations of carried out water Dam in 1980 and is the sole a proven track record of achieving established goals and emergency administration are potable Monticello didates must have Takes an active role in the safety of the public as owner. This is the first hydro-project through a staff of approximately 100 unservice contracts with Dixon-Solano Municipalthe supervision of an Administrative owned by a local agency at the base ofworking in an active labor environment. Water Service, Suisun-Solano Water Au Water Service (DSMWS) and Municipal be comfortable a der organizes, directs, coordinates, trains, evaluates a Suisun-Solano Water Authority (SSWA). Additionally, as apart of the manage- dam. All power produced at the federal Services Manager, Water and Power of the District’s safety program and Safety Commi plant is sold to PG&E on a long-term Operations Manager and an Engineering investigates, the water utility ment team, this position contributes as a keyPlanning Manager, each of whom ofcontract. This top individual will have significant experience focused indraws sound conclusions and prepar and integral member the and recommendations. industry – either public sector or through a private organization. Trains and evaluates District s Specific exDistrict’s strategic planning. report directly to the Secretary/Manager. First Aid and similar programs. Recognizes trainin Agricultural Water Delivery Legal, environmental, labor negotiations training programs. the existing perience dealing with a hydroelectric facility is not required due toUses initiative and substantial SID owns and operates a water delivery and financial planning services, as well maintaining policies and procedures. Performs as Other specific responsibilities for this position engineering services on major prosystem of about 370 miles ofand contractual arrangement with PG&E. structure pipes, as include: manner according to overall directives within the c
DUT ES & RESPONSIBILIT ES fessionals in those fields. • Develop and implement long-range plans for capital improvements agriculturalyearTheof over59,000 acres will be a collaborative manager, withIunquestionedinspections;I investigate and lands covering 80,000 acres Perform frequent job site integrity in any one (out WPO Manager
Operating capital costs are financed major maintenance or replacement projects. andof approximately $13 milwith a budget lion, with revenues from five sources: (1) the SID assessment levied on all lands in the district, (2) a standby charge levied on all parcels greater than five acres, (3) water sales, (4) power sales from a district-owned hydropower plant, (5) contracts under which SID’s expenses are reimbursed for providing operations, maintenance and/or administrative services for other agencies. SID performs a variety of resource related functions, the combination of which is not typical of most irrigation districts in California. They include: The Solano Project SID operates and maintains this project, which is comprised of the Monticello Dam (forming Lake Berryessa), the Putah Diversion Dam (forming Lake Solano), the Putah South Canal and the Terminal Reservoir. SID delivers the water ordered by its direct customers, the cities with which it has contracts, Maine Prairie, the University of California at Davis and the California Medical Facility. in the district). It also owns 32 wells, which supplement surface water deliveries. Domestic Water Delivery SID has a diverse group of domestic water customers, some of whom are direct customers who live outside the incorporated areas of the county. Others (Fairfield and Vacaville) are sold water in exchange for a monetary payment as well as an agreement to control urban expansion. SID also has partners under “joint powers” agreements to treat and supply water in Dixon and Suisun City. These customers may receive water from Lake Berryessa or from groundwater wells. It may be treated at a large water treatment plant, chlorinated at a well site, or not treated at all, and thus be used for non-drinking purposes. The challenge is to skillfully manage the resource to ensure that it will continue to support the prosperity and special lifestyles that make Solano County a desirable place to live and work. jects, are provided by contract with procanals and ditches. It delivers water to
District worksites in his or her commitment to leading staff and fulfillingproperty damage atsafety policies and to ascertain the full range of respon-update Safe Create and modify sibilities for this position. This manager will also be adept in the Injury/Illness Prevention Pro manage the District’s budgeting
annual safety reports; maintain proper documenta requirements of Cal OSHA and California Labor Co management information; develop, implement an and loss-reductions programs. Prepare and imple by identifying at-risk facilities, work processes, con to potential loss. Develops, implements, and mon insurance, and self-insurance programs to cover D cles and employees, Workers’ Compensation and insured retention or commercial insurance covera that insurance coverage.
EDUCATION, TRAINING/EXPERIEN
Any combination of training, education and experi of the knowledge and the ability to perform the du qualifying entrance background is three years coo A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or highly preferred.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Develop and direct implementation of policies, procedures, standards, and
utilize advanced technologies related to maintenance and operations. projects. quality.
• Provide field evaluation, inspection, and monitoring to plan major • Ensure compliance with requirements and standards including water • Develop, implement and oversee preventive major maintenance
process, both departmental and project-related. This newly appointed manager will be comfortable in communicating with departmental staff, all members of the management team, the General Manager, the Board of Directors and members of the general public. The selected individual for this position will manage with an energetic and enthusiastic style that encourages teamwork, and who is eager to excel at providing exceptional customer service with an on-going commitment to serving the public.
Continued maintenance of a valid California driver established District vehicle operation standards a operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordan the District’s insurance program are conditions of Safety Professional (American Board of Certified S Confined Space Training. Certification of the follo Boom Truck, Backhoe Dozer Loader, Chain Saw, C Operator.
programs related to expanding capabilities for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system including RFP process and vendor selection. regulators and the members of the public.
Qualifying Experience & Education
• Experience – This position has the minimum requirement of eight (8)
years of supervisory or higher-level experience gained in the operations and maintenance of a variety of type and sizes of water treatment plants, water distribution systems and pumping facilities. Three (3) years in a management capacity is required. Involvement with a hydroelectric generation facility will be considered a plus but is not required. Strong project management skills are essential. This recruitment, although focused primarily in California, is national in scope in order to seek highly qualified individuals. All qualified water utility managers are strongly encouraged to apply. Public sector experience is preferred although all qualified individuals will be given due consideration.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with outside agencies, • Recommend and participate in plant improvements and in the planning
and implementation of new systems, treatment plants and rehabilitation of facilities. scheduling, internal service issues, training, and union related issues (MOUs, etc.).
• Mentor and oversee staff including dealing with personnel matters,
This is a management position and certifications will be secondary to leadership qualities and management-level related water utility experience, and, as a result, certifications are not required.
Selection Process
The process for this recruitment is highly confidential and will be handled accordingly throughout the recruitment and evaluation phases. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Each candidate’s background will be evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of application to determine the level and scope of the candidate’s qualifications for this position. Only the most highly qualified candidates, as determined by an initial screening process, will be invited to participate in the interview process. This process will involve a Technical Review Panel and completion of a supplemental questionnaire including submittal of sample work products. Top candidates will also have a one-on-one meeting with the General Manager followed by meetings with other executive team members. The final decision will be made by the General Manager and the selected candidate presented to the full Board of Directors Candidates should be aware that an extensive background investigation will be completed on candidates that are invited to participate in the final selection process. Further details on this step will be addressed by Ralph Andersen & Associates.
• Education – A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
is required with major course work in engineering, business, public administration, environmental studies or a related field.
Compensation & Benefits
This is an at-will position. Ralph Andersen & Associates is available to respond to specific questions regarding employment, compensation, or benefits. Compensation – Placement within the five-step salary range will be dependent on qualifications, salary history, and career accomplishments. Salary is up to $114,962 and will be based upon the evaluation of a candidate’s overall ability to provide exemplary leadership to the District. Salary adjustment of 2.3% – 4.3% is anticipated in January 2010 and 2011 due to a previously negotiated increase. Benefits – The District provides an excellent benefits package and the full listing appears at www.ralphandersen.com. Highlights of benefits offered by the District include:
• Retirement Plan – CalPERS Pension 2.7% @ 55 (the District pays both
Employer and Employee share). Benefits include (a) final compensation is the monthly average of highest 36 consecutive months and (b) credit for unused sick leave. District does not participate in Social Security but for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare deduction. Health Advantage (HMO). The effective date of coverage is the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. District pays a portion of the premium for employee and dependent coverage with balance of premium paid by employee.
To Be Considered
Highly qualified candidates are invited to submit a statement of interest and their resume detailing education completed, positions held, current salary, professional qualifications and accomplishments. Resumes, including cover letter and record of accomplishments, will be reviewed and evaluated as received. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit materials to apply@ralphandersen.com prior to July 24, 2009. First review of resumes will begin the week of July 27, 2009. Panel interviews will be in early- to mid-August. This position is considered open until filled. Electronic submittals are required. Confidential inquiries are welcomed to: Ralph Andersen & Associates Executive Search Consultants (916) 630-4900 Heather Renschler heather@ralphandersen.com
• Health Plans – Plans include Kaiser Permanente (HMO) and Western
• Retiree Healthcare – Currently the District provides retiree healthcare for
those individuals that retire from the District. District pays a portion of the premium for retiree only with balance of premium paid by retiree. Sick Leave is 12 days per year. Holidays are 10 days per calendar year.
• Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays – Vacation time based on tenure.
• Administrative Leave – Employees receive 80 hours per year, accrued
as vacation.
• Deferred Compensation – Voluntary 457 Plan available.
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