Operations Specialist

Primary Role

Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate or review operations processes and practices and assist in developing tactical plans for the team.
• Receive and distribute operational workflow requests and work orders.
• Enter data and perform analysis in information systems.
• Schedule daily operational work based on priority outlined by operations leadership using work management system.
• Respond to customer inquiries, which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from operations leadership, speaking with customers and explaining company processes.
• Prepare, analyze and evaluate reports on a wide variety of items including variances related to specific department work processes, regulatory requirements, budgets, capital expenditures, work orders, departmental and/or organizational performance, etc.
• Provide general administrative support for day-to-day managerial and departmental needs and special projects, which may include but are not limited to, composing correspondence, obtaining permits, preparing and distributing meeting minutes, processing purchasing card and fleet related expenses, initiating purchasing transactions, document preparation, etc.
• Work collaboratively with other functions to optimize business performance and customer satisfaction.
• Reinforce leadership activities and decisions.
• Contribute to effective communication and culture by listening and providing feedback, supporting an open and honest work environment and cascading and sharing knowledge and information relevant to employees.
• Assist with training and development, knowledge transfer, instilling safe work practices, regulatory and environmental compliance activities.
• Audit work zones and operations facilities for safety, security, environmental compliance, productivity and efficiency.
• Performs activities to monitor and maintain inventory control, evaluates inventory levels and reorders as necessary. May perform receiving, stocking, distributing, and packing in addition to inventory control.
• Maintains inventory records and prepares reports.
• May work with vendors to resolve routine supply and distribution discrepancies.

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated organization ability and administrative skills.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize tasks. Effective problem solving and analytical ability.
• Knowledge of water or relevant utility industry operations, water and/or wastewater distribution regulations, water system equipment, water system operations, piping, tanks, pump stations, construction practices, engineering concepts, company policies and procedures and effective safety practices.
• Thorough understanding of standard business practices and principles, including basic accounting and budgeting.
• Strong knowledge of computers, in-depth knowledge of Microsoft office suite applications and other pertinent software.
• Understanding of collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), safety and regulatory requirements.
  

Experience/Education

• Minimum 2 years overall operations experience such as performing troubleshooting or repairs on water and wastewater distribution systems; meter reading and meter operations; installation or repair of pipe, valves and hydrants; and operating tools and equipment used in operations tasks.
• Other helpful experience includes: water system engineering concepts, construction management, operation of waterworks facilities including distribution systems piping, tanks, pump stations, pressure reducing stations with related equipment, controls and SCADA systems, data collection and leak detection technologies.
• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Associates level degree in business or related field of study preferred.
• Distribution and relevant State licenses preferred.
• Driver’s license required.

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor work required.

Travel Requirements

• Local and occasional regional travel may be needed.
  

Other

• The percentage of time spent performing the key accountabilities of the job may vary based on the manager, departmental or functional unit needs.
• Southeast Region - this role may include assisting with field work including pick-up and delivery tasks, checking leaks and repairs made by contractors and completing related paperwork and/or handling Public Utility complaints.
• Western Region - this role may include fleet management, vehicle repairs and facility maintenance.
  

Competencies