Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) is the operational core of Stanford University’s physical campus. LBRE constructs and maintains the Stanford campus, where advancements across the academic spectrum are made possible. Our work is founded upon the collective value of dedication, innovation, expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We are committed to serving the university’s academic mission, as well as preserving and enhancing Stanford’s 8,180 acres, and pride ourselves on supporting the teaching and research of the university as “Caretakers of a LEGACY."
Department Introduction:
The Water Resources and Civil Infrastructure group manages and maintains Stanford's civil infrastructure: water, sewer and storm drainage systems, in conjunction with an extensive water efficiency and stewardship program, which focuses on sustainable water use by managing available resources to meet University needs and preserving ecological systems to maintain these vital resources for future generations.
Job Purpose
The Water Systems Operations Manager is a first-line supervisory position responsible for overseeing the water systems operation on Stanford University’s campus. This role involves planning and directing the activities of the water operations team, which includes nine full-time bargaining unit technicians, as well as contracted crew personnel and contractors. The supervisor ensures the efficient operation and maintenance of the university's sanitary sewer, storm drain, and water distribution systems, while adhering to regulatory compliance and supporting sustainability initiatives.
Essential Functions:
Team Management:
Lead, motivate, and mentor team members, in close collaboration with the lead technician, to ensure effective operational performance.
Responsible for managing the recruiting process in alignment with the university policies and procedures.
Oversee employee scheduling, work assignments, and daily communications for technicians and technical staff.
Review and approve timecards, manage staff schedules, and process time-off requests.
Support personnel development by providing regular feedback and guidance.
Evaluate employee performance and conduct annual performance reviews.
Oversee contracted crew personnel and contractors.
System Operations:
Operate and maintain sanitary sewer, storm drain, water supply & distribution systems, and related facilities; the water systems include domestic/fire, recycled and non-potable (“Lake”) water systems.
Ensure compliance with Stanford’s water rights and California State Water Resources Control Board regulations.
o Execute operation & maintenance activities as directed by Energy Operations on the thermal energy water systems: low temperature hot water and chilled water.
Operate and maintain all major system components such as reservoirs, pump stations, dams, diversion facilities, fish ladders, metering stations, pressure regulators, and SCADA systems.
Preventive Maintenance and Inspections:
Program and conduct all preventive maintenance, exercising, sampling, and flushing operations of all water systems.
Routinely inspect all system components, including manholes, cleanouts, inlets, lift stations, and stormwater treatment components.
Maintain an appropriate inventory of replacement equipment and parts.
Emergency Response:
o Respond to emergencies and system problems, prioritizing actions to mitigate issues.
o Coordinate shutdowns for new connections and monitor system controls.
o Oversee the operation of sewer cleaning equipment for training purposes.
Planning and Coordination:
Facilitate, schedule, and oversee all new connections to the water systems.
Troubleshoot and manage SCADA problems and upgrades.
Update design standards and system maps.
Assist with construction inspection activities and review plans for new connections and system expansions.
Budget and Resource Management:
Collaborate with the director to prepare and manage the annual budget for the water operations team and system.
Approve purchases and manage the inventory of equipment and supplies.
Customer Service:
Provide operational response to customer inquiries and complaints regarding water quality, pressure, taste, odor, leaks, and blockages.
Coordinate with and notify customers in advance of needed water operational service interruptions.
May perform other duties as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred; or an equivalent combination of relevant technical education, training, and experience.
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in water systems operations, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role overseeing and leading technicians.
Prior experience working within the guidelines of a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Proven track record of effectively leading water operations crews and managing service contracts.
Demonstrated experience in the development and management of budgets and programs.
Hands-on experience with underground piping systems construction required.
Certificates & Licenses:
California DODW Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator certification (D3) required.
California DODW Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator certification (T3) highly desirable.
AWWA Cross Connection Control certification required.
AWWA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification required, with demonstrated knowledge of assembly testing and maintenance.
Technical Skills & Knowledge:
Strong technical expertise across all system components outlined above.
Familiarity with CAL/OSHA environmental and safety regulations, including the ability to conduct job site inspections to ensure compliance.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, VPN, and SCADA systems.
Ability to interpret planning specifications, working drawings, and related technical reports.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a calm and professional demeanor.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across departments, agencies, contractors, and with service customers.
Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service, especially when addressing customers affected by system problems or service interruptions.
Responsive, assertive, and cooperative, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and teamwork.
Physical Requirements*:
Frequently sitting, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 11-20 pounds.
Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, gloves, apron, safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection)
* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Requires 24-hour response availability seven days per week for emergency situations through possible inclement weather to address water, sewer, or drainage system problems and emergencies.
May be exposed to noise > 80dB TWA.
May work at heights 4 - 10 ft.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The expected pay range for this position is $151,297 to $171,103 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for you:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Land, Buildings and Real Estate, Stanford, California, United States
📁 Facilities
Post Date:Nov 04, 2025
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