Water Systems Operations Manager

Welcome to Land, Buildings & Real Estate

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.”

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.

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.

• 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.
  • 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:
  • Respond to emergencies and system problems, prioritizing actions to mitigate issues.
  • Coordinate shutdowns for new connections and monitor system controls.
  • 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…