Utility Management Overview. Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Small Communities

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1 Utility Management Overview Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Small Communities

2 Utility Management Overview What is the role of utility management? Importance of having a certified operator Interviewing and hiring operators Workforce management

3 Small Community Challenges Operators have limited access to classroom and hands-on training Finding qualified candidates is difficult - many accept higher paying positions at larger utilities Knowledge of the utility is limited by decreased level of participation in design and construction

4 Small Community Challenges Emergency response provisions are typically minimal, and frequently staff are not cross-trained Operators and managers are expected to perform all aspects of utility management in a learn as you go environment

5 Effective Utility Management Effective utility management is essential to sustaining our nation s water and wastewater infrastructure. Can help utilities enhance the stewardship for their infrastructure; Improve performance in many critical areas; and Respond to current and future challenges.

6 Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities

7 Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities 1. Product quality Potable water or treated effluent 2. Customer satisfaction Reliable, responsive, and affordable 3. Employee and leadership development Professional development 4. Operational optimization Ongoing, timely, cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable performance improvements 5. Financial viability Understands the full life-cycle cost of the utility

8 Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities 6. Infrastructure stability Understands conditions and costs, proactive 7. Operational resiliency Anticipate and avoid problems 8. Community sustainability Understands its role in economic and environmental vitality 9. Water resource adequacy Ensures water availability and protection 10.Stakeholder understanding and support Actively involves stakeholders

9 What are the characteristics of a good leader or manager?

10 Role of a Utility Manager Utility Managers: Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate utility activities Exercise direct supervision over assigned staff Prepare budgets and forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies

11 Role of a Utility Manager Utility Managers also: Recommend the appointment of personnel and provide or coordinate staff training. Ensure utility meets regulatory requirements. Represent the utility to outside agencies and organizations.

12 What are the duties of an operator?

13 Roles of Operators The primary roles of an operator are: Keeping all system components functioning efficiently and effectively Complying with all relevant regulations to protect customer s health Maintaining a positive relationship with customers, regulators, and the system decision makers, and keeping them informed of your efforts to provide high quality water or wastewater

14 Role of Operators (cont.) Protecting the system against natural disasters and vandalism Photo by Nick Krug, Lawrence Journal-World

15 Certified Operators The importance of having a certified operator: To ensure protection of human health and the environment by promoting compliance with the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts. To ensure skilled professionals are overseeing the treatment, distribution, and/or disposal of safe drinking water or wastewater.

16 Operator Certification Requirements Class I High school diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), or equivalent One year of acceptable operating experience of a Class I or higher utility Maintaining certification Annual renewal of certification every 2 years Meeting continuing education requirements every 2 years 16

17 Alaska Certification Requirements

18 Certified Operators Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification information: 104g_index.cfm

19 Interviewing & Hiring Operators Questions to ask when hiring an operator: Is the operator certified and at the right level? Does the candidate have experience operating your type and size of system (treatment components) and transport (distribution or collection) system?

20 Interviewing & Hiring Operators How many years of operating experience does the candidate possess? Can the candidate perform basic system troubleshooting and minor repairs? Can the candidate accomplish required operational testing?

21 Interviewing & Hiring Operators If you will be contracting for an operator, remember to discuss: Contract duration Compensation Workdays Responsibilities (contractor vs. owner)

22 Workforce Management Many believe a workforce shortage is coming Workforce planning is often overlooked due to infrastructure and regulatory issues One survey shows that qualified treatment and collection/distribution/transmission system operators will be hard to find

23 Workforce Management The average age of utility workers is 45, and the average age for retirement is 56 By 2020, it is expected that 31% of wastewater utility workers will retire Additional employee needs in the water sector are expected to grow by 45% in the coming years

24 Workforce Management Best Practices: Create a team Assess your utility s needs Create a workforce plan

25 Workforce Management Nine Key Areas for Effective Workplace Planning Source: Water Sector Workforce Sustainability Initiative (WRF, 2010)

26 Workforce Management 1. Training and development Conduct surveys, assess training needs, identify training providers, develop partnerships 2. Compensation and rewards Optimize job classifications, use a skill-based compensation system 3. Workforce/Succession Planning Develop a union agreement and an apprenticeship program

27 Workforce Management 4. Recruiting and outreach Implement employee referrals, use summer interns, partners with schools, go to job fairs 5. Knowledge retention and management Use software or a central server to store information 6. Generational and cultural awareness Use alternate work schedules and partner with schools

28 Workforce Management 7. Leadership development Create a learning academy 8. Career planning and management Create a customized plan for each employee, start an employee development or mentoring program 9. Strategy and measures Develop these inline with your utility s strategic business direction