Utility Specialist – Water Quality Division WQD - Burlingame, CA – SFPUC (5602) 163382

Project Name: Hazard Assessment Program

Project Description: 

Under the State of California’s new cross-connection control regulations, the SFPUC must review all service connections (~180,000+) to properties in San Francisco, as well as the eight other water systems under SFPUC’s control, to evaluate potential hazards to the public drinking water distribution system arising from activities on user premises. In addition, the new regulations require the installation of backflow prevention assemblies on about 4,200 fire service connections. SFPUC has submitted a plan to the State Water Resources Control Board with deadlines for completing hazard assessments by 2049, ensuring backflow prevention assemblies on all dedicated fire services by 2044.     

Position Summary

Are you a technical professional looking to make a direct impact on public health and water safety on a massive scale? We are seeking a dynamic Utility Specialist to serve as the Technical Program Coordinator for our Water Quality Cross Connection Control (CCC) Program under the direction of the Hazard Assessments Program Manager. 

In this vital role, you will contribute to the implementation of SFPUC Cross-Connection Control Program inline with new regulatory requirements established by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) through the Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). 

You will help shape a high-profile, multi-decade program by developing tracking systems, operational processes, coordinating complex field logistics, and partnering with internal teams, contractors, and external stakeholders across multiple program areas including Hazard Assessments, Fire services upgrades and Regional Compliance. 

 

Work Location: 1657 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA, 94010

Schedule: Full-time, Monday – Friday

*This position requires a valid driver’s license.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Implementation & Compliance: Develop and implement coordination protocols, workflows, and documentation processes for the CCC Program in compliance with SWRCB CCCPH requirements.

• Systems & Data Management: Establish tracking systems, dashboards, and reporting templates to monitor inspections, costs, schedules, and compliance metrics.

• Research & Analysis: Conduct research using internal databases, GIS systems, spreadsheets, field reports, and photos to compile baseline data on service connection characteristics and assess cross-connection hazards.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinate daily program activities with field staff, contractors, customers, and other City departments, serving as a liaison to ensure smooth communication, scheduling, and execution.

• Contractor & Consultant Oversight: Coordinate with contractors and consultants to ensure field activities align with approved scopes of work, schedules, and Cross Connection Control program requirements.

• Reporting & Continuous Improvement: Prepare program reports, dashboards, and documentation for Program Manager review, highlighting trends, risks, and lessons learned while developing procedures, reference materials, and recommendations to improve program effectiveness.

• Field Engagement: Conduct field coordination and site visits (as needed) to support hazard assessments, inspection activities, and validation of program data.

• Technical Support: Provide technical support for Hazard Assessment Program initiatives, including compliance studies, analytical tasks, and administrative support. Performs other project-related duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For (Desirable Qualifications)

We are seeking analytical, highly organized professionals who bring technical expertise and strong stakeholder management skills to our team. Ideal candidates possess:

• Technical or Scientific Degree: A baccalaureate degree in a technical or scientific field, such as Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Physical Science, or a closely related discipline.

• Compliance & Program Management Experience: Demonstrated experience coordinating or managing compliance, regulatory, technical, or project/program-related work within a water utility, similar utility environment, public agency, or closely related regulatory setting.

• Project Coordination Mastery: Strong organizational and project coordination skills, including managing multiple priorities, tracking activities, monitoring progress, and maintaining accurate records .

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven experience communicating and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including field staff, contractors, regulators and customers.

• Technical & Analytical Acumen: Ability to conduct regulatory research, analyze technical and operational information, and support the development and implementation of policies, procedures and  program improvements .

• Data Management: Proficiency using advanced Excel functions (e.g., formulas, pivot tables, data validation, lookups) to manage datasets, track program performance, and support regulatory reporting.

• Water Systems Knowledge: Basic knowledge of water service and distribution systems, cross -connections, backflow prevention principles (backpressure and backsiphonage) and applicable water quality requirements.

• Regulatory Familiarity: Familiarity with Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations applicable to drinking water, water distribution systems.

Please note, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications in order to be considered for desirable qualifications. For more information on this position's minimum qualifications, see section below.