Safety, Security, and Protection Group Manager

THE POSITION
The Safety, Security, and Protection Group Manager directs and manages the Office of Safety, Security, and Protection. This position develops, implements, and maintains all related policies and procedures to ensure the safety, security, and protection of Metropolitan’s personnel, infrastructures, and assets. This includes identifying and controlling of Environmental, Health, and Safety risks and determining effective and efficient practices to protect Metropolitan employees, the public, and the environment are in compliance with related statutes and regulations. In addition, this Group Manager oversees Metropolitan’s apprenticeship and technical training programs, emergency response efforts, and supports the implementation of plans and initiatives to achieve the General Manager’s goals and objectives.

The Safety, Security, and Protection Group Manager serves as the primary point of contact for all public safety matters in the district to safeguard people and assets. This position oversees an approximate staff of 55 employees, with two direct reports. A background working with represented staff and an understanding of collective bargaining arrangements is required.

Other key elements of this position include, but may not be limited to the following:

• Ensure the security and safety of critical infrastructure and employees.
• Foster positive labor relations, enhance employee well-being, and address grievances and conflicts.
• Oversee the Apprenticeship Program and ensure effective recruiting, teaching, and graduation of a skilled trades technician workforce.
• Direct the preparation of Board letters and make presentations to the Board of Directors to keep them apprised of business related programs, projects, studies, and activities.
• Administration and oversight of the Group’s budget to ensure the most efficient use of resources, adherence to established guidelines, and accurate and timely reporting of budgetary information.
• Plan, develop, and implement, through subordinate managers, workforce development initiatives, including Metropolitan’s Apprenticeship Program for skilled-craft employees.
• Represent Metropolitan before external organizations, including member agencies, governmental and regulatory agencies, professional and community organizations, and the general public.
• Direct the preparation of technical and administrative reports, documents, and other related correspondence to ensure that applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures are adhered to.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be an experienced manager and leader, a collaborative and strategic colleague who partners with Metropolitan’s executive leadership team, and has the ability to influence and lead people who do not necessarily report to them. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to work with various departments and have the ability to articulate ideas and concepts to different audiences including field operations and line staff, interdepartmental managers, elected officials, and the general public. The selected candidate will be proactive and solutions-oriented with the ability to create a collaborative team oriented working culture. Experience working with diverse and matrixed teams and having an encouraging and motivational style of leadership is ideal.

The chosen candidate will have general knowledge in one or all key areas, including workplace safety, emergency response, environmental health, infrastructure security, and apprenticeship programs as well as demonstrated experience with interdisciplinary group leadership, public sector personnel practices and regulations, financial and budgeting practices and procedures and knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university majoring in one or more of the following Environmental & Occupational Science, Public Health, Public Safety Management, Criminal Justice, or a related field and fourteen (14) years of increasingly responsible relevant experience, of which five (5) years must have been in a management or supervisory position.
OR
An advanced degree from an accredited college or university majoring in one or more of the following Environmental & Occupational Science, Public Health, Public Safety Management, Criminal Justice, or a related field and twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible relevant experience, of which five (5) years must have been in a management or supervisory position.

Relevant Experience is defined as:

• Facility Security Management – private, public, or federal including FBI field offices or DHS Federal Protective Service with increasing management responsibility in administration and oversight.
• Emergency Services Management – demonstrated experience with emergency preparedness programs and/or crisis and emergency management.
• Environmental Health and Safety – demonstrated experience with hazardous environments and associated regulations; OSHA regulations; and incident investigations.

LICENSE REQUIREMENT

• Valid California Class C Driver license or equivalent that allows you to drive in the course of your employment is required at time of application.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) Certificate
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist
• Experience working with local and federal law enforcement and the California Office of Emergency Services.
• Current or previous certification with the State Emergency Management System/National Incident Management System.

ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) is a first class, state established cooperative of 26 member agencies – cities and public water agencies – that serve nearly 19 million people in six counties. As an innovative industry leader, Metropolitan imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies and helps its members develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource management programs. MWD maintains an annual operating budget of nearly $2 billion, ensuring the vast water system runs smoothly, and it meets Southern California’s water demands for generations to come.

For more details about this opportunity, please visit the job brochure at: https://koffassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rev8-Metro-Water-District-SSPGM.pdf.

To be considered, please electronically submit your resume, cover letter and a list of five professional references (references will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) to: https://koffassociates.com/mwd-sspgm/. Resumes should reflect years and months of positions held, as well as size of staff and budgets you have managed. For additional information, please contact:
Frank Rojas
(510) 495-0448
[email protected]
Website: https://koffassociates.com/