RALPH M. FELIX
Torrance,CA
Summary
Results-driven professional with a proven track record in field operations, customer service, and team management within a leading organization. Expertise in aligning operational strategies with activity planning and personnel management to maximize impact while minimizing resource expenditures. Recognized as a growth-focused thought leader, consistently delivering exceptional service in dynamic environments, overseeing capital budgets, and managing key projects. Innovative thinker adept at collaborating within teams or working independently to achieve organizational goals and foster community partnerships.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
District Manager – Rancho Dominguez
California Water Service Company
01.2022 - Current
- Act as a savvy leader and manage OpEx budget $15M and CIP $32M annually.
- Professionally mentor and guide the second largest district in the company with 96,000 connections and a team of 100 employees, spanning 12 municipal boundaries.
- Actively lead and was responsible for re-aligning the district to create the position of Operations Manager to meet the goals of the company; needs of our customers and collaboration with elected officials, result of increased individual accountability, transparency in company operations, and a more engaged and appreciated workforce.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to enhance service delivery across multiple locations.
- Managed performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and driving operational efficiency.
- Mentored district staff in best practices for customer service and problem resolution techniques.
- Led district operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.
Operations Manager - Rancho Dominguez District
California Water Service Company
01.2017 - Current
- Employment control and authorization over all daily operations related to the Dominguez water system consisting of 35,000 service connections.
- Direct and oversee 10 superintendents with accountability for prioritizing and delegating tasks, conducting performance evaluations, and providing training and development.
- Recruit, hire, and train staff, creating a productive and efficient team.
- Administer the O&M Recycled Water Distribution contract with West Basin Municipal Water District with over 250 service connections and 100 miles of mainline.
- Preside over all distribution, quantity, and quality efforts, including maintenance, capital construction, budget development, expenditure management, and customer issue resolution.
- Establish, track, and maintain the district’s overall operating budget for field activities.
- Coordinate and adapt operations in order to achieve corporate, company, and local goals, initiatives, and projects.
- Manage all water quality and environmental inquiries and issues.
- Bridge communications with applicable local, state, and federal agencies.
- Contribute extensively to the GRC process with responsibility for addressing requests for additional information from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), departments.
- Utilize robust knowledge and experience with Emergency Operations Center activations.
- Served as key member of multiple safety Committees
- Monitored and ensured full compliance with all safety guidelines by providing required safety training in accordance with company policies.
Distribution Superintendent - East Los Angeles District
California Water Service Company
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Headed key programs, including routine meter, flushing/valve maintenance, and hydrant maintenance.
- Spearheaded challenging daily operations across water distribution, production, treatment, maintenance, and construction activities.
- Carried out the alignment of objectives with city and county officials on projects occurring within the district.
- Managed workers when performing duties in line with local and national building codes in construction.
- Managed employees when performing duties in line with local and national building codes in construction.
- Managed workers when performing duties in line with local and national building codes in construction.
- Managed 10+ employee when performing duties in line with local and national building codes in construction.
- Managed 10+ workers when performing duties in line with local and national building codes in construction.
Skills
- Effective task prioritization
- Field Operations
- Staff Hiring and Training
- Team Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Budget Administration
- Regulatory Compliance
- Deadline Adherence
- Problem Solving
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Quality Assurance
- Strategic Planning
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Community Partner
Affiliations
- Board Member, City of Carson Chamber of Commerce
- Co-chair, Economic Development Committee City of Carson Chamber of Commerce
- Rotary Member, Carson Gardena Dominguez Rotary Club
- Key partner - Carson Sheriff Station
- Key partner - Torrance CHP
Certification
- SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 4
- SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 2
- CANV-AWWA Cross-Connection Specialist Certification
- OSHA 30 Certified
Additional Information
Languages: English, Spanish
Trainings
- Cross-Connection Specialist Certificate, University of Southern California, CA
- Water Technology Program, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Backflow Prevention Certification of Completion, Mount San Antonio Community College
- Water Treatment I & Water Distribution I, Citrus Community College
- Water Distribution System Operation & Maintenance, Sacramento State - Office of Water Programs
Committees
- Safety Community Champion
- CIRM Team Member
Additional Information
Technical Proficiencies: Peoplesoft, Maximo, Microsoft Word and Excel
Timeline
District Manager – Rancho Dominguez
California Water Service Company
01.2022 - Current
Operations Manager - Rancho Dominguez District
California Water Service Company
01.2017 - Current
Distribution Superintendent - East Los Angeles District
California Water Service Company
01.2012 - 01.2017