David Araiza
San Antonio
Summary
Operations leader with 16+ years of progressive experience in water distribution and wastewater collection at San Antonio Water System, including service as Interim Superintendent and Superintendent. Proven ability to supervise and develop field personnel, manage multimillion-dollar assets, and maintain the integrity of water distribution, wastewater collection systems, and recycle facilities. Skilled in resource forecasting, construction oversight, emergency and preventive maintenance, and cross-departmental collaboration. Recognized for strong communication, conflict resolution, and continuous improvement of field operations and construction standards.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Superintendent
San Antonio Water System
07.2024 - Current
- Directly supervise, select, develop, train, mentor, and evaluate field personnel for water distribution and wastewater collection operations, including recommending and implementing corrective actions.
- Manage human, physical, and financial resources for assigned operation center, including planning, allocating, and monitoring labor, equipment, and materials to meet service and budget targets.
- Oversee construction and maintenance activities to preserve the integrity of water distribution, water production, wastewater collection systems, and associated pump stations.
- Provide technical and functional guidance to internal departments, vendors, contractors, and governmental agencies on standards, equipment, materials, and repair methods.
- Apply water and wastewater principles, practices, regulations, and terminology to resolve complex field issues, prioritize work, and support system design, maintenance, and repair.
- Develop, organize, and implement complex operational and technical plans, including emergency response and preventive maintenance strategies across a wide service area.
- Develop and track measures to analyze and improve division efficiency, including crew productivity, response times, and job quality.
- Recommend and implement division policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures, ensuring alignment with construction standards, specifications, and safety requirements.
- Facilitate interdepartmental teamwork and conflict resolution by coordinating work with engineering, contractors, customer service, and other SAWS divisions.
- Conduct safety training and toolbox talks; promote a strong safety culture related to traffic control, excavation, confined space, and chemical handling.
- Review, interpret, and provide feedback on blueprints, as-builts, block maps, and schematics to support system improvements and capital projects.
Interim Superintendent
San Antonio Water System
11.2023 - 07.2024
- Directly supervise, select, develop, train, mentor, and evaluate field personnel for water distribution and wastewater collection operations, including recommending and implementing corrective actions.
- Manage human, physical, and financial resources for assigned operation center, including planning, allocating, and monitoring labor, equipment, and materials to meet service and budget targets.
- Oversee construction and maintenance activities to preserve the integrity of water distribution, water production, wastewater collection systems, and associated pump stations.
- Provide technical and functional guidance to internal departments, vendors, contractors, and governmental agencies on standards, equipment, materials, and repair methods.
- Apply water and wastewater principles, practices, regulations, and terminology to resolve complex field issues, prioritize work, and support system design, maintenance, and repair.
- Develop, organize, and implement complex operational and technical plans, including emergency response and preventive maintenance strategies across a wide service area.
- Develop and track measures to analyze and improve division efficiency, including crew productivity, response times, and job quality.
- Recommend and implement division policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures, ensuring alignment with construction standards, specifications, and safety requirements.
- Facilitate interdepartmental teamwork and conflict resolution by coordinating work with engineering, contractors, customer service, and other SAWS divisions.
- Conduct safety training and toolbox talks; promote a strong safety culture related to traffic control, excavation, confined space, and chemical handling.
- Review, interpret, and provide feedback on blueprints, as-builts, block maps, and schematics to support system improvements and capital projects.
Sr. Foreperson
San Antonio Water System
02.2023 - 11.2023
- Supervised multiple crews performing repair, construction, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems, ensuring compliance with standards and safety practices.
- Organized daily work plans, assigned resources, and monitored job progress, quality, and documentation.
- Performed leak detection, system analysis, and data collection using specialized electronic equipment to support operational and capital planning.
- Managed materials, stock, tools, and heavy equipment; coordinated with warehouse staff and vendors to maintain adequate inventory.
- Supported contractor water repair contracts through inspections, billing review, as-builts, and job close-out documentation.
Foreperson
San Antonio Water System
11.2014 - 02.2023
- Led field crews in construction, repair, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including main repairs, service installs, and emergency response.
- Coordinated with dispatch, engineering, and customer service to prioritize work orders and minimize service disruptions.
- Ensured adherence to construction standards, specifications, and safety procedures on all jobs.
- Verified job completion, accuracy of as-builts, and proper use of materials and equipment.
Utility Service Worker IV (Equipment Operator)
San Antonio Water System
03.2014 - 11.2014
- Investigated and organized field assignments during normal and emergency conditions to support operational continuity.
- Performed utility locates and coordinated external agency locates to protect SAWS assets and support construction and maintenance activities.
- Conducted field checks of contractor and internal work for completeness and adherence to standards.
Utility Service Worker III (Equipment Operator)
San Antonio Water System
01.2013 - 03.2014
- Operated medium to heavy equipment including dump trucks, backhoes, front-end loaders, skid loaders, and compact excavators for water and wastewater projects.
- Excavated and backfilled trenches in accordance with safety and construction standards.
Utility Service Worker II
San Antonio Water System
02.2009 - 11.2011
- Performed manual labor for the installation and repair of water and wastewater lines, pipes, and fittings.
- Transported materials and equipment; operated dump trucks and front-end loaders to support field operations.
Education
Diploma -
Memorial High School
06.2004
Associate of Applied Science - Construction Management
St. Philip’s College
05.2024
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of water and wastewater distribution and collection principles, practices, laws, procedures, and terminology
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and computerized maintenance management systems including Hanson, GeoCortex, and Info-R
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills with a focus on safety, communication, and customer service
- Experienced in developing and implementing operational plans, policies, and performance measures for field operations
Certification
- Class C Texas Water Operator License
- Class 3 Wastewater Collection Operator
- Work Zone Traffic Control Certification
- Confined Space Awareness Certification
Timeline
Superintendent
San Antonio Water System
07.2024 - Current
Interim Superintendent
San Antonio Water System
11.2023 - 07.2024
Sr. Foreperson
San Antonio Water System
02.2023 - 11.2023
Foreperson
San Antonio Water System
11.2014 - 02.2023
Utility Service Worker IV (Equipment Operator)
San Antonio Water System
03.2014 - 11.2014
Utility Service Worker III (Equipment Operator)
San Antonio Water System
01.2013 - 03.2014
Utility Service Worker II
San Antonio Water System
02.2009 - 11.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Construction Management
St. Philip’s College
Diploma -
Memorial High School